STEM Summer Camps
At McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, each week offers a chance to learn about science, technology, engineering, and math! From rockets to weather, ecology to dinosaurs—each camp has a unique theme created by our educators for different age groups to enjoy while learning!
What to Know
The 2025 STEM Summer Camp will be hosted on-site at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH)
Camp takes place from Monday to Friday, apart from week 2, which is a Monday–Thursday to account for the holiday.
Drop-off is at 8:30am and pick up is 2pm or 3pm (depending on the camp.) Adults can park in the parking lot and walk campers to drop-off area by the School Entrance.
Campers are expected to bring lunch, a snack, and a water bottle with them each day.
The registration fee is due at time of sign up. The preferred payment method is via check made payable to the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center.
Week 1: Earth Explorers
Date: June 23 – June 27
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 8 - 11 years
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Let’s dig deep and uncover the secrets hidden within the world around us! Ecosystems, weather, and everything beneath our feet will be explored during this week of Earth science fun! Join us to explore the Earth, our home planet, and our place in its systems.
Week 2: Create, Code, Conquer
Date: June 30 - July 3 *
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 12-14
Cost: $285 per child, $235 for siblings in the same camp, $245 for members, $195 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an engineer? How about coding, programming, and building your own fantastic creations? Come to Create, Code, Conquer, and learn all about the fundamentals of design! We will get to work with different types of coding and programming and complete fun daily challenges that put our minds to the test.
*This camp is Monday–Thursday to accommodate the holiday
Week 3: Blast Off!
Date: July 7 - July 11
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 8 - 11
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Launch into the stars with a summer camp that brings out the rocket scientist in all of us. Build and modify different types of rockets each day, including model rockets and air rockets. How far and high can you make your rocket go?
Week 4: Discover the Dinosaurs
Date: July 14 - July 18
Time: 8:30 am - 2 pm
Ages: 5 - 7
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Spend time exploring the days when dinosaurs roamed the Earth at this prehistorically themed camp! Discover the many different types of dinosaurs, fossils, and the methods paleontologists use to learn about them. Campers will uncover fossils, watch the continents move over millions of years, and do an experiment to create a mass extinction!
Week 5: Blast Off: Payload Specialist
Date: July 21 – July 25
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 12 - 14
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Take your rocket science explorations even further with Blast Off: Payload Specialist. In this upper-level rocket camp, learn the science behind rockets and build advanced models with the capacity to carry cargo. Can you return your payload safely to Earth?
Week 6: So, You Wanna Be an Astronaut?
Date: July 28 - August 1
Time: 8:30 am - 2 pm
Ages: 5 - 7
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Have you ever wanted to experience all the jobs of an astronaut? During this intensive week, you will learn how they live, work, and play in space. You will find out all the tricks of the trade of becoming an astronaut and even listen to some experts!
Week 7: Star Hunters
Date: August 4 – August 8
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 8 - 11
Cost: $360 per child, $335 for siblings in the same camp, $320 for members, $295 for member siblings in the same camp.
Description: Become an amateur astronomer in this fun-filled adventure through the universe! Learn about what makes up our solar system and everything beyond it. Use real telescopes to learn how astronomers are unraveling the mysteries of the universe every day and see what you can spy in the sky. Explore planets, moons, stars, nebulae, and more!
Registration
At McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, each week offers a new opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and math! From rockets to weather, ecology to dinosaurs, every camp has a different theme, designed by our educators for specific age groups to learn while having fun!
To reserve your camper’s spot, download the registration form below and return it to the Discovery Center—either by sending a digital copy to Kellee Duckworth, Director of Visitor Services, at kduckworth@starhop.com or by mailing a paper copy to us at 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
Questions?
Contact Kellee at kduckworth@starhop.com or call (603) 271-7827 x116.
Meet Our STEM Summer Camp Interns
Thomas McAleer is a rising sophomore at Williams College currently studying Physics and Mathematics. He lives in Windham, New Hampshire and graduated from Windham High School in 2024. In his free time, he enjoys running and playing tennis, along with many other outdoor activities. He also enjoys spending time with friends and playing guitar. He previously worked as a summer camp counselor on Fire Island, NY and he is excited to have a great summer with the campers!
Caroline White is a rising Senior at Elon University where she is studying Environmental and Sustainability studies. She resides in Hopkinton, New Hampshire, where she previously graduated from Hopkinton High School. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, being outdoors, and hanging out with animals. In the past, Caroline has spent multiple summers working at other camps and is looking forward to a great summer of learning and fun!
Gender Inclusion Policy:
At McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, we are committed to providing a secure and enabling camp/ educational environment, a place that is gender sensitive and recognizes all people. We foster a social, physical and psychological environment that will enable all children to work and play productively. We strive for gender justice at both institutional and programmatic levels.
Summer Staff Health Policy:
We do not collect the personal health information of our summer camp staff.
“For the past four years, the Rekindling Curiosity program has been a tremendous resource for New Hampshire families and has enabled thousands of campers to enjoy a memorable summer camp experience. Since this program was fully funded with covid-relief funds, which expired this past September, I regret to inform you that Rekindling Curiosity scholarships are not expected to be available for the summer of 2025. I can reassure you that efforts are still being made to potentially find some type of alternative resource, but unfortunately that has not yet been finalized. If something does come to fruition, the New Hampshire Department of Education will broadly publicize it. Thank you for your interest.”