Children who look to the stars for inspiration may feel closer to becoming an astronaut while attending space camp. This type of camp is geared toward learning about space exploration, coupled with strengthening teamwork, problem solving skills and communication skills. Depending on the program, kids can learn flight dynamics, aviation principles, robotics, and design and engineering. Most camps last a week, but some last longer. There are even family camp programs that last three to four days, where parents and children can explore space flight together. In general, space camps are segregated by age, such as 9 to 11, 12 to 14 and 15 to 18, ranging in skill level from beginner to advanced. Parents can expect to pay a non-refundable deposit when signing up their child for astronomy camp.

Learning Skills: The advanced space programs for older teens help prepare them for careers in high tech or astronaut training. They can choose to become mission specialists, pilots, engineers or other professionals during their camp, learning the overview of the job, conducting experiments and making decisions.

Counselor Certifications: Instructors should have backgrounds in space flight, exploration or training, and be certified in these areas, along with CPR and First Aid.

Highlights: Campers can find out what it's like to train like an astronaut, with programs that allow kids to use gravity chair simulators and shuttle simulators to experience firsthand what it's all about.