July 14-18, 2025
Open to rising 7th to 9th graders in WNY and NWPA
This summer, Martz-Kohl Observatory and Falconer Central Schools 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 14 – 18, 2025. Registration is now open!
Students will learn about the history of space observations and explorations, build and keep their own Galileo-type telescopes, learn how to use the 24″ telescope at the observatory, and build and launch model rockets. Campers are immersed in exciting activities around the physics of light and stars, chemistry, physiology, astronomy, international space policy and aerospace engineering and design. Students will have a chance to view and learn the night skies through the lens of the observatory telescopes and will become part of a community of star gazers. Returning as our guest speaker this year is Dr. Alexandra Yep, who will join an impressive staff of local astronomers, physicists, professors and other professionals committed to creating an unforgettable experience for our youth.
Registration and Payment
Registration will be completed in 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 2025, 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 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 sensitivities will be taken into consideration.
Click here to send an email to the Camp Director, Mary Plumb (mplumb@falconerschools.org).