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 2026 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 1, which is 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. Camp scholarships are available (see below for more information).
Week 1: Create, Code, Conquer
Date: June 29 – July 3*
Time: 8:30am - 3pm
Ages: 12 - 14 years
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 wondered what goes into the behind the scenes of engineering? 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 2: Star Hunters
Date: July 6 - July 10
Time: 8:30 am - 3 pm
Ages: 8 - 11
Cost: $285 per child, $235 for siblings in the same camp, $245 for members, $195 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!
Week 3: Discover the Dinosaurs
Date: July 13 - July 17
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 4: Blast Off!
Date: July 20 - July 24
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 6: Earth Explorers
Date: August 3 - August 7
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: Let’s dig deep and uncover the secrets hidden within the world around us. Ecosystems, weather, and everything beneath our feet with be explored during this week of environmental science fun! Join us to explore the earth we walk on and our place in it!
Week 5: So, You Wanna Be an Astronaut?
Date: July 27 - July 31
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!
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 Sam Wiehe, Visitor Services, at swiehe@starhop.com or by mailing a paper copy to us at 2 Institute Drive, Concord, NH 03301.
Questions?
Contact Sam at swiehe@starhop.com or call (603) 271-7827 x116.
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.”