During the summer, and holiday school break, our Adventures in Space Summer & Holiday Camps offer elementary and middle school students a chance to learn how astronauts live and work in space, launch rockets and explore adventures related to the history of flight at a series of full day or half day camps put on by Challenger Space Center.

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP 2012!




THE ELEMENTS OF

 

The four classic science elements - earth, air, water and fire - were inspired by ancient observations of the states of matter:  solid, liquid and gas.  Now, more than 2,000 years later, how do these intriguing elements contribute to our understanding of Earth and the universe?

To enroll your child(ren) for any of the camp sessions described below, please click on the online registration link at the top right of this page -OR- print out the registration form located at the top right of this page and fax your completed form(s) along with payment to Tracy at 623-322-3716. A separate registration form is needed for each individual camper.

Registration forms must be received by noon on Friday the week prior to the start of camp.

NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF CAMP!


¤ ASTRO-TOTS
 (Entering Kdg & 1st grade)

Campers have the option to attend either the morning, the afternoon or can combine both half-day sessions to enjoy the full-day camp experience. Grade levels alternate each week, separating children entering Kdg and first grade.  Full-day campers must bring a sack lunch. Maximum enrollment: 20 children. Children must be at least 5 years of age and completely toilet trained.  $110 per half-day session, per child, per week.



Planets and Rainbows and Stars, Oh My!

What do planets, rainbows, and stars have in common?  These and other objects above us are fascinating to observe.  Campers will explore a number of amazing objects in our universe while discovering the similarities and differences between each of these spectacular space specimens.

 

I Want to Be an Astronaut

Have you ever dreamed of being an astronaut?  If so, you will need to learn how astronauts eat, sleep and travel in space.  Why do astronauts wear those bulky suits in space and why are the suits  different colors?  Campers will explore what it takes to be an astronaut, so prepare for liftoff!

 

 

¤ MERCURY (Entering 2nd & 3rd grades)

¤ GEMINI (Entering 4th &  5th grades)

Mercury and Gemini campers can attend either the morning or afternoon session or can combine both for a full-day camp experience. Each session includes age-appropriate hands-on activities and fun projects. Full-day campers must bring a sack lunch. Maximum enrollment: 25 children per session.  $110 per half-day session, per child, per week.  

 

 

 

As Solid as Earth

Rocky planets like Earth have a molten core, but their surfaces are quite unique.  While the temperature on Mercury can reach -280° F, Venus is hot enough to melt lead.  Campers will conduct experiments to grasp the qualities of these intriguing worlds and the state of matter known as solid.  Be warned, not everything that “looks” solid really is!

 

As Hot as Fire

Solids, liquids and gases may be easy to identify by their appearance - but which one of these states of matter is fire?  Or is it something completely different?  Campers will explore the topic of combustion, from small explosions to large reactions like those on our Sun, and will design and conduct their own (supervised) experiments.  So many reactions, so little time!

 

As Wet as Water

You drink water every day, but do you really know what makes it so unique?  Searching for water throughout the universe is one way scientists look for signs of alien life.  Campers will examine the elements that compose H20 and investigate the state of matter known as liquid.  It’s going to be a wet and messy week of chemistry!  

 

As Light as Air

An atmosphere is a layer of gases surrounding a planet and held in place by gravity.  Scientists study distant worlds by observing their atmospheres.  Campers will learn all about air and the state of matter known as gas, as they invent amazing tools to propel, lift, toss and move items through different atmospheres!

 

 


¤ APOLLO (Entering 6th-8th grades)

Each Apollo camp runs full-days for one week only and features hands-on activities that explore new concepts, expanding the minds of even the most skeptical young scientists. Day begins at 9am and ends at 4pm. Campers must bring a sack lunch. Maximum enrollment: 25 children per session. $250 per session, per child, per week.

 

Fictional Inventors … or, ‘Do you know MacGyver?’

June 18-22 or July 9-13

Many fictional inventors have tried to dominate the world with fantastical concepts like Infindibulators and time-traveling flux capacitors. How far-fetched are these mythical contraptions – or, are they closer to reality than we realize?  Campers will explore far-out fictional inventions, culminating with a creation of their very own!  

 

Earth, Wind and Fire (and Water!)

June 25-29 or July 16-20

These four elements have been a constant theme in history from the time they were first identified by ancient thinkers.  Campers will spend the week interacting with these elements, fast-forwarding 2,000 years to explore them in our modern solar system, winds on Earth, the vacuum of space, explosions on stars, and water on Mars.

 

Advanced Astronomy

July 23-27 or August 6-10

Are there really billions and billions of stars in the universe?  Come explore the night sky, extra-solar planets, and the infinite factors influencing whether life could exist elsewhere in outer space.  Proper tools are vital for exploring the cosmos!  Campers will make a Galileo-type refracting telescope and will explore the sun using professional solar telescopes. Camp will be  led by professional stargazer, Tony LaConte of Stargazing for Everyone.

 

    

 

Registration forms must be received by noon on Friday the week prior to the start of camp.

NO REGISTRATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THE DAY OF CAMP!