Boy in astronaut costume

Just because students can’t travel far this summer doesn’t mean that the sky’s the limit. With the Michigan Air and Space Virtual Summer Camp program, up to 100 Northeast Michigan students will learn about living on Mars, drone racing, astronaut training, and many other topics from the comfort of their homes. And after the successful launch of the joint NASA/SpaceX mission to the International Space Station, interest in space exploration is at an all time high.

The Michigan Space Grant Consortium awarded MiSTEM Network Region 12 $15,000 for virtual summer camps for students in grades 3-12. The Northeast MiSTEM network will provide match funds and camp provider Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver, Colorado matched that grant through their SOAR program for underserved student groups. Camp scholarships will be awarded to eligible students so that there is no cost to campers.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity provided by NASA’s Space Grant Consortium to reach students who might someday be the first humans to walk on Mars,” said Laura Percival, MiSTEM Network Regional Director. “Camps are tailored for 3rd through 5th graders, 6th through 8th graders, and also for high school students.”

Since the camps are offered virtually this summer, campers will receive kits in the mail with everything they need to build, engineer, and problem solve.

“We have hosted summer camps for Colorado students for many years but are excited to work with Michigan students for the first time in a virtual format,” said Wings Over the Rockies Education Director April Lanotte. “With Michigan’s aerospace employers and proposed new satellite launch facility, it’s a great time to learn about aviation and aerospace.”

To participate in the virtual program, students will need a computer, laptop, or tablet to use at home, and a reliable internet connection. Parents will apply for a scholarship on behalf of their child, and if selected, will sign up for camp through Wings Over the Rockies directly.

Applications for the Michigan Air and Space Summer Camp can be found at Michigan Air & Space Camp Registration. Interested families are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The application period ends June 15, or as soon as all scholarships are awarded. For more information, email Laura Percival, NE MiSTEM director at Percival@copesd.org.

Northeast MiSTEM Network covers 11 counties: Alpena, Alcona, Cheboygan, Crawford, IOSCO, Montmorency, Otsego, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Presque Isle, Roscommon.