Challenger Learning Center Summer Camps

Challenger Learning Centers across the country welcome students every summer for their camp offerings. From Earth science to robotics, to astronomy, and everything in between, Centers provide a variety of exciting STEM-themed camps for K-12 learners.

Scroll down to find camp offerings at the Challenger Learning Center closest to you.

Challenger Learning Center of Alaska

Kenai, AK

 

  • Date Range: 6/9 – 6/15
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 4th – 8th grade 
  • Price(s): $625
  • Camp Description(s):
    • The Minecraft Artemis Mission Overnight Camp: An immersive STEM experience where students use Minecraft Education to design, build, and launch their own Artemis-inspired moon missions. Guided by Challenger Learning Center STEM educators, campers will explore space science, astronaut training, and engineering concepts, culminating in a live simulated mission and an overnight stay at the center for a fully interactive space adventure.

Challenger Learning Center of Colorado

Colorado Springs, CO

 

  • Date Range: 6/2 – 7/11
  • Camp Type(s): Half Day, Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 1st – 10th grade 
  • Price(s): $325 – 350 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (1st-2nd grade) Engineering Explorers: These young explorers adventure through the solar system together, encountering facts and unique information about each of the planets, all in an effort to help a lost alien friend return home.
    • (3rd-4th grade) Engineering Voyagers: Voyagers sail through fact gathering, robotic and coding exercises, low-key physical challenges, and essential skill practice (teamwork, communication, critical thinking) as they train like Artemis Astronauts. Students will participate in an e-mission as part of this camp.
    • (4th-6th grade) Engineering Rocketeers: Progressing through rocket builds, from snap together to design-your-own, campers discover the basics of launching a vehicle off the surface of our planet. Chemical reactions, fuel sources, launch and landing stages, team challenges, fun craft projects and more, will ignite these campers’ interest in aerospace and boost their engineering skills throughout the process.
    • (5th-7th grade) Engineering Defenders: Defenders are on a mission to protect Earth from rocky marauders traveling through the solar system. Campers will learn about celestial bodies and planetary science, while working together to conceptualize, design and build engineering concepts that aid in the protection of our planet.
    • (7th-8th grade) Engineering Pioneers: With a focus on Arduino programming & circuitry and 3D design & printing, campers will dive into engineering projects that help them identify and rule out where their engineering interests lie. 
    • (8th-10th grade) Engineering Pathfinder Academy: Pathfinder Academy is a more rigorous and in-depth look at engineering designed for students are highly interested in a career in a facet of engineering. Each half-day camp highlights an engineering discipline through hands-on activities that culminate in a project.

Challenger Learning Center at the SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium

Bridgeport, CT

 

  • Date Range: 6/23 – 8/8
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: K – 8th grade 
  • Price(s): $450 
  • Camp Description(s): 
    • 9-2:30 STEM focused summer camp for all ages! Fun and learning in topics such as Marine Science, Astronomy, Engineering, and more. Meal plans and extended day available.

Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

Tallahassee, FL

 

  • Date Range: 5/27 – 8/8
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: K – 12th grade
  • Price(s): $200 – 250 (varies by camp; upcharges may occur for technical equipment and field trips)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (K-1st Grade) Art Around the World: Study Moroccan mosaics, practice Japanese marbling techniques, and sketch patterns inspired by cultures around the world. From Kente cloth to Australian dot painting, every project is a passport to creativity.
    • (2nd-3rd Grade) Trailblazers in STEM: Step into the world of groundbreaking ideas and inventions! From Leonardo da Vinci to Sally Ride – spend the week learning about trailblazers who changed the world. Design futuristic gadgets, invent new flight suits, and even explore the wonders of 3D printing. Are you ready to be the next big inventor?
    • (4th-5th grade) Let’s Fly!:  Strap in and prepare to launch into the science of flight! Students will design and test their own flying creations, build a model rocket, and learn about aviation pioneers who changed the skies. Plus, they’ll take a special field trip to see a real airplane up close.
    • (6th-8th Grade) Aerospace Engineering: Soar into the world of Aerospace Engineering! Design and build model rockets, test aircraft propulsion, and complete a thrilling space mission simulation. Take an up-close look at a real plane and visit Kennedy Space Center for an unforgettable field trip.
    • (6th-8th Grade) Lights, Camera, Action!: Step into the spotlight and create your own short film! Students will write, direct, act, and edit their short film, and visit FSU’s School of Film for a behind-the-scenes experience. This camp includes a field trip to FSU School of Film for a behind-the-scenes look at their high school equivalent camp, and a chance to attend their Film Festival in the IMAX theater.
    • (9th-12th grade) Underwater Robotics: Campers work together on projects like Seaperch Robotics to get hands-on experience with designing, building, and programming robots. It’s the perfect way to learn about engineering and technology in a fun, interactive way. At the end of the week, students will test their robots in a series of underwater challenges at the FSU Pool.
    • This is not a full list of camps. Click button below for full listings.

Challenger Learning Center of Woodstock

Woodstock, IL

 

  • Date Range: 6/2 – 7/25
  • Camp Type(s): Half Day, One Day, Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 1st – 12th grade
  • Price(s): $60 – 160 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (1st-2nd grade) Introduction to Space: Designed with youngest astronauts in mind, this course will blast off their interest in space. Using hands-on activities students will explore the basics of our solar system, rockets, and space program while using basic coding, geology digs and more.
    • (3rd-4th grade) Junior Space Explorers: Students will investigate planets, moons, stars, constellations, and more as they become Junior Space Explorers! Campers will participate in hands-on space activities using augmented reality, designing a space habitat, and much more in this exciting adventure!
    • (3rd-5th grade) Animal Adaptations: Campers will explore animal adaptations and how it helps them survive in the wild. This camp takes place entirely outdoors – students should wear sunscreen and clothes that can get dirty. 
    • (4th-6th grade) CSI Spy: Learn all about how to collect and analyze evidence: lift fingerprints, uncover secret messages, discover suspects, and more! Students help solve a crime, and then get to decide: do they use their new skills to become a detective, or a super spy?
    • (9th-12th grade) Career Connections: Learn from industry professionals in STEM fields and hear from different experts in engineering, biological research, aeronautics, chemical manufacturing, and the like about the steps they took from high school to where they are now in their careers. Students will also be able to receive advice on networking, resume building, applications, and potentially have the opportunity to volunteer with Challenger Center later in the summer for job experience (and potential references!).
    • (9th-12th grade) Earth Odyssey: In this simulated space mission students will collaborate to program robotic arms, capture cargo crafts, monitor astronaut vitals during spacewalks, and analyze data from Earth-monitoring satellites. This mission’s data will aid scientists in understanding and predicting changes on Earth, helping protect people and the environment.
    • This is not a full list of camps. Click below button for full listings.

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

Hammond, IN

 

  • Date Range: 6/9 – 7/25
  • Camp Type(s): Half Day, One Day, Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: K – 6th grade
  • Price(s): $150 – 300 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (K-1st grade) Students will learn about science basics while having fun. These Astro-Tots will explore topics like chemistry, animals, insects, plants, food science, engineering, & astronomy all in a quest to learn more about the amazing world around them! 
    • (2nd-6th grade) Students will explore the wonderful world of STEM and beyond with classic chemistry experiments, team building activities, food science, environmental investigations, and so much more!

Challenger Learning Center at the Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Center, Framingham State University

Framingham, MA

 

  • Date Range: 7/14 – 7/18
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 10-13 years old
  • Price(s): $50
  • Camp Description(s): The Artemis Academy is a two-phase STEM program that begins with three spring afterschool virtual STEM club meetings and a summer week of hands-on, engaging activities that are designed to promote problem-solving, and teamwork presented by Scobee’s team of educators and special guests.

Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis

St. Louis, MO

 

  • Date Range: 6/1 – 8/1 
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 8-18 years old 
  • Price(s): $225-375 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (Ages: 8-9) Young Astronaut Training Camp: Students will go on simulated space missions, build and launch rockets, create their own spacesuits, make robots, and more.
    • (Ages: 10-12) Astronaut Training Camp: Students will explore a lunar colony, launch rockets, make robots, and participate in simulated space missions.
    • (Ages: 11-13) Advanced Astronaut Training Camp: Students will make and program their own robots, build and launch rockets, participate in simulated space missions, and conduct an underwater training mission using SCUBA gear, just like NASA astronauts.
    • (Ages: 12+) Drone Explorers: Students will not only learn to pilot drones – they’ll get to design, build, and take one home! Budding pilots will test multiple drone styles, build their own obstacles, and learn the tips, tricks and terminology for navigating challenging aerial situations.
    • (Ages: 12+) Drone Masters: Students will have an opportunity to give their DIY drone a complete tune-up and/or makeover while refreshing their knowledge of the tools and components used to build it.  They will enhance their drone with a selection of modifications (such as LEDs, cameras, and 3D-printed parts) that will make their drone one-of-a-kind.
    • (Ages: 12+) Inventor’s Workshop: Students will learn to combine shop tools with high-tech gadgetry like Arduino microprocessors and 3D printers, culminating in making anything their imaginations and new-found skills will allow.

Buehler Challenger & Science Center

Paramus, NJ

 

  • Date Range: 6/26 – 8/8
  • Camp Type(s): Half Day, One Day, Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: Pre K – 12th grade
  • Price(s): $67 – 750 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (Pre K4-K) Little Astronauts: Campers will explore the relationship of the Earth, our sun and, the moon through hands-on activities and lift-off in our space shuttle simulator.
    • (1st-2nd grade) Astronaut Explorers: Explorers investigate the planets in our solar system with hands-on activities relating to the rocky planets and gas giants and engage in a constellation experience on our planet.
    • (3rd-4th grade) Astronaut Rookies: Rookies participate in a variety of activities relating to our Moon, Mars & beyond our galaxy. Participants build and launch model rockets.
    • (7-8th grade) Preparing for Flight: Participants learn and explore the principles of flight and the basics of aerodynamics. Students are introduced to aeronautics and propulsion from the early days of flight to the present. Participants build and launch model rockets and fly simulated space missions.
    • (5-8th grade) Rocket Girls: Encourages girls to be risk takers and how to use STEM to shape their futures. Participants learn about barrier-breaking women in STEM and participate in a variety of hands on explorations using the STEM disciplines. Participants build and launch model rockets and fly simulated space missions.
    • (9-12th grade) Product Engineering: Introduces the design process used by engineers to solve problems. Participants engage in various hands-on design challenges, build and launch model rockets, and fly simulated space missions.
    • This is not a full list of camps. Click below button for full listings.

Challenger Learning Center of Lake Erie West

Oregon, OH

 

  • Date Range: 6/2 – 6/27
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: K – 6th grade
  • Price(s): $150
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (K-2nd grade) Astro Explorers: Little Hands, Big Dreams! Embark on an interstellar journey designed for our youngest space enthusiasts! This camp sparks curiosity with hands-on, age-appropriate STEAM activities inspired by NASA missions. Little explorers will build, create, and imagine their way through the wonders of space, fostering creativity and excitement for science and discovery.
    • (3rd-4th grade): Mission: Adventure Beyond Earth – Take a giant leap into the exciting world of space science! This camp invites young adventurers to dive into NASA-inspired STEAM challenges, explore the solar system, and engage in interactive activities that ignite curiosity about space exploration and the technologies of tomorrow.
    • (5th-6th grade) Space Innovators: Charting the Future! Step into the role of a NASA engineer or scientist as you tackle exciting space exploration challenges! This camp for 5th and 6th graders combines hands-on experiments, teamwork, and problem-solving to explore what it takes to live and work in space. Participants will engage with real-world NASA mission concepts, inspiring innovation and a passion for STEM.

Challenger Learning Center of Richland One

Columbia, SC

 

  • Date Range: 6/3 – 7/24
  • Camp Type(s): Half Day, Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: 7-18 years old 
  • Price(s): $80 – 200 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s):
    • (Ages: 8-12) Astronaut Academy: Campers will fly a Space Mission, visit the e-Planetarium, and fly planes with our simulators. They will keep the robot they assemble and the rocket they construct.
    • (Ages: 8-12) Robotics Camps: Build a robot to keep every day! All camps will also work with Mindstorm EV3 robots. (Students will not be allowed to keep the robots constructed with the Mindstorm kits.)
    • (Ages: 11-18) Aviation: Learn about careers in the aviation industry and the basics of flight. These camps focus on how to fly through simulation. Students will also get an opportunity to learn about the history of flight, airplane structural designs, and basic flight maneuvers.
    • (Ages: 13-18) Drones: Campers will learn how to fly a drone safely and ethically.  After learning about the principles of flight, campers will learn drone flight maneuvers and participate in flight control and accuracy challenges. 

Challenger Learning Center of Wheeling

Wheeling, WV

 

  • Date Range: 6/23 – 7/17
  • Camp Type(s): Multi-Day
  • Grade/Age Range: K – 8th grade 
  • Price(s): $125 – 300 (varies by camp)
  • Camp Description(s): 
    • (K-4th grade) Micronauts Summer Camp: Three fun-packed days of technology, art, and science!
    • (5th-8th grade) Summer Camp: A week-long camp of STEM engagement including: VR Tech, 3D pens, AI Art, Robotics, and outdoor science experiments.

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