The New Mexico Museum of Space History and the International Space Hall of Fame Foundation (ISHFF) have announced the return of the New Mexico Rocketeer Academy Summer Camp. That’s right, summer camp at the Museum of Space History in Alamogordo is making a come-back this July 7-25 with three one-week camp sessions offering elementary and middle school students a thrilling dive into the science and adventure of space exploration.
Campers will join either the Galactic Explorers (grades 3–5) or Galactic Challengers (grades 6–8), with tailored activities ranging from building planetary rovers and space suits to designing space elevators and communication satellites. Two classes will be offered each week. Each class is limited to 25 cadets.
“Summer camp at the Museum of Space History has been a tradition in our community since the mid-1980s,” said ISHFF President Johnny Powell. “Parents brought their kids, who grew up and then brought their own children. Memories were made, friendships were forged, and imaginations were sparked. The Foundation and the Museum have partnered to bring this exciting program back with the goal of making it the biggest summer adventure kids will ever have!”
Plus, this year the camps include an out of this world field trip to Spaceport America and the Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space—a rare chance to explore real-world commercial spaceflight operations right here in New Mexico. Transportation and lunch are provided. Limited space is available for parents (security clearance required).
“What a perfect crescendo for a space and STEM based camp. The opportunity for cadets to actually see the future of space exploration unfolding in our own state is amazing,” said Powell.
Camp dates this year are July 7-11, July 14-18, and July 21-25. Hours will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Friday. Lunch will be included. Plans are also underway for an expanded camp in 2026 reaching children in more grade levels.
Several organizations within the community also came together to help provide funding for the camp, including the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, Rotary International, and Christus Health. Zuni Electric also jumped on board by sponsoring a limited number of scholarships.
“The enthusiasm for this summer camp program in the community was astounding,” Powell said. “When we asked these organizations what they thought the most important thing we could do for the community was, to a person they said, “Bring back summer camp at the Museum!”
Registration is now open at Summer Camp 2025 Registration. Cost is $250 per cadet and includes the week-long space-based camp, field trip to Spaceport America, lunches, and a camp t-shirt. Limited seats for parents to join their children on the field trip are available and can be booked at cadet registration. Spots fill fast, so do it today!
The New Mexico Museum of Space History is located at 3198 State Rte. 2001, in Alamogordo. For more information about the ISHFF, visit spacehalloffame.org. For more information about the New Mexico Museum of Space History, visit nmspacemuseum.org.
