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Space Camps

2026 Summer Camps at the Pierce College Science Dome

Registration opens Wednesday, April 1 at 8 a.m.

Discover hands‑on STEM learning that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and connects students with real science experiences right here in Lakewood and Pierce County, Washington. The Pierce College Science Dome offers summer camps designed for students entering grades 1–12, with supportive, welcoming environments where every learner can explore, ask questions, and imagine their future in STEM.

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Junior Space Camps (Grades 1–5)

Dates: July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, and August 4
Format: One‑day camps • Indoor and outdoor activities • Time in the Science Dome

Junior Space Camps invite young learners to explore science through movement, creativity, and hands-on discovery. Families across Lakewood, Steilacoom, Tacoma, and greater Pierce County are welcome. Each camp day features one of three themes designed to support early STEM learning.

Themes

  • Engineering
  • The Solar System
  • Space Exploration

Students may register for one or multiple days.

Hours

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Cost

$70 per child, per day.

Snacks are provided. Please pack a lunch and a water bottle.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are available. Families can apply or nominate a child through the Junior Space Camp scholarship application, open March 1 through March 31.

Junior Space Camp Scholarship Application

Registration

Registration opens April 1 at 8 a.m. These camps fill quickly, so we encourage early sign‑up!

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Space Camps (Grades 6–9)

Dates: August 11, 13, 18, 20
Format: Half‑day camps • Indoor and outdoor activities • Time in the Science Dome

Space Camps support older students as they deepen their interest in astronomy and STEM. Each day focuses on a new topic that builds skills in observation, inquiry, and problem‑solving.

Topics

  • Rockets
  • Light in the Universe
  • Stars and Nebulae
  • Space Exploration

Students learn to read the night sky, explore the science behind planets and stars, and imagine their own space missions.

Hours

11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Participants can be dropped off any time between 11 and 11:30 a.m., and picked up any time between 4:30 and 5 p.m., with supervised care at those times.

Cost

$50 per child, per day.

A snack is provided. Please pack a lunch and a water bottle.

Scholarships

Limited scholarships are available through the Space Camp scholarship application, open March 1 through March 31.

Space Camp Scholarship Application

Registration

Registration opens April 1 at 8 a.m. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended.

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High‑Altitude Balloon (HAB) Camp (Grades 10–12)

New for 2026

Send a balloon to the edge of space while building real engineering and data‑analysis skills. During this seven‑day, project‑based camp, high school students from Lakewood, Tacoma, and throughout Pierce County will:

  • Work as a team to build and test a high‑altitude balloon system
  • Launch and retrieve the balloon during a visit to Central Washington University
  • Analyze flight data learn useful skills

This camp offers older students a unique opportunity to gain hands‑on experience with aerospace concepts and see their work take flight.

More details will be shared this spring.

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