COCSD Launches Second Year of Camp Innovation
By Superintendent Jessica Vocca
It is with great excitement and pride that I share the launch of our second year of Camp Innovation, a dynamic, full-day summer learning experience offered by the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District (COCSD). Thanks to the tireless efforts of our team in securing essential grant funding, we are once again able to provide this enriching opportunity at no cost to families in our community.
This summer, 220 COCSD students will take part in Camp Innovation—a program designed to spark creativity, enhance academic skills, and develop well-rounded learners. We’re fortunate to have assembled a dedicated team of 38 staff members, including certified teachers, paraprofessionals, and a motivated group of junior staff composed of Mingus Union High School students and recent graduates.
Camp Innovation thrives on community collaboration, and this year is no exception. We are grateful to partner with the City of Cottonwood Recreation Center, the Cottonwood Public Library, the Verde Valley Science Vortex, and Bent River Farm. These partnerships help us deliver hands-on STEM programming that engages students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
At the heart of Camp Innovation is a strong emphasis on STEM education—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Our campers participate in math and language arts interventions, but the learning doesn’t stop there. Students also explore the arts and engage in physical education, creating a well-rounded curriculum that nurtures creativity, builds confidence, and fosters vital 21st-century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Camp Innovation is truly a community-wide effort. From our transportation department ensuring accessible bus stops across the district, to Sodexo and COCSD Food Services providing free, nutritious breakfast and lunch each day, every element of this program reflects our district’s deep commitment to student success. What typically might cost families upwards of $1,200 per child is being delivered free of charge, removing barriers and opening doors for learning and growth.
On behalf of the entire district, I extend a heartfelt thank-you to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, our incredible out-of-school time team, and all the staff and community partners who bring this vision to life. Camp Innovation represents the very best of what we can accomplish together for the children of Cottonwood and Oak Creek.
Here's to another unforgettable summer of innovation, exploration, and inspiration!