July 17-21, 2023
Open to rising 6th to 9th graders in Chautauqua County
This summer, Martz-Kohl Observatory and Falconer Central Schools are thrilled to offer Chautauqua County students entering grades 6 through 9 a weeklong “launch into space” STEM camp experience. The day camp will be held July 17 – 21, 2023.
Students will learn about the history of space observations and explorations, build their own telescopes, learn how to use the 24″ telescope at the observatory, and build and launch model rockets. Working with a NASA Ambassador in a hands-on lab, students will investigate the spectrometry of stars. Other guest speakers and activities are planned. Students will have a chance to view the night skies through the lens of the observatory telescopes and become part of a community of star gazers and amateur astronomers with remote access to the Martz-Kohl telescope system. From Apollo to Artemis, from the moon to Mars, this is sure to be an engaging, exciting time for our youth.
Interested? Please download and fill out the application (PDF form). Applications are due by April 15, 2023 – Not April 1 as stated on the form.
Have additional questions or comments not covered by the FAQ or application?
Use the contact form below the FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Students entering grades 6 – 9, who are enrolled in a public school in Chautauqua County are eligible to attend. Students in private school or homeschool who reside in Chautauqua County are also eligible, if proof of vaccinations required for public school are provided with the application.
The camp will be held at Falconer Middle/High School in Falconer, NY, and at Martz-Kohl Observatory in neighboring Frewsburg, NY.
Camp will run daily M, T, Th and F from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Wednesday, camp will run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. so students can view the night sky at the observatory.
Families will need to arrange transportation to Falconer Middle/High School daily for the start of camp. A school bus will take students to the observatory, and on the return trip will stop at both Frewsburg High School and at Falconer High School for parent pick up at the end of camp each day. On Friday, parents/guardians attending the open house at the observatory can sign students out at the observatory and drive them home, or pick them up at each school.
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 sensitivies will be taken into consideration.
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 will ask for a $20 application fee per camper. Students who are placed on the waiting list and do not receive an open slot will receive a full refund.
Fill out the application and return. This is a PDF Form that should be downloaded, filled-out, and returned via email or USPS mail or dropped-off. Applications are due April 15, 2023 – not April 1 as stated in the application.
Use the contact form below.
Space STEM Camp Contact Form
To apply, download, fill-out, and return/email the PDF application form.
This form, below, is for questions not covered in the FAQ or for comments.
