Summer Camps

For the first time, the planetarium is offering two, week-long day camps for young explorers!

Each camp includes:

• 5 full days | 9am - 4pm
• immersive planetarium programs
• hands-on experiments in astronomy and geology
• activities led by Buffalo State scientists
• small groups (up to 25)
• final showcase for families
• snacks and water provided
• keepsake reusable water bottle for each camper

Registration Link Here

• Early bird rate through 4/30: $250
• Full rate starting 5/1: $300

A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the cost of camp tuition.  See below for more information.

We base our staffing and supplies on registration numbers, so every attempt should be made not to cancel your registration.  However, we realize that sometimes things come up unexpectedly. If you need to cancel your registration, please contact us at Planetarium@buffalostate.edu and put Summer Camp Refund in the subject line. 

Refund Policy

For Explore Our Solar System Camp (July 13-17)

Cancel by June 20:  Full refund

Cancel June 21 - July 4:  50% refund*

Cancel July 5 or later:  No refund*

For Build a Living World Camp (July 27-31)

Cancel by July 4:  Full refund

Cancel July 4-18:  50% refund*

Cancel July 19 or later:  No refund*

*Unless due to sickness or injury. In these cases, requests for a full refund will be considered with a doctor's note.

Thanks to a generous donor, 4 scholarships are available for the Whitworth Ferguson Planetarium’s Science Summer Camps! The scholarships can be used for either of our two camps.

The donor is a retired teacher and only requests that the scholarships be used for students who are recommended by a teacher and have a financial need.

To apply for the scholarship we ask for the following to be emailed to planetarium@buffalostate.edu with the subject: Camp Scholarship Application

• a brief (1 paragraph) recommendation from the teacher
• a confirmation from the teacher or an administrator that the student qualifies for free school lunch or has other demonstrated financial need
• a brief (1 paragraph) explanation from the student explaining why they want to attend the camp
• contact information for the student’s parent/guardian (email preferred)

Unfortunately, with school vacations, there is a tight timeline so that unsuccessful scholarship applications still have the opportunity to purchase the reduced camp rate before May 1.

Timeline: 

Applications due by email by 11:59 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2026

All applicants will be contacted by noon on Monday, April 27, 2026

Email us at planetarium@buffalostate.edu