Aviation STEM Summer Camp
The CR Smith Museum’s award-winning Aviation STEM Summer Camp provides the opportunity for students in grades 3-10 to get hands-on experience with STEM in the aviation industry. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about camp in 2024. Any other questions or concerns, please contact [email protected]
Camp dates
Grades 3-6: July 8-12 | Waitlist Only
Grades 7-10: July 15-19 | Waitlist Only
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Extended hours: 8-9 a.m. and/or 4-5 p.m.
Registration and pricing
Member* registration: Friday, March 1 at 11 a.m. CT
General registration: Friday, March 8 at 11 a.m. CT
Pricing: $375* extended hours may be added for an additional $75
Scholarships: We may have limited number of scholarships for 2024. Applications may be submitted to [email protected] by April 15.
*Premium, Business, First and Admiral Members enjoy early and discounted camp registration. Discounts vary by membership level.
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About the curriculum
Our Aviation STEM Summer Camps are tailored for students grades 3-10. Your camper will get hands-on experience with STEM in the aviation industry. Our curriculum is modeled around two core principles:
Experiential learning
That means hands-on science and engineering workshops and dedicated flight simulator instruction by trained camp staff and American’s flight instructors. Students will also compete in a week-long STEM challenge to build critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills.
Career exploration
Students take field trips, complete presentations and connect with American Airlines professionals to learn about the airline’s operation and various career paths. Pilots, flight attendants, IT specialists, engineers, mechanics, meteorologists and graphic designers are examples of professionals they will connect with from the industry!
Award-winning programming
For two years in a row, the Museum’s education programs have been recognized in the community. In 2022, North Texans voted our summer camp Best in DFW — Gold for summer camps in Dallas-Fort Worth. In 2021, our education programs were awarded the Million Women Mentors Texas Stand Up For STEM award. Check out our website to see the full program portfolio.
What camp offers – through the eyes of a camper!
Jenna Woody, a 6-year repeat camper, shares an inspiring story about her passion for STEM and experience at camp. Her story will surely inspire the up-and-coming STEM and/or aviation geek in your family!
Frequently asked questions
If I decide to purchase the extended hours, can I take advantage of both early drop-off and late pick-up?
Yes! If you select to add extended hours to your child’s registration, you may drop your child off between 8-9 a.m. and/or pick them up between 4-5 p.m.
My child’s age group camp is full. Can I sign them up for an older camp?
Unfortunately, no. We want our campers to have the best experience possible. Our camps are designed to meet the needs of our campers not only academically, but also socio-emotionally by allowing them to form meaningful bonds with their peers. If your child’s age group is full, make sure to join the waitlist! A spot may open up.
What should I expect if my child is on the waitlist?
In the case that a spot opens up in a session for your child’s grade level, the Museum team will call and email you to reserve the spot. You must respond within 24 hours of our outreach. If not, we will move to the next person on the list. We appreciate your understanding.
What if I am an Economy member?
Premium Members and up enjoy early and discounted registration. Economy members get access to general registration. To upgrade your existing membership, please email [email protected].
What does a typical camp day look like?
Although each day is different, your camper can expect:
- Hands-on science activities
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to parts of American’s operation
- Airline expert interactions
- Access to our flight simulators
- Fun games
Students can also expect built-in free time to explore the Museum and work on their week-long challenge. The week will literally “fly by.”
How many kids are in each camp session?
There is a maximum of 26 students per camp session. This allows camp staff to give individual campers the attention they deserve to have a successful experience.
Do I need to pack my child’s lunch?
Yes, please pack your child’s lunch, snacks and a refillable water bottle.
How should my child dress for camp?
Campers will receive a camp T-shirt on the first day of camp. We ask that campers wear the provided T-shirt every day as we will embark on daily field trips and it will help our camp staff easily identify each student. We recommend bringing a sweater as it can be cool in the classroom. Closed toed shoes are required.
What are the qualifications of your camp staff?
Our camp staff go through comprehensive training to lead a safe and worthwhile camp experience for your child. Additionally, the Museum team and Marie Eve Poirier-Harris, Director of Museum Education, were awarded the 2021 Million Women Mentors – Texas Stand Up for STEM Educational Organization and Educator awards. And in 2022, the program was voted Gold for summer camps in the Best in DFW awards.
What if I need to cancel my child’s registration in camp?
A cancellation fee of $100 applies to cancellations made 21 days or more prior to the camp start date. No refunds or credits will be issued if the cancellation is made less than 21 days prior to the camp start date.