Huntsville, AL
Camp programs are conducted in English, and participants must be proficient in English. However, during certain times of the year, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center can accommodate custom programs for non-English speakers, provided the group has a minimum of 16 participants and provides its own translators.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Aviation Challenge is located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama — the Official Visitor Center for NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate. The campus includes retired aircraft on display, F-18 cockpit simulators, a Space Camp Challenge Course with high and low ropes elements, a 150-foot zip line, the 8K INTUITIVE® Planetarium, and an Underwater Astronaut Trainer.
Aviation Challenge® offers a progression of aviation-themed programs for ages 9 through 18: Mach I (ages 9–11) combines critical thinking, teamwork and leadership training in a five-day aviation-themed adventure; Mach II (ages 12–14) is a fast-paced, military-inspired program where young leaders are tested in their knowledge of aerodynamics and teamwork; Mach III (ages 15–18) challenges trainees with freedom of control, requiring them to think about maneuvers in all three rotational axes of flight as they take on the most advanced flight simulations, engineering principles and leadership responsibilities.
The cafeteria and kitchen are nut-free zones. The food service staff is trained in nutrition to ensure that all dietary needs are met. Every day, special meals are prepared to accommodate children with food allergies or diet restrictions.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗Mission Control is your connection to the Aviation Challenge® experience. This online dashboard provides the login to your account, one-way emails to your trainee, transportation options, packing lists, buddy requests, and more. Everything you need to manage your mission is all in one place and can be accessed at any time.
Explore on the camp’s website ↗The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is a secure campus. Security staff, video monitoring, and perimeter fencing are in place 24/7. During the week, every guest must check in through security. Each visitor is required to possess a proper badge for admittance. Additionally, automatic defibrillators, fire alarms, and sprinkler systems are located in buildings throughout the campus.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Scholarships for the Space Camp® family of programs — which includes Aviation Challenge — are awarded to students who can demonstrate financial need or academic excellence. Students must be 9 to 18 years old and currently in grades 4–12. Applicants can be from anywhere on the planet. Scholarships do not cover travel to Huntsville, AL, or incidentals.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗Aviation Challenge Zip Line: Maximum weight 280 lbs. The 150-ft. zip line water landing is only available in summer. Outdoor simulators are operational when temperatures are between 45–101 degrees Fahrenheit and when weather permits.
Read more on the camp’s website ↗