Free NASA Astro Camp Offered This Summer By County College of Morris

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Middle school students in Randolph will have a chance to explore space science this summer when County College of Morris (CCM) hosts its first NASA Astro Camp on campus. The free program is designed for students in grades 6 through 8 and will run from Monday, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, from 1 to 4 p.m. at CCM's Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center.

According to the college, the four-day camp will focus on hands-on engineering challenges and space exploration activities inspired by real-world missions. Students will work through lunar mission challenges aimed at building teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving while learning about the science and engineering behind space travel.

The program is being led by Assistant Professor Preethi Ganapathy. In an announcement from the college, Ganapathy said, “As America celebrates 250 years of independence and innovation, CCM's Department of Engineering Technologies and Engineering Science invites students to see themselves as the next chapter in that story.”

Ganapathy added, “The same spirit of curiosity and courage that shaped our nation now drives space exploration. Through hands-on engineering and lunar mission challenges, our campers won’t just learn about history — they’ll help imagine the next 250 years of discovery.”

County College of Morris said the camp is being offered at no cost and will be limited to 40 participants. The college said the cap is intended to support a personalized and engaging learning experience.

Registration is open through May 1, and the college encourages families to sign up early because space is expected to fill quickly. Information and registration are available online here.

The camp also reflects CCM's broader effort to build early pathways into fields such as engineering and advanced manufacturing, according to the college. Questions about the program can be directed to Laura Murray, administrative coordinator in the Department of Engineering Technologies and Engineering Science, at lmurray@ccm.edu or 973-328-5760.