Campers arrive in the late afternoon to get settled into their cabins, meet their counselors, and get a feel for the camp grounds. After dinner, the group enjoys team‑building games, a chance to explore the property through a fun scavenger hunt, and a relaxed campfire to end the evening.
The first full day begins with hands‑on STEM experiences focused on flight, aerodynamics, and how objects move. Campers experiment with their own glider and paper airplane designs and explore real‑world examples of engineering during a guided nature walk.
In the afternoon, campers enjoy kayaking and water activities, followed by evening recreation like friendly tournaments, games, and a campfire with s’mores.
Campers start the morning with additional STEM challenges before heading off-site for an immersive campus visit. They tour facilities, participate in interactive demonstrations, and enjoy lunch together. Back at camp, the evening is filled with fun group games and outdoor recreation, along with another campfire gathering.
This day focuses on local ecosystems and environmental science. Campers investigate water quality, explore shoreline habitats, and observe aquatic life up close. They compare different lake conditions and learn how scientists study healthy waterways.
After lunch, campers splash into recreational lake time, followed by a relaxed movie night and campfire to end the day.
Campers begin with a special STEM trip to an educational facility for tours, demonstrations, and interactive drone activities. They’ll have the chance to safely observe and try basic drone piloting.
Back at camp, the afternoon shifts to rocketry. Campers design and build their own rockets and test them during live launches - an exciting highlight of the week. The day wraps up with fun outdoor games and a celebratory final‑night campfire event.
On the final morning, campers finish up their last STEM activities and pack up. Families are invited to join for a closing lunch and celebration showcasing what campers learned and created during the week. Departure follows in the early afternoon.
Registration for this schedule starts on 01/28/2026 and ends on 08/14/2026
Participants must currently be in grades 6 to 12.
Launch your imagination and your future at Griffiss Institute’s Lakeside Rocketry & STEM Adventure! This six-day sleepaway experience for students in 6th – 8th grade brings aerospace engineering to life as students master computer-aided design (CAD), design and 3D-print rocket payloads, and witness their creations soar during an exciting rocket launch. Along the way, campers explore cutting-edge technologies like additive manufacturing skills that connect directly to careers in aerospace, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. The week also features exclusive tours at Griffiss Business Park, a site with a rich aerospace legacy and home to leading research and innovation, where students meet industry experts and see technology in action. Between STEM sessions, enjoy classic camp adventures: swimming, kayaking, nature hikes, and evening campfires by the lake. It’s the perfect blend of innovation, recreation, and inspiration - where tomorrow’s engineers start their journey today!
The Future Space Innovators program combines the thrill of aerospace engineering with the fun of a traditional sleepaway camp. Over six days, students will design and build rocket payloads using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, explore additive manufacturing, and 3D-print prototypes. The experience culminates in a live rocket launch, showcasing student innovation and sparking excitement for careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
Please contact Griffiss Institute if you have any questions.