Summer of STEM: Challenger Learning Centers Inspire Young Minds

This summer, Challenger Learning Centers across the nation ignited curiosity and fostered a passion for STEM in thousands of young learners. From simulated space missions to DNA extractions to robot building, campers were immersed in hands-on learning adventures that are sure to inspire them for years to come.

Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

Over 1,500 campers were welcomed at Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana this summer, where they explored themes in engineering, biology, wildlife, nature, ecology, astronomy, chemistry, and physics.

Every day held a different adventure for the eager young minds attending camp, whether they were going on nature walks, blasting off rockets, building structures with LEGOs and Zoobs, extracting DNA, or making chemical reactions. The Center also offered themed days – like Pop Culture Day, Sci-fi Science Day, and STEAM (art science) Day – to provide an even wider breadth of enriching experiences for campers.

“My daughter’s experience at summer camp was nothing short of transformative,” shared one parent. “The dedicated staff and the camp’s immersive STEM environment ignited a spark within her that continues to burn brightly!”

“It’s important for students to participate in camps like ours to fight the brain-drain of summer vacation and explore the world around them in a safe and welcoming space,” said Emma Rose, the Center’s Communications & Events Coordinator. “They get the chance to make life-long friends and memories all centered around science, technology, engineering, math, and space – they grow in STEM knowledge and in social-emotional learning.”

Challenger Learning Center – St. Louis

Challenger Learning Center – St. Louis offered a welcoming environment to any child looking to embrace their “nerdy” side. In Astronaut Training Camps, budding astronauts got to go on simulated space missions, build robots, and launch rockets. Engineering camps for older campers covered topics like Rocketry, Drones, and Maker Technology. They also offered a camp in which participants were tasked with building their own working drones!

“I was very impressed with what my son learned and the hands-on experiences they had,” said one parent. “My younger children can’t wait to do this camp in the future. It was a fantastic time of learning and fun.”

Challenger Learning Center of Maine

Campers at Challenger Learning Center of Maine were provided with multiple intriguing camp options that explored a variety of different STEM topics this summer.

At Astronaut Academy, students got to test their mental agility, plan meals suitable for off-planet consumption, and try their hand at a mission aboard the ISS using VR software. Expedition Earth Camp allowed campers to explore STEM here on Earth and beyond as they dived into their owl pellet dissection, tested a working wind turbine, and recreated an ISS life science experiment. Any child interested in robots would be right at home at Robot Tech Camp, where they learned to build and program a LEGO WeDo Robot. The Center even introduced a new camp this year; STEM of Transportation Camp – which took place at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor – had campers explore the science and technology behind the history of some of the most iconic vehicles through hands-on engineering and a deeper look into the museum than available to the public.

If providing these incredible experiences to the children of Maine wasn’t enough, the Center was also able to welcome some students free of charge thanks to the Totman Strong Scholarship and another scholarship provided by the Cole Land Transportation Museum.

Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown

Students in Pennsylvania had an opportunity to launch a lifelong love of all things space and science with Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown’s Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy, led by Janet Ivey and her team of educators and experts.

Each day brought a new space Mission, new activities, and new guests from the science community. Campers had the opportunity to participate in collaborative STEM learning experiences, including building a Mars rollercoaster, science experiments with Dr. Aidyl Gonzalez, flying drones with Drone Cadets, and participating in a Challenger Learning Center mission.

Thanks to a generous donation from a local Pottstown family, seven campers from the Pottstown School District were able to attend the Pottstown camp week free of cost. Additionally, at the end of each week, Janet selected several students to receive a camp scholarship… this year, 12 were selected!

“Participating in summer camps like Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy offers students a unique blend of education and adventure,” shared Anjuli Aker, the Center’s Program Coordinator.

2025 Summer Camps

While the 2024-2025 school year has just begun, keep checking back for details about 2025 Challenger Learning Center summer camps. Info will be shared early next year!