Aerospace Academy
In operation since 1990, the objective of the Delaware Aerospace Academy is to provide hands-on training and experiences in aerospace-related activities and fields. Throughout the week, girls and boys in grades 1 – 10 are continually challenged to think, design, solve, build, and work cooperatively. All academies are designed to integrate the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics using Earth and Space themes as the unifying framework.
Talented experts in a cooperative learning experience supplement our excellent staff of teachers and young people. Lessons focus on applied learning through problem solving. Students learn in small groups, emphasizing the teamwork necessary in the real world.
| 2025 Delaware Aerospace Academy Schedule & Fees | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academy or Option | Grades | Location | Dates | Times | Fee |
| Destination Discovery | 2 or 3 | Environmental Outpost | June 16 to 20 | Full Day, 9am to 4pm | $350 |
| Destination Skies | 3 or 4 | Delaware Discovery Center | June 23 to 27 | Full Day, 9am to 4pm | $350 |
| Destination Space | 4 or 5 | $350 | |||
| Destination Flight | 5 or 6 | $350 | |||
| Destination Orbit | 6, 7, or 8 | $350 | |||
| Optional Morning Extended Care | For June 23-27 Academies | For Day Camps at the DDC | 8am to Academy start | +$60 | |
| Optional Afternoon Extended Care | Academy end to 5pm | +$60 | |||
| Optional Bus Transportation | To & From NCC or Sussex | TBD* | +$165 | ||
| Destination Moon | 7, 8 or 9 | U of Delaware, Clayton Hall | July 6 to 11 | Overnight | $775 |
| Destination Mars | 8, 9 or 10 | $775 | |||
* Bus Transportation availability dependent on number of requests. Please call 302-834-1978 before registering.
Academies
Full Day Academies!
Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Hands-on activities and many opportunities for problem solving in small teams are included. All cadets will receive a camp T-shirt and a handout with related information.
Before & After Care offered ONLY for the Day Academies at the Delaware Discovery Center during Week 2, June 23 – 27.
Destination Discovery
(Entering 2nd or 3rd grade) will be held at the Outpost at our site in Smyrna, Delaware. Children will set out on an imaginary voyage under and above the ocean and then discover a dinosaur pit on land where they will excavate bones. Scientists believe that deep sea creatures were able to survive in the wake of the mass extinction which wiped out the dinosaurs by feeding on the bodies of micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae that trickled down from the waters above. Ships, fish, different species of dinosaurs and prehistoric sea monsters – some that lived under the sea and even some pirates will add to an exciting week of adventure.
Destination Sky and Beyond
(Entering 3rd or 4th grade) features a week of creative problem solving challenges including Powers of Ten, Millions of Stars, Planets, Space Habitats, and Rovers. In addition, cadets participate in exciting activities based on the physics of flight, leading to a training flight in the Elementary Simulator
Destination Space & Technology
(Entering 4th or 5th grade) features a series of experiments conducted in a space laboratory like NASA’s “White Room”. The results and solutions could have the potential to benefit the human race. Cadets will discover and learn about concepts from ground to space including machines, engineering, circuitry, science, weather and computer training. Plan on constructing and launching a bottle rocket.
Destination Flight
(Entering 5th or 6th grade) focuses on an in-depth study of the principles of flight and cutting edge studies of the FAA and NASA Aeronautics programs. Cadets will apply the knowledge as they operate our advanced flight simulator and construct a hovercraft.
Destination Orbit
(Entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade) includes Space Architecture, Living in Space, Physics, Rocketry, Planetary Studies & a field trip to the Delaware Air National Guard. The four cadet wings learn about science and technology as they relate to Earth and Space Science.
Residence Academies!
Overnights held at University of Delaware
Pencader Complex and Clayton Hall
Hands-on activities and many opportunities for problem solving in small teams are included. All cadets will receive a camp T-shirt & many handouts about the new high-tech world they are entering.
Destination Moon
(Entering 7th, 8th and 9th grade) integrates real world experiences with Lunar Studies, lessons in Crystal Development, Advanced Rocketry, Remote Sensing, Robotics, Computer Sim, Composite Materials & Telescope Building & Field Trips.
Destination Mars
(Entering 8th, 9th & 10th) offers challenges such as designing a robotic vehicle & a rocket, solving a critical life-support problem, assembling a space station underwater, & conducting in-flight experiments in our Mars Simulation and Field Trips.
Fees and Other Details
A completed application and $60 are required to reserve a space in a session. Sessions fill quickly, so send in application and fee early! All fees below include the $60 non-refundable application fee.
Pay in Full Charge Option available through the online abbreviated application.
- Full Day: $350
- Over Night: $775
Before & After Care offered ONLY for the Day Academies at the Delaware Discovery Center during Week 2, June 23 – 27.
- Before Care: $60 for 5 days
- After Care: $60 for 5 days
Bus Transportation availability offered ONLY for the Day Academies at the Delaware Discovery Center during Week 2, June 23 – 27. It is dependent on the number of requests. Please call 302-834-1978 before registering.
Scholarships:
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available upon request. Application deadline is April 30. Scholarships will reduce fees but will be exclusive of the initial $60 application fee. A separate application is required and available upon request.
All balances must be paid by June 16.
No refunds after academy begins.
Questions on registration, due dates, or scholarships should be mailed to the Academy or call
(302) 834-1978
Mail application and payments to:
Delaware Aerospace Academy
P.O. Box 125
Bear, DE 19701-0125
Aerospace Academy Application Form
FAQ
I missed the deadline for the balance. Can the balance be paid on the 1st day of camp?
The balance can be paid any time before the start of camp.
Who are the instructors?
The instructors are certified teachers from the public and private sector and personnel from the Dover Air Base.
Have the instructors had a background check?
All employees have a state required background check and are required to sign a sexual abuse and child abuse policy form.
Prices for before and after care.
$50.00 for am or pm care for the week.
What type of bedding is needed for the overnight?
Cadets need to bring sheets, blankets, and pillows.
Can the cadets have a cell phone at the overnight camp?
Yes. The phone cannot be on during classes or trips.
What is the arrangement of the dorm rooms?
Males are on one floor and females on a separate floor. There are 2 cadets per room with a bathroom adjoining 2 rooms.
Is there a nurse?
Yes. There is a nurse on duty all day for the day camps. The nurse for the overnight academies is on duty from 8 am until bedtime.
Who are the overnight counselors?
Overnight counselors are college graduates and college students. The overnight personnel have all gone through the aerospace program. Many have been with the organization from the time they were in the 3rd grade.
Can I pick my child up early?
Yes. The commander in charge of the camp needs to be notified.
Do you have outdoor time?
The students have an outdoor activity in conjunction with the lunch break.
Can the overnight cadets leave for another event and then return to camp?
Yes. Commanders need to be advised ahead of time so that arrangements can be made. Overnight councilors need to know when the cadet will return. Returning cadets need to check in with the office.
Can I request a friend be assigned to the same wing?
Yes. This needs to be arranged 3 weeks prior to the start of camp.
What is the scholarship process?
A scholarship application can be requested by calling the number on the academy application. Scholarships are need based awards.
Academy Staff
Commanders:
Erin Ahern – Skyline Middle School, Red Clay Consolidated School District
Lynne Bloom – Environmental Outpost, DASEF
Bob Bogdziewicz – Engineering Concepts Institute
Jodi Boyko – Cecil Manor Elementary, Cecil County School District
Teresa Connor – AeroJet Rocketdyne (ret.)
Jim Craster – McKean High School
Whitney Gadsby – Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (ret.)
Jamett Garlick – West Park Place Elementary School
Chuck Halfen – Newark High School, Christina School District (ret.)
Brittany Harmon – Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson
Mary Koster – Environmental Outpost, DASEF
Marc Leonetti – Lockheed Martin Corporation (ret.)
Kathy Melvin – Environmental Outpost, DASEF
Stephanie Meyers – Penn Medicine
Kathleen Raythien – Elementary School, Dinwiddie School District
Harry Wright – Environmental Outpost, DASEF
Captains:
Ryker Boyko, Amy Honaker, Abhijeet Parmar, Sarthi Sheth
Pilots:
Adhira Akala, Vilina Akala, Brayden Hamm, Arjun Kahlon, Rai Kahlon, Allison Munson, Nick Raden, Sade Sotilleo, Jaetej Thiara, Bean Zach
Copilots/Pilots:
Jacob Gross, Nathan Houck, Cameron Mathias, Nathan Ross, Alex Yang, Logan Zikafoose