Mason Space Exploration Center
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Mason Space ExplorationCenter
- Description
- Contact us here! Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
- Phone Number
- Address
Attn: Mason Space Center
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
4400 UNIVERSITY DR STOP 3F3
PLANETARY HALL 243
FAIRFAX, VA 22030-4444 US
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Ignite Your Child’s Curiosity at the Mason Space Exploration Center Camp!
We have a new name and email address for our camp in our second year, but our camp will be in the same location, led by the same Professor Plavchan and staffed by George Mason University students.
Our camp will inspire the next generation to launch their curiosity and creativity about space. At the Mason Space Exploration Center camp, your child will dive into expert-guided fun and engaging hands-on STEM activities. Campers will be exploring:
- Programming and electronics with Arduino
- Generative AI tools like ChatGPT
- Mathematics and the physics of motion and gravity
- Creating a scale model of the Solar System
- Touring the 2nd largest on-campus Observatory on the East Coast
- Visiting a small-sat development lab and radio dish
- Using a Solar Telescope
- Experiencing robotic food delivery
And much more! Join us for an adventure that will spark a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
Registration for Space Camp is open! Space is vast, but our seats are limited.
Campers face STEM challenges and develop innovative solutions to solve them!
![Three mission specialists discuss their latest design for an orbital rocket. One suggests putting the motors on the bottom of the rocket this time.](/sites/default/files/styles/small/public/2024-07/Rocket_Design.jpg?itok=1QHd8o5d)
Blast Off to Adventure!: Weekly Space Exploration Camp
Camp Details:
Grade Levels:
- Appropriate for rising fourth through rising ninth graders.
- Permission required via email for students outside these grade levels.
Capacity:
- Limited to 30 students per week.
Price:
- $500 per week, including $100 worth of take-home materials.
Camp Schedule:
- Dropoff: 8:45 to 9:15 a.m.
- Pickup: 3:45 to 4:15 p.m.
Location:
- Research Hall, Fairfax Campus, George Mason University.
Embark on an extraordinary space exploration journey every week at our Space Exploration Camp! Starting with an exciting orientation, countdown, and launch every Monday, your child will venture into the cosmos like never before.
Weekly Space Missions:
- Monday: Countdown and launch into the adventure!
- Tuesday: Explore the mysteries of the Moon.
- Wednesday: Discover the secrets of Mars.
- Thursday: Investigate the icy moons of Jupiter.
- Friday: Unveil the wonders of Saturn’s icy moons.
Each day is packed with thrilling STEM challenges and unexpected surprises, ensuring an educational and exhilarating experience. Our unique program encourages teamwork and leadership, as students are grouped into six teams of up to five, each taking on different mission roles.
For students attending multiple weeks, we recommend embracing a new mission role each week for a diverse and enriching experience.
Why Choose Our Camp?
- Hands-On STEM Learning: Engaging STEM activities that ignite curiosity and foster a love for science.
- Teamwork and Leadership: Small teams and rotating roles promote collaboration and leadership skills.
- Expert Instructors: Guided by experienced educators passionate about space and science.
Secure your child’s spot in our Space Exploration Camp today and give them a summer filled with adventure, learning, and fun! Register now and prepare for takeoff!
2024 Season Camp Sessions
Session # | Start Date | End Date | Camper Positions Available (as of May 28th) |
Session 1 | June 17 | June 21 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
Session 2 | June 24 | June 28 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
Session 3 | July 8 | July 12 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
Session 4 | July 15 | July 19 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
Session 5 | July 22 | July 26 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
Session 6 | July 29 | August 2 | No spots left, ready to launch! |
We will continue to update you as our availability changes. If you would like to join the wait list for this season of camp, please contact camp administration.
Thank You to Our Team and Sponsorships
We would like to thank the following staff for their hard work in this season's 2024 Space Summer Camp:
Ian Helm, Educational Program Manager and George Mason University Class of 2023 Alumni
Center Marketing and Communications: Natasha Gilliam, Laura Powers, Zander Leon, and Tracy Mason
Center Development: Audrey Kelaher and team
A very special thank you to our friends at Inventr.io!! This camp could not run without your generosity!
We'd also like to thank the following organizations and staff for helping "launch" the first 2023 Space Summer Camp:
Kevin Collins, Lead Flight Director and George Mason PhD student
Center Marketing and Communications: Natasha Gilliam, Laura Powers, Zander Leon, and Tracy Mason
Center Development: Audrey Kelaher and team
Camp Highlights
Here are a few fun memories from this year's season of camp! The full image list will be sent out to parents registered for camp at the end of their week.
Camp Leadership
Center DirectorAssociate Professor of Physics and Astronomy and George Mason Observatories Director Peter Plavchan.
Dr Peter Plavchan's research is supported by NASA and the National Science Foundation to study the formation and frequency of exoplanets, planets that orbit other stars. He has led the development of several NASA mission concepts.
![Observatory Director Peter Plavchan](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_square/public/2023-05/201026501.jpg?h=28121b77&itok=xM8Gq4Fg)
Center Director for Outreach
Howdy! Dr Rob Parks is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University. He knew he wanted to become an astronomer in the 7th grade after reading about Dr. Vera Rubin's discovery of dark matter. While his specific interests within astronomy have changed over the years, his passion for learning what lies beyond our night sky never has.
![Dr Rob Parks in front of Mason Observatories](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_square/public/2024-03/robparks.jpeg?h=b39b7cf9&itok=EJoCDi_W)
Educational Program Manager
Ian Helm is a proud George Mason University alum, and a Class of 2023 Astronomy Major. He has had a lifelong interest in astronomy, and put his passion to work as part of Dr. Peter Plavchan's exoplanet research group. Ian also served as an Observatory Tour Guide for two years, participating in scientific outreach events across the DMV area, and was previously a camp counselor for the Virginia Space Flight Academy on Wallops Island, VA. Large and in charge, Ian is coordinating the flight directors and camp curriculum to ensure a successful summer!
![Large man wearing winter clothes in front of a river and bridge. He is giving a thumbs up.](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_square/public/2024-05/Ian_0.jpg?h=848f2060&itok=IYskZFu3)