Summer STEM Camps
The Challenger Learning Center of Maine is the best place to ignite an interest in STEM!
**Note: The following camps, and camp schedules, are subject to change while we iron out the details! Registration opens February 2nd.
During our STEM Vacation Camps, children have the opportunity to push themselves to use all their powers of curiosity, grit, and communication. These camps also help them practice their academic skills like reading, writing, math, and creativity.
Students in our camp program will:
Build rockets to launch high into the sky
Design and test ways to clean up dirty water for communities across the globe
Construct and program robots to explore distant planets
Tackle problems in civil and structural engineering
Learn to use tools and scientific equipment
Observe our natural world at every scale
Explore our state-of-the-art space simulators
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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
Robot Tech Session 1
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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
Astronaut Academy Session 2
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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
Robot Tech Session 2
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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
Robot Tech + +
Robot Tech + 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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
Expedition Earth Session 1
Expedition Earth is a 4 day program 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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
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 half-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 5-9
Date: August 3rd - 6th
Time: TBD - Half-day (PM) camp @ Cole
Location: Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Rd, Bangor, ME 04401
Cost: Free
Expedition Earth Session 2
Expedition Earth is a 4 day program 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.
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 Starts 3:00PM
Location: Challenger Maine, 30 Venture Way, Bangor ME
Cost: TBD
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 K-2
Date: August 17th-21st
Time: Drop Off 8:30AM to 9:00AM - Pickup Starts 12:00PM
Location: Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Rd, Bangor, ME
Cost: TBD
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 K-2
Date: August 17th-21st
Time: Afternoon (TBD)
Location: Cole Land Transportation Museum, 405 Perry Rd, Bangor, ME
Cost: TBD
