Space Camps
2026 Summer Camps at the Pierce College Science Dome
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.
To stay updated on local events, programs, and science activities in the Lakewood area, join our weekly Science Dome mailing list.
- Junior Space Camps (Grades 1-5)
- Space Camps (Grades 6-9)
- High‑Altitude Balloon (HAB) Camp (Grades 10–12)
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.
Registration
Registration is open now! These camps fill quickly, so we encourage early sign‑up!
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.
Registration
Registration is open now! These camps fill quickly, so we encourage early sign‑up!
High‑Altitude Balloon (HAB) Camp (Grades 10–12)
Dates: July 27 through 30 and August 3 through 6, including an overnight trip (August 3 and 4) to Eastern Washington for balloon launch
This camp is a project-based experience in which you will construct, test, launch, and analyze data from your very own experiment sent to the edge of space on a high altitude balloon (HAB). This two week day camp includes an overnight trip to eastern Washington, where you will launch and retrieve the HAB. This is a great opportunity to learn scientific, engineering, and coding skills while being creative and having fun with your peers!
Hours
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost
$75 per participant
Campers will be responsible for bringing a water bottle, snacks, and lunch for each day. Food is provided during the overnight trip.
This camp is made possible by funding from the Pierce College Science Dome and the Washington Space Grant.
Applications
Applications for the High‑Altitude Balloon Camp are open now through June 10, 2026.