Launching Dreams, Igniting Futures!

Notable Milestones from our 26th Year of Space Adventure Camp at NASA Wallops Flight Facility

The Virginia Space Flight Academy (VASFA), a non-profit educational organization based in Wallops Island, Va., is marking a significant milestone: 26 years of its highly successful Space Adventure Camp at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. This fast-paced, dynamic camp provides hundreds of students from across the country with unparalleled access to NASA’s cutting-edge aerospace technology and facilities, making it a unique and inspiring experience for aspiring young STEM leaders.

Unmatched Access and Inspiring Experiences

VASFA’s Space Adventure Camp stands out as the only space-themed camp offering behind-the-scenes access at an operational NASA facility. This exceptional opportunity allows campers to engage directly with NASA's innovative technology and facilities, fueling their passion for STEM careers and bringing their dreams to life.

Campers learn about sounding rocket engineering and design while touring NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility Sounding Rocket Fabrication and Testing facility. This is just one of many exclusive, behind-the-scenes experiences that set this camp apart.

Every summer, over six weeks, approximately 220 campers aged 11 to 16 gather at Wallops Island on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Here, they experience a blend of state-of-the-art STEM education and traditional summer camp fun, creating unforgettable memories and inspiring their future endeavors.

Mission Milestones in 2024

In 2024, VASFA’s Space Adventure Camp reached several exciting milestones, furthering its mission to expand access to innovative learning experiences, career pathways, and mentorship opportunities:

Campers and counselors celebrate their achievements while on a tour of NASA’s WFF Range Control Center.

• Expanding Opportunities for All: This year, the camp welcomed an equal number of
  male and female campers, ensuring that all students have the chance to explore STEM fields in a supportive environment. Notably, the Advanced Aerospace Camp in week five included more female campers than ever before.

• Greater Access for Students: VASFA awarded 50 scholarships this year, up from 27 in 2023, providing more students with the opportunity to experience its unique STEM programs.

• Building Future Careers: VASFA proudly announced that two camp staff members were once campers themselves, with one having attended Space Camp multiple times. Additionally, several camp staff will continue with internships and jobs after camp with VASFA’s industry partners, demonstrating the long-term impact of the program.

The Space Adventure Camp crew is all smiles after a tour of the Rocket Lab ICF at Wallops during training week. Strong partnerships between VASFA and the Wallops Aerospace cluster continue to expand opportunities for both campers and staff.

A Word from the Executive Director

Kim Check, Executive Director of VASFA, expressed her pride in the camp's achievements, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate these significant milestones in our 26th year. Seeing more students gain access to STEM experiences and career pathways is a testament to the growing opportunities we provide. Our mission at VASFA is to inspire and equip the next generation of STEM leaders, and we are proud to see our efforts making a real impact."

Support and Future Prospects

VASFA’s mission of empowering all students to envision themselves as future STEM leaders is made possible through the generous contributions of the Bahethi Family Foundation, the Richard A. Henson Foundation, and individuals such as Paul and Betty Bibbins. These contributions ensure that VASFA can continue providing exceptional experiences for campers, inspiring young people each summer to pursue their dreams.

As VASFA celebrates 26 years of shaping the next generation of innovators, it looks forward to seeing its campers contribute to advancements in aerospace and beyond. Perhaps one day, this year’s Space Adventure Camp alumni will engineer groundbreaking spacecraft or play a key role in the future of space exploration.