Aviation STEM Summer Camp
About the curriculum
Our Aviation STEM Summer Camps are tailored for students entering the third through 10th grade. Your camper will get hands-on experience with STEM in the aviation industry. Our curriculum is built with two things at its core:
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, graphic designers are examples of professionals they 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 their socio-emotional needs 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 you 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 members@crsmithmuseum.org.
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 18 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 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 COVID-19 policies are in place?
The health and safety of your child is our priority. Masks may be required during camp and enhanced cleaning measures will continue at the Museum’s facilities. The Museum cannot prevent campers or their parents from becoming exposed to, contracting, or spreading COVID-19 while attending the Aviation STEM Summer Camp and utilizing the CR Smith Museum’s services or premises. Therefore, if your child attends Aviation STEM Summer Camp at the Museum and/or enters onto the Museum’s premises your child may be exposed to and/or be at increased risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19. A definitive policy will be shared with registered campers before the session’s start date. Failure to abide by these guidelines may result in a dismissal from camp activities without compensation.
What if I need to cancel my child’s registration in camp?
No refunds and a cancellation fee of $100 applies to cancellations requested 21 days or less prior to the registered camp session.
Can my child attend more than one camp session?
The content presented in camp will be the same for all sessions in each grade level. If your camper is passionate and wants to attend more than one session, you are able to sign them up for multiple sessions.