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 diverse students nationwide 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, fostering their interest in STEM careers and bringing their dreams to life.

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, fun summer camp activities, creating unforgettable memories and inspiring their future endeavors.

Mission Milestones in 2024

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

• Gender Equality Achieved: For the first time, the camp achieved gender equity, with an equal number of female and male campers. Notably, the Advanced Aerospace Camp during the fifth week included more female campers, marking a significant milestone in VASFA’s commitment to inclusion.

• Commitment to Diversity: This summer, 43% of space campers were people of color, reflecting VASFA's dedication to fostering equity and diversity in STEM education and careers.

• Increased Scholarship Awards: VASFA awarded 50 scholarships this year, up from 27 in 2023, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to experience VASFA’s unique STEM programs.

• Launching 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, furthering the camp's legacy and impact.

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. Achieving gender equity and increasing diversity among our campers are essential steps toward building a more inclusive STEM community. In 2023, the gender gap in STEM remains significant, with women making up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Our mission at VASFA is to inspire and empower the next generation of diverse 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 greatly supported by generous contributions from the Bahethi Family Foundation, the Richard A. Henson Foundation, and generous individuals such as Paul and Betty Bibbins. These contributions ensure that VASFA can continue to provide exceptional experiences for campers, inspiring many young people each summer to fulfill their dreams.

As VASFA celebrates 26 years of inspiring the next generation, it looks forward to seeing its campers lead innovations in aerospace and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries in the field. Perhaps one day, this year’s Space Adventure Camp alums will engineer new spacecraft or make significant advancements in space exploration.