Summer Camps
During our summer camps, we teach space-based Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics using our core curriculum based on Engineering, Rocketry, Space Science, Earth Science, and Space Citizenship.
Summer Camps teach the role of government and citizenship, and the promise of space expressed in art, writing, history, and business.
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Join us for a space adventure during the summer at our day camps. We offer three camps for different age groups. Camp staffers are teachers, scientists, and engineers with experience in various space-related science and engineering fields. Return to this page in a few months to discover our summer camp 2023 dates and locations.
Moon Base ONE (Grades 3 - 4)
Moon Base One summer camps are day camps that introduce children to space exploration in a dynamic and tangible environment. Spend the week training like an astronaut to create the first permanent outpost off our home planet! Explorers will learn that to live on the Moon in a space base takes planning and is fun! Throughout the week, they will wear spacesuits, test meteor impact craters, design a Lunar habitat, grow their own space food through hydroponics, run Mission Control for the Moon Base simulations, and launch rockets!
Mars Base (Grades 5 – 6)
Take on the role of scientists and engineers in this one-week camp, where you learn about Mars. Do you know why it is Red? What’s its history? Has life existed on this planet, and can it thrive and survive? As you explore Mars and its scientific mysteries, you will team up and collaborate to research and plan a trip to Mars. You will prepare your crew to have a safe Mars Landing and a site to build a Mars Base Camp, try out hands-on science experiments to learn more about the Red Planet and its aerology, and use the engineering design model to program a rover and robotic arm! This class’s curriculum is designed by a George Mason Engineering Professor and Naval Research Lab engineer. It is taught by a FoGE Alumni and Aerospace Engineering student attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
ROBOTICS Grades 7 – 10
Robotics camp is a day camp that introduces robotics and programming. Campers build a robot, program it to operate with sensors, and have friendly robot competitions. They learn how to use sensors and remotely control the robots using WiFi. Each camper keeps the robot they build!
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What are the camp hours?The camps run from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day. We do not offer extended care.
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Do you provide food?We do not provide snacks or meals. Your child must bring lunch and a snack to camp each day. There are no facilities available for refrigeration.
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What if my child has medical issues?If you have not already indicated medical conditions and/or allergies on your child’s registration form, please send us an email at marta@galaxyexplorers.org with ‘MEDICAL ISSUE CAMP’ in the subject line, or call us at 571 206-8005 as soon as possible.
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Do I have to provide a date of last tetanus shot?Yes: Both the states of Virginia and Maryland require all summer camp attendees to have a current record of immunization for tetanus.
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Can I help?Yes, please! We love to have high school siblings, parents, and family as daily helpers and guest speakers. Please send us an email at marta@galaxyexplorers.org with ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line, or call us at 571 206-8005.
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Who are your camp counselors?Our counselors are selected based on the following criteria: 1. Experience working with children in a camp setting 2. Knowledge of space and engineering 3. Maturity, reliability, organizational skills Our Camp Counselors are often alumni who have returned after graduation to help. They are pursuing a degree in a field or are currently in a career related to science and engineering in space. Each camp counselor must complete a Maryland and Virginia background investigation and undergo CPR and First Aid training. The counselor–student ratio is typically 15 to 1. In addition, we have adult and teen volunteers. Our curriculum is designed and written by a George Mason University professor and a Naval Research Laboratory engineer. Whenever possible, we consulted with professionals related to the activity.
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Who do I contact in an emergency?The primary point of contact for each camp will be our Camp Director. You may reach him/her at the number provided in your confirmation email. Additionally, you can call our headquarters at 571 206-8005.
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Can my camper be picked up by another parent?We will not release campers to other adults unless the Camp Director receives written authorization to do so beforehand.
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Where are you located?We rent out space at St. Veronica's Catholic Church in Chantilly, VA for our robotics camp.