The National Air and Space Museum hopes to expand interest and capabilities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) fields by engaging and empowering our Aviation Explorers to seek out and succeed in STEAM fields. 

In summer 2026, we’ll hold our Aviation Explorers Camp, serving local communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. There will be one session for new campers and one session for returning campers. 

Sixty Explorers will participate in this one-of-a-kind free summer camp introducing them to the science of flight and exposing them to diverse careers in aviation. Campers meet with aviation experts, participate in exciting hands-on design challenges and even have the opportunity to earn their wings and fly with a certified flight instructor.

Applications will open by January 7, 2026. 

Learn About

What to Expect
Where and When
How to Participate
Contact Us

What to Expect

Aimed at building lifelong relationships with local students, our camp consists of a whirlwind of activities. 

Learn to Fly

  • Receive hands-on flight instruction on FAA certified simulators
  • Take off on a 30-minute discovery flight with a local flight school
  • Complete all of the checks necessary to finish the “Pilot” program

Dive Into STEAM

  • Test aerodynamics in indoor skydiving or outdoor ziplining experiences
  • Get in the engineering mindset with daily design challenges
  • Launch a rocket to explore aerodynamics

Explore Careers

  • Explore an aircraft mechanical school
  • Speak to experts in the commercial airspace and cyber security fields

Build Confidence

  • Track progress and capture milestones in a personalized flight log book
  • Work in teams to solve real-world problems
  • Connect with Museum staff, aviation professionals, and our iconic artifacts to build lifelong relationships
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  • A young woman in a camp t-shirt points to a point on a board with a model of an airplane, as campers work on the plane.
  • A participant in the summer camp works on calculations, sitting near the floor.
  • A man with glasses points to a schematic of an airplane on a laptop. A young woman sits behind the laptop.
  • A young man sits in the cockpit of a small aircraft. He gives the photograph a thumbs up.
  • A young girl shows off a small rocket.
  • A young girl smiles at the camera will skydiving inside an air tunnel.

When and Where

Students can participate in one of two sessions, hosted at the Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.

Free transportation from the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC to the Udvar-Hazy Center is available.

Two campers, pre-teens, stand with their arms around each other in a blue T-shirt.

New Campers: Level One

Monday, June 22 to Friday, July 3
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

Returning Campers: Level Two

Monday, July 27 to Friday, August 7
8:00 am - 3:00 pm ET

Each session will consist of 30 students. Lunch, snacks, and transportation to activities are provided. 

How to Participate

All young explorers with a passion for learning and aviation are asked to submit an application. Campers should live in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and preference is given to potential campers who attend a Title I school or Title I eligible school or qualify for free or reduced lunches. The summer camp is free for all participants. 

For new campers, campers must be in 6th through 8th grade during the 2025-2026 school year.

For returning campers, preference is given to campers in 8th through 10th grade during the 2025-2026 school year. 

Applications should include the following:

  • A few sentences about why you’d like to participate
  • A recommendation from a teacher or community leader that speaks to your interest in aviation
  • Whether you attend a Title I school or qualify for free or reduced lunch

Applications will open January 7, 2026 and close March 15, 2026. 
All prospective campers will be notified of their acceptance status after April 14, 2026.

Aviation Explorers Camp Sponsors

Kislak Family Foundation
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
DaRin Butz Foundation  
Bob Catell
Jamie and James Coss Charitable Fund
Howmet Aerospace
Safran