Children ages 10 to 13 from throughout Missouri can still sign up for a three-day Aerospace Camp at the University of Missouri-Rolla, where they will launch rockets, build hot air balloons, visit with former astronaut Col. Tom Akers and more.

Camper prepares to launch water rocket.

Although the first camp, which runs from July 13-15, is already filled, spaces are still available for the July 20-22 camp. The camps are sponsored by UMR and University of Missouri Extension.

The camps are designed to stimulate an interest in science among children in the middle school and junior high grades. The focus is on aeronautics and space flight, and participants will learn about the history of flight, astronomy and space exploration through computer simulations, interactive teamwork projects and hands-on experiences.

Activities during the two three-day camps include tours of various campus facilities and student projects, a paper airplane contest, a rocket-launching contest, and an interactive virtual tour via two-way television with NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

The camp is $175 per child, and that fee includes two nights’ lodging at UMR’s Thomas Jefferson Residence Hall and all meals during the camp. Registration is limited.

For more information about the UMR Aerospace Camp, contact the UMR office of distance and continuing education at (573) 341-4200. More information can also be found online at Aerospace Camp. Click on "Aerospace Camp."