
Community Programs

Club Challenger
Registration for Spring 2026 opens January 9, 2026!
BE PREPARED! Our registration portal is not compatible on all cell phones. It works best on a computer, laptop or tablet. If you have any issues using our online registration site, please clear your internet browser cache first - sometimes this is the fix. However, if that does not resolve the issue, you will need to find another device to use for registration.
Explore the amazing wonders of science during our after school program, Club Challenger. Students will join us at the Challenger Learning Center once a month to participate in exciting, hands-on activities related to space and science.
Age Current 3rd-5th Grade
Time 4:15-5:45 p.m.
Membership Fee $60 (covers all four sessions)
In 2026, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our national organization, Challenger Center. Our Spring 2026 sessions will shine a spotlight on the Challenger 51L crew.
February 10, 2026
Challenger 51L Crew and the History of Space Travel
March 10, 2026
Payload Specialists: Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis
Fluids in Microgravity
April 14, 2026
Mission Specialist Ronald McNair
Light & Sound Waves
May 12, 2026
Commander Dick Scobee, Mission Specialist Ellison Onizuka, Pilot Michael Smith, Mission
Specialist Judith Resnik
Designing, Building and Testing Spacecrafts
We do not offer a wait list for Club Challenger as we rarely receive cancellations.
Should a spot open up, we would post it on our social media accounts as first come, first served.
General Refund Policy
- 100% refund - cancellations received at least 15 days prior to the program start date, less 10% cancellation fee
- No refund - cancellations received within 15 days of the program start date
- No refund - for missed sessions
- No refund - of online registration process fee
- Refunds are issued in the original form of payment.
- Refunds are issued within 3-5 business days.
SUMMER CAMP
Registration for Summer Camp 2026 opens January 30, 2026!
BE PREPARED! Our registration portal is not compatible on all cell phones. It works best on a computer, laptop or tablet. If you have any issues using our online registration site, please clear your internet browser cache first - sometimes this is the fix. However, if that does not resolve the issue, you will need to find another device to use for registration.
Astrotot Camp
Each session is two hours in length and provides hands-on activities focused on the session theme.
9:00-11:00 a.m. or 12:30-2:30 p.m.
$25, per session
Rising Kindergarten-1st Gr
June 11, 2026 - Rockin' Rockets
June 25, 2026 - Cosmic Constellations
July 9, 2026 - Mighty Magnets
July 23, 2026 - Living in Space
Explore STEM: Engineering
Calling all engineers! NASA needs you to design, build and test materials such as
robotic arms and space suits to help astronauts reach the planet Zork!
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
$40
Rising 2nd-3rd Gr
June 1, 2026 or
June 9, 2026 or
July 8, 2026
Explore STEM: Science
We need scientists! Become a planetary scientist as you perform tests on materials
gathered from the planet Zork! Does Zork have properties similar to Earth? We will
experiment with rocks, regolith and more to find out!
9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
$40
Rising 2nd-3rd Gr
June 2, 2026 or
June 10, 2026 or
July 22, 2026
Robotics: Spike Essentials
Using fun thematic units such as Amazing Amusement Park, participants will use LEGOs
as they journey through building and programming robotic 3D models. This is the perfect
first step for young robot experts in the making!
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
$125
Rising 2nd-3rd Gr
June 1-2, 2026 or
June 22-23, 2026
Robotics: LEGO Space Challenge I
Using space as a theme, master robotics systems created by LEGO! Campers will design,
build and program their robotic creations to maneuver various space themed challenges
on places like Mars!
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$165
Rising 4th-6th Gr
June 8-10, 2026 or
July 6-8, 2026
Robotics: LEGO Space Challenge II
Become a master LEGO builder and programmer! Campers will build on previous learned
skills to maneuver through various space themed challenges on the Moon. Firm pre-requisite: Campers must have previously attended Robotics: LEGO Space Challenge I.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$140
Rising 4th-7th Gr, plus MUST have attended Lego Space Challenge I
June 15-16, 2026
Camp Hogwarts
Experience the world of Harry Potter as we immerse ourselves into the STEM concepts
behind the magic. Sort into houses, make wands, create potions and even visit the
“Astronomy Tower” to view the stars. Bring your best adventurous spirit for a magical
time!
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$105
Rising 4th-7th Gr
July 14-15, 2026
Spy Camp
At secret agent training you will develop a disguise for cover, make and break codes,
discover escape and evasion techniques, create and use spy gadgets and uncover the
science behind spying.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$105
Rising 3rd-5th Gr
June 22-23, 2026 or
July 6-7, 2026
Rebel Camp
Young Jedi will want to attend this special camp created just for them! Participate
in activities and experiments, including light sabers and carbonite, based on the
popular movie series.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$105
Rising 4th-7th Gr
June 3-4, 2026
Rocket Camp
After learning about the basics of rocketry, participants will build and launch several
different types of rockets including eggstronaut water rockets and model rockets.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$125
Rising 4th-7th Gr
July 13-14, 2026
Mission to Mars
Fly a mission to Mars! Campers will travel to the Red Planet during an Expedition
Mars™ mission in our hands-on simulator. After arriving on Mars, they will build a
life-size colony where they will live, work and train like real planetary astronauts.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$155
Rising 4th-7th Gr
June 15-17, 2026
Expedition: Moon
Be among the next generation of space travelers to arrive on the Moon! Campers will
journey to the Moon as they fly a Lunar Quest™ mission in our hands-on simulator.
They will explore just what it takes for astronauts to survive in the Moon's desolate
environment.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$50
Rising 4th-7th Gr
June 24, 2026
Sphero Camp
After learning the basics of driving and coding a Sphero Bolt (advanced robotic ball),
engineers will participate in activities such as Maze Craze, making Spherographs and
Sphero miniature golf.
9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$125
Rising 5th-8th Gr
July 15-16, 2026
Underwater Astronaut Camp
Learn all about how astronauts train underwater to simulate working in space! Participants
will learn the basics of astronaut training, neutral buoyancy, density and SCUBA.
On the second day of camp we will travel to Mermet Springs where trainees will experience
SCUBA one on one with a certified instructor. Participants must be able to swim and
medically fit to dive. SCUBA gear is provided.
9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
$155
Must be 12-15 years old
July 20-21, 2026
Mandatory meeting May 4, 2026; 6:00 p.m.
What is your cancellation policy?
- 100% refund - cancellations received at least 30 days prior to first day of registered program, less 10% cancellation fee
- 50% refund - cancellations received within the 30 day window of registered program
- No refund - missed program or cancellations received on the day of registered program. If child is sick and cannot attend, a doctor’s note must be provided for a full refund, less a 10% cancellation fee.
- No refund - online processing fees
- No refund or size changes on camp shirts after April 24, 2026.
- Refunds will be processed within 3-5 days of cancellation date to original form of payment.
Do you offer a wait list for camps that fill?
Yes. If a camp is full, our registration portal will give you the option to add a wait listed camp to your cart for checkout. Payment is not due unless a spot becomes available.
Do you offer camp scholarships?
At this time, we do not have funding available.
If my child is at camp all day, will I need to provide lunch?
Yes. Campers attending full day camps must bring a lunch and drink from home. All full day campers will receive a snack provided by CLC. If your child has any food allergies or sensitives, please provide a snack in their lunch.
If I ordered a camp t-shirt for my child, when will I receive it?
Campers will receive their camp t-shirt on the first day of the first camp they attend. No refunds or size changes on camp t-shirts after April 24, 2026.
I don't see Aviation Camp listed this year, will it be offered?
The Challenger Learning Center is committed to providing quality STEM programming to our community. Periodically, we will evaluate our program offerings and make decisions to keep, change or discontinue a program due to many factors including enrollment, staffing and popular trends. At this time, we will not offer Aviation Camp in 2026.
Trivia Night
Registration for Trivia Night 2026 opens on Tuesday, January 6, 2026!
Friday, February 6, 2026
St. Thomas More Catholic Church
Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
Trivia begins promptly at 7:00 p.m.
- Team Fee $120/team of 6
- 10 rounds of 10 questions
- Prize for top 3 winning teams
- Popcorn and soft drinks provided (while supplies last)
- Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks welcome
- No outside alcoholic drinks allowed, cash bar available
- Mulligan Fee $20/5 mulligans
- Event will close at 35 tables
All proceeds benefit the Challenger Learning Center at Paducah. The Challenger Learning Center, located on the campus of West Kentucky Community & Technical College, is a non-profit organization that offers simulated space missions and hands-on STEM education to schools, corporations and community organizations.
West Kentucky
RCX Regional Tournament
Saturday, March 7, 2026
West Kentucky Community & Technical College
Clemens Fine Arts Center
Questions? Contact Mellisa Duncan at (270) 534-3097 or mellisa.duncan@kctcs.edu.
Programs and Presentations
The Challenger Learning Center at Paducah offers a variety of programs and presentations for people of all ages! Bring your group to the Challenger Learning Center, or let us come to you.
- Library story hours
- Youth groups
- School clubs
- Scout groups
- Daycare programs
- Summer programs
- Community groups
- School presentations
- Living in space
- Rocketry
- Constellations
- Planets
- Planetarium show
- Anything space or STEM related!
Give us a call at (270) 534-3101 or send us an email at sarahj.davis@kctcs.edu
