Summer STEM Camps
The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is the best place to ignite an interest in STEM!
Registration For The 2026 Summer Camps Season is now open!
***Note: Camp eligibility is based on the grade the camper will be entering in 2026.***
Astronaut Academy session 1
This immersive four day program gives campers a hands on introduction to the many facets of astronaut training. Working in teams, participants will build mental agility, plan meals designed for off-planet living, and take part in a virtual reality mission aboard the International Space Station.
Campers will design and construct a Mars habitat prototype, tackle the famous Apollo 13 engineering challenge, and “fly” a mission using Challenger Maine’s exclusive Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators. The experience also includes a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
*Note: Camp session 1 offers the same program content as session 2, scheduled at a different time.
Space is limited to just 16 students per camp week, don’t let your middle schooler miss this exceptional opportunity.
Age: Grades 5-8
Date: June 23rd-26th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 430
Robot Tech Session 1
Note: This Session is currently full. We are thrilled by the incredible interest in this program!
*Note: A limited number of scholarship-funded spots remain available, and families are encouraged to join the waitlist in case additional openings occur.
This four-day program offers campers the opportunity to work hands-on with robots, rovers, and circuits while tackling exciting engineering challenges.
Participants will build and program a LEGO® SPIKE™ robot, explore the fundamentals of robotics engineering, and learn the basics of coding in a fun, supportive environment. Designed as an introduction to technology for young learners, this camp sparks curiosity and creativity through interactive STEM activities. Campers will also “travel to space” using Challenger’s mission control, transporter, and space lab simulators, and enjoy a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
*Note: Camp session 1 offers the same program content as session 2, scheduled at a different time.
Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp week.
Age: Grades 2-4
Date: June 29th-July 2nd
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 375
Astronaut Academy Session 2
Note: This Session is currently full. We are thrilled by the incredible interest in this program!
*Note: A limited number of scholarship-funded spots remain available, and families are encouraged to join the waitlist in case additional openings occur.
This immersive four day program gives campers a hands on introduction to the many facets of astronaut training. Working in teams, participants will build mental agility, plan meals designed for off-planet living, and take part in a virtual reality mission aboard the International Space Station.
Campers will design and construct a Mars habitat prototype, tackle the famous Apollo 13 engineering challenge, and “fly” a mission using Challenger Maine’s exclusive Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators. The experience also includes a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
*Note: Camp session 2 offers the same program content as session 1, scheduled at a different time.
Space is limited to just 16 students per camp week, don’t let your middle schooler miss this exceptional opportunity.
Age: Grades 5-8
Date: July 6th-July 9th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 430
Robot Tech Session 2
Note: This Session is currently full. We are thrilled by the incredible interest in this program!
*Note: A limited number of scholarship-funded spots remain available, and families are encouraged to join the waitlist in case additional openings occur.
This four-day program offers campers the opportunity to work hands-on with robots, rovers, and circuits while tackling exciting engineering challenges.
Participants will build and program a LEGO® SPIKE™ robot, explore the fundamentals of robotics engineering, and learn the basics of coding in a fun, supportive environment. Designed as an introduction to technology for young learners, this camp sparks curiosity and creativity through interactive STEM activities. Campers will also “travel to space” using Challenger’s mission control, transporter, and space lab simulators, and enjoy a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
*Note: Camp session 2 offers the same program content as session 1, scheduled at a different time.
Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp week.
Age: Grades 2-4
Date: July13th-16th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 375
Robot + +
Robot ++ is a 3-day program that gives students the opportunity to take their robotics, engineering, and coding skills to the next level. Participants will tackle real world problems and complete hands-on challenges while exploring mechanical engineering, computer science, video game design, and more in this robotics-intensive camp.
The experience also includes a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
Enrollment is limited to just 16 students per camp week.
Age: Grades 3-5
Date: July 20th-July 22nd
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 300
Expedition Earth Session 1
Expedition Earth is a 4 day program that offers campers an immersive opportunity to explore Earth and Biological Sciences through hands-on STEM experiences, both on our planet and beyond. Participants will tackle a geological engineering challenge, test a functioning wind turbine, recreate a life science experiment inspired by the International Space Station, and much more. Campers will also “travel” to space using Challenger’s Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators.
*Note: Camp nession 1 offers the same program content as session 2, scheduled at a different time.
The program includes a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp week to ensure a high quality, interactive experience.
Age: Grades 3-5
Date: July 27th-July 30th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 375
Motion Makers
Join us this summer for Motion Makers Camp, as we once again partner with the Cole Land Transportation Museum to offer a fun and FREE collaborative camp experience for students! Designed for middle schoolers, this unique all-day camp takes place at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor and brings together expert staff from both Challenger and Cole.
Campers will explore the science, technology, and history behind some of the museum’s most iconic vehicles through hands-on engineering challenges and interactive learning. Each day features a new theme, along with behind-the-scenes access and deeper exploration of the museum that goes beyond what’s typically available to the public.
Age: Grades 5-7
Date: August 4th - 6th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 3:45PM
Location: Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Rd, Bangor, ME 04401
Cost: Free
Please Read Before Registering: Motion Makers Disclaimer
In an effort to reach as many students as possible through the Motion Makers Summer Camp and to preserve the integrity of the learning experience, individuals who attended last year’s Motion Makers Camp or the 2025 STEM of Transportation Camp are not eligible to enroll in this year’s program. This policy allows us to maintain an engaging and equitable environment for new learners while expanding access to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in a 2026 Challenger Camp experience.
Participation in any Challenger Maine program is subject to all standard registration, eligibility, and code of conduct policies as outlined in our camp materials and forms provided in the registration process.
Expedition Earth Session 2
Expedition Earth is a 4 day program that offers campers an immersive opportunity to explore Earth and Biological Sciences through hands-on STEM experiences, both on our planet and beyond. Participants will tackle a geological engineering challenge, test a functioning wind turbine, recreate a life science experiment inspired by the International Space Station, and much more. Campers will also “travel” to space using Challenger’s Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators.
*Note: Camp session 2 offers the same program content as session 1, scheduled at a different time.
The program includes a field trip to the Cole Land Transportation Museum.
Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp week to ensure a high quality, interactive experience.
Age: Grades 3-5
Date: August 10th-13th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 3:00PM to 4:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 375
Camp Curious A
This 3-day, half-day program offers young scientists the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging STEM activities. Featuring all-new content distinct from Camp Curious B, this camp invites participants to dive into the excitement of science learning during summer vacation. Campers will investigate age-appropriate topics through hands-on, play-based challenges designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Participants will also embark on a simulated journey to space using Challenger’s Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators. Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp session to ensure a high-quality, immersive experience.
Age: Grades 1-2
Date: August 17th-19th
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 12:00PM to 12:30PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 180
Camp Curious B
This 2 day, half-day program offers young scientists the opportunity to explore a variety of engaging STEM activities. Featuring all-new content distinct from Camp Curious A, this camp invites participants to dive into the excitement of science learning during summer vacation. Campers will investigate age-appropriate topics through hands-on, play-based challenges designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Participants will also embark on a simulated journey to space using Challenger’s Mission Control, Transporter, and Space Lab simulators. Enrollment is limited to 16 students per camp session to ensure a high-quality, immersive experience.
Age: Grades 1-2
Date: August 20th-21st
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup 12:00PM to 12:30PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: 120
Questions & Contact
Please direct any questions regarding this scholarship or the nomination process to:
contact@astronaut.org
