This summer, Martz-Kohl Observatory, Falconer Central Schools and Jamestown Community College are thrilled to offer Western NY and Northwest PA students entering grades 7 through 9 a weeklong Space STEM Camp experience. The day camp will be held July 13-17, 2026. Registration opens March 16th.
Blast off into discovery at our Space STEM Camp, where curiosity turns into real exploration. Middle school students will dive into hands-on activities like programming rovers, building and launching rockets, and learning how scientists use light and spectrometry to study the universe. Campers will also build and use their own telescopes while discovering the wonders of our local night sky. Along the way, guest speakers and local astronomers will share how they observe and study space, giving students a glimpse into real careers in science. Students will also explore why countries around the world work together through international agreements to ensure space is used safely, responsibly, and for the benefit of everyone. Every activity is designed to be interactive, creative, and exciting—no boring lectures here. Best of all, campers will meet other students from around the region who share their curiosity and sense of adventure while exploring big ideas about the universe.
Registration and Payment
Registration will be completed using the Arbiter platform. If you do not have an account in Arbiter, you will need to create one in order to register for camp. From the Falconer Central School Program Enrollments, select Space STEM Camp 2026, if not already selected.
click here to go to program enrollments
Registration is not complete until this form is submitted and the $50 fee is received by Martz-Kohl Observatory (and those students not currently enrolled in a NYS public school have their health records reviewed/approved).
click here to view payment options
Frequently Asked Questions
Students entering grades 7 – 9, who are enrolled in a public school in the Western NY region are eligible to attend. Students in the area not currently enrolled in a NY public school (private or Northwest PA) are also eligible, if proof of vaccinations required for NY public schools are provided with the application.
The camp is meant to be provided at a very low cost, and is primarily funded through local grants and supported by volunteers from the school and observatory. We ask for a $50 application fee per camper. Students who are placed on the waiting list and do not receive an open slot will receive a full refund.
The camp will be held at Jamestown Community College in Jamestown NY, and at Martz-Kohl Observatory in neighboring Frewsburg, NY.
Camp will run daily M, T, Th and F from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Wednesday, camp will run from approximately 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. so students can view the night sky at the observatory.
Families will need to arrange transportation to Jamestown Community College, Jamestown campus, daily for the start of camp and for pick up daily. A Falconer Central Schools school bus will take students to the observatory and return to JCC each day. On Wednesday night and Friday afternoon, parents/guardians attending events at the observatory can sign students out at the observatory and drive them home, or pick them up at JCC.
A snack will be provided daily. Dinner will be provided Wednesday, and a reception with treats will be provided Friday. Students are responsible for packing their lunch and a water bottle. Allergies and food sensitivities will be taken into consideration.
Click here to send an email to the Camp Director, Mary Plumb (mplumb@falconerschools.org).