Sleepaway Camps
Launch your imagination and your future at Griffiss Institute’s Lakeside Rocketry & STEM Adventure Camp! This six-day sleepaway camp experience for students between 12 and 15 combines the thrill of aerospace engineering with the fun of traditional sleepaway camps. There is also a Junior Leader Program available for students between 16 and 17.
Over six days, students will design and build rocket payloads using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, explore additive manufacturing, and 3D-print prototypes. The experience culminates in a live rocket launch, showcasing student innovation and sparking excitement for careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
The week also features exclusive tours at Griffiss Business Park, a site with a rich aerospace legacy and home to leading research and innovation, where students meet industry experts and see technology in action.
Between STEM sessions, enjoy classic camp adventures: swimming, kayaking, nature hikes, and evening campfires by the lake. It’s the perfect blend of innovation, recreation, and inspiration - where tomorrow’s engineers start their journey today!
Upcoming Camps:
STEM Discovery - Lakeside Rocketry & STEM Adventure Camp
Dates: Sunday, August 16 – Friday, August 21
Location: Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, Rome, NY
Ages: 12 – 15
Theme: Aerospace Engineering Meets Outdoor Adventure
STEM Topic(s): Science, Engineering
Cost: $1,000 ($950 Early Bird – Expires on 3/31)
Check out the detailed daily schedule by clicking the Register Today button below:
Program Information: The Future Space Innovators program combines the thrill of aerospace engineering with the fun of a traditional sleepaway camp. Over six days, students will design and build rocket payloads using computer-aided design (CAD) tools, explore additive manufacturing, and 3D-print prototypes. The experience culminates in a live rocket launch, showcasing student innovation and sparking excitement for careers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
Please note this is an OVERNIGHT camp. Student lodging will be on-site at Delta Lake Bible Conference Center.
Facility Information: Delta Lake Bible Conference Center is a fully equipped youth summer camp facility that is leasing its site to us for the duration of our program. While the center traditionally operates as a faith-based camp, we will be implementing our own independent programming while utilizing their full range of summer camp recreational amenities. We partner with a variety of community locations to provide accessible learning experiences, and the facility serves as the venue for our hands‑on STEM programming.
At our programs, student safety and high‑quality supervision are always our top priority. All staff members undergo comprehensive background checks, ensuring that every child is supported by vetted professionals. Our camp follows all New York State Department of Health staffing requirements. Our programs follow all New York State Department of Health regulations for children’s camps. A certified Health Director is always available, and remains on-site during overnight programs. All aquatic activities are supervised by a qualified Aquatics Director and NYS‑approved lifeguards, with swimming conducted only in approved locations and under required safety protocols.
Policies, Safety, Accommodations, and General Information
Financial & Payments Info: The camp fee covers all meals from Sunday evening through Friday lunch, sleeping accommodations, cost of camp facilities and staffing, recreational activities, and STEM instruction, supplies and programming.
Transportation to and from the program is the responsibility of the attendees, however, Griffiss Institute will help to advise or coordinate arrangements from groups and can work out plans to meet attendees arriving by train or other transportation methods. Financial aid may be requested, all requests will be thoughtfully considered but are ultimately subject to availability of funds.
Sleeping & Accommodations: Sleeping arrangements will be shared indoor bunk rooms with either 4 to a room or 8 to a room. Sleeping accommodations and restrooms are separated by gender. A camp counselor will be assigned for each group of campers.
Bathrooms & Shower Facilities: Students are required to be independent in the bathrooms to participate in the program. When a student requires use of the bathroom facilities, they are escorted by a staff member to the door, who remains outside and ensures they are safely escorted back to the program location. Students are not permitted to shower in the same stalls.
Transportation Overview:
- Parents/guardians drop campers off Sunday at Delta Lake.
- Campers stay overnight for the week.
- Parents pick campers up Friday at Griffiss Institute.
- All transportation to tour locations during the week is provided by the program.
Junior Leader Program - Lakeside Rocketry Overnight Camp
Dates: Sunday, August 16 – Friday, August 21
Location: Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, Rome, NY
Ages: 16 – 17
Theme: Aerospace Engineering Meets Outdoor Adventure
STEM Topic(s): Robotics, Aerospace, Camping, Physics
Cost: $500 ($450 Early Bird – Expires on 3/31)
Check out the detailed daily schedule by clicking the Register Today button below:
Program Information:
Step into leadership and ignite your potential with Griffiss Institute’s Junior Leadership Program at Lakeside Rocketry Camp!
Designed for students ready to take the next step this week‑long sleepaway experience blends advanced STEM exposure with hands-on leadership development. Junior Leaders will play an essential role in helping guide younger campers through aerospace engineering activities, including computer‑aided design (CAD), payload prototyping, and 3D printing. While you won’t be participating as a traditional camper, you’ll gain behind‑the‑scenes experience assisting instructors, supporting build sessions, and helping facilitate the camp’s culminating rocket launch. Beyond STEM support, Junior Leaders will strengthen real-world leadership skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. Participants will learn how to mentor younger students, manage group tasks, and contribute to a positive, inclusive camp community. The program also offers exclusive opportunities for growth and exploration. Junior Leaders will take part in special workshops, engage with professionals during tours of Griffiss Business Park, and see how aerospace innovation connects to future careers. And of course, you’ll still enjoy the best parts of camp life – swimming, kayaking, and evening campfires along the lake.
The Junior Leadership Program is the ideal next step for students who love STEM, enjoy helping others, and want to develop confidence and leadership skills in a fun, supportive environment. It’s where future engineers, mentors, and innovators begin shaping their path forward.
Facility Information: Delta Lake Bible Conference Center is a fully equipped youth summer camp facility that is leasing its site to us for the duration of our program. While the center traditionally operates as a faith-based camp, we will be implementing our own independent programming while utilizing their full range of summer camp recreational amenities. We partner with a variety of community locations to provide accessible learning experiences, and the facility serves as the venue for our hands‑on STEM programming.
