Nations Best Sports is partnering with Camp Invention, a program of the nonprofit National Inventors Hall of Fame Foundation, based in Akron, Ohio.
The Camp Invention program is a weeklong experience that offers math and science enrichment activities to children entering first through sixth grades. In 2006, more than 53,000 children attended and the numbers are expected to soar to more than 60,000 this summer.
Each week, Camp Invention features dozens of hands-on activities that foster creativity, teamwork, inventive-thinking skills and science literacy. One of the programs 2007 activities requires single shoe samples that will be used to help participants assess a crime scene as they examine evidence — such as fingerprints, footprints and teeth impressions –to help find the suspect. Camp Invention estimates that 8,000 shoes are needed for the project.
NBS is seeking the support of the athletic and outdoor footwear manufacturers to donate their sample shoes and excess inventories, including all childrens sizes and adult shoe sizes up to 8. “We know there are many thousands of single sample shoes used by the sales force to show to buyers across the country and the world,” said Jim Chandley, president of Nations Best Sports. “We are asking all shoe manufacturers to donate their sample shoes and excess stock to this worthy program.”
“The sporting goods industry has benefited significantly over the years with the invention and production of new and improved products for the safety and comfort of millions of athletes and sports enthusiasts” said Clair Henley, the national director of elementary programs for Camp Invention, who worked in the sporting goods industry and sat on two committees with NBS for more than 20 years. “Our summer camp programs and activities are designed to gear the minds of children toward inventive thinking and solving problems. Working with NBS is a perfect fit for us.”
“As an industry that has evolved and prospered on technology, we need to support programs like these that may inspire the next generation of inventors,” remarked Stuart Snow, merchandising vice president with NBS. “The shoe manufacturers benefit from having the eyes of more than 60,000 children on their sample footwear products that are donated for these activities. It is a win-win situation for all of us.”
Shipments can be made directly to the Camp Invention warehouse in Akron, Ohio. The shoes are needed for the 2007 summer camp season. “We need to start receiving the shoes as quickly as possible,” said Lyn Trier, director of operations with Camp Invention. “We need to have at least 8,000 single shoes by the end of April.”
