Mason Space Exploration Center

The primary target demographic for our camp events are the equivalents of Grades 4th through 8th grade. The "Base Camp" (+ morning Space Sat.) is appropriate in academic skill level for Grades rising 4th -- 6th, and the "Advanced Camp" (+ afternoon Space Sat.) is appropriate for Grades rising 7th -- 9th. 

For MSEC alumni still interested in astronomy at George Mason, we recommend both the Schar Astro-Scholars program and the GMU Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP). Both programs offer research credit and publication opportunities. More information about those programs can be found on their respective hyperlinked pages.

Unfortunately for the Grades rising K -- 3 demographics, the Mason Space Center does not currently offer services to those age groups. We are looking to expand the age range downwards further in the future, but as of this time we do not anticipate enough interest or enough classroom space to accommodate "junior cadets". However, the George Mason Observatory Public Tours are accessible to all ages! Please see the GMU Observatory website for more details.

For all events on the Fairfax Campus, George Mason Parking Services has requested that MSEC Families make use of the Shenandoah Parking Deck. Floors 1, 4, and 5 are permitted for 30-minute intervals for MSEC Families during our listed Pickup and Drop-off times.

For all events on the SciTech (Manassas) Campus, we have not recieved formal instruction from George Mason Parking Services. At this time, the provisional parking area for Pickup and Drop-Off is Discovery Parking Lot A. This webpage will be updated once instruction is given from Parking Services.

Due to the combined policies of University Risk Managment and the Programs, Events, and Camps Committee, unless otherwise specified parents and families will not be allowed to attend the events of our camps (with one exception at the end of the week).

For commuting families, we recommend making use of the many study or dining areas of the Fairfax and SciTech campuses. Dining hours and location can be found on Sodexo's website, and academic buildings like Horizon Hall or Katherine Johnson Hall offer ample locations for remote work. However, we advise to move your vehicle from the Shenandoah Deck to the General K and J parking lots.

TouchNet is the market platform and billing center George Mason University uses for most official online payments. Through our page on the Mason Marketplace, parents of aspiring astronomers are able to sign up for camp events. I

Many parents in the past have reported difficulties with the TouchNet Platform. If you do not receive email confirmation of your order, please check your junk mail or spam folder(s) for emails from "masonspacecenter@gmail.com". If no emails from us are present there as well, please contact camp administration.

If you would like to change any details about your camper's registration, such as the date of the camper's registration, please contact camp administration at masonspacecenter@gmail.com. We request at least 48 hours of notice, if possible. 

If you want to register for a week that is currently sold out, consider other available weeks currently still in stock. A few exceptions to this rule are possible; if you are only able to have your camper attend a specific time frame, please contact camp administration. 

The summer camp is divided by curriculum at the rough equivalent of "upper elementary" and "middle school" levels. For an exception to be made and place your academically gifted camper in the "middle school" level, please contact the camp administration.

Our staff are willing and able to accommodate your camper's sensory and neurological needs. Use the P.E.C. medical form to indicate your camper's needs. For things such as needing time out, fidget toys, etc., contacting the camp administration with your camper's needs is greatly appreciated. 

Currently, the camp is running a 15% discount for all Summer Camp and Space Saturday registrations for all George Mason University (and Northern Virginia Community College) staff and faculty. To receive the code, kindly contact camp administration using your @gmu.edu (or @nvcc.edu) email account.