Space Squad
Space Squad is a holiday program for young primary school children aged 5-12 who love space. It will give you a community of people who share your passion for all things space and STEM, physics and aerospace. We seek to inspire, spark and engage all children to seek answers to all the big questions that they may have.
Want to know more about rockets, drones and the Milky Way?
What could be more exciting than being immersed in the stars, surrounding yourself with views of the galaxy, learning how to build rockets or code rovers?
The Space Squad program is run by the Y Canberra Region as a holiday and vacation care for primary school children aged 5-12 years. It is designed to ignite and fuel that spark of passion for space and STEM-based careers, robotics, engineering and astronomy.
Across an action-packed week, we plunge our cadets into the space industry where they will learn about space exploration and science, they will meet industry experts. They will visit technology and space centres, activities with rockets, science experiments, fly drones and code rovers.
Are you ready to learn, discover and experience a whole new world of space? We’re ready to launch – we just need you!
Our Mission
Space Squad’s vision and mission is centred around inspiring and empowering our youth to explore their passion for space and STEM related fields in their career choices.
Space Squad is run by our experienced Vacation Care leaders, alongside space industry experts.
Space Squad is a program of the Y Canberra Region, who have been running camps, children’s services and youth activities in and around Canberra for over 75 years.
The Y Canberra Region is an accredited Safeguarding Children and Young People organisation, and is independently audited by the Australian Childhood Foundation (ACF). All our employees and volunteers are committed to, and are trained in, keeping young people safe as our priority in all programs and activities.
During Space Squad, our cadets will have the opportunity to meet, visit and experience a range of things from the Questacon to Canberra’s Deep Space Communication Complex.
2024 Programs:
Autumn school holidays: 22nd – 26th April
April Space Squad Program available HERE
Space Squad Fees:
Space Squad = $480* per child for the week, or $120 per day
*Fees are eligible for the CCS Rebate.
*Bookings must be a minimum of 2 days
These fees include:
- All activities and entry fees
- Exclusive Space Squad Arrival Pack
- Transport in Canberra during the Program
Please note, this price does not include transport to and from the program.
*Scholarships are available on request and are subject to availability.
To apply, please send 250 words on why you’re applying to spacesquad@ymca.org.au.
We take enrolments online through a My Family Lounge account.
For existing families using My Family Lounge, simply click on Casual Bookings and select the Vacation Care days needed.
For those families who wish to utilise a Vacation Care Service that they have not attended recently please call our Customer Care Team on 6242 4040 for activation.
If your child has Asthma, Anaphylaxis or requires medication to be administered while attending the service, an Authority to Give Medication Form will need to be completed.
Space Squad Location
Space Squad is based at our Sacred Heart Service in Pearce ACT.
Canberra itself has some of Australia’s greatest space attractions! In fact, some of the first images of a man walking on the moon were beamed from Honeysuckle Creek – a tracking station in Canberra. This is an experience not available anywhere else in Australia!
Space News
FAQs
Q: Do you have a COVID-19 Policy?
A: The safety of all of our staff, volunteers and cadets is important! You can find our COVID-19 policy here.
Q: How do I get to and from Space Squad?
A: All cadets will need to make their own travel arrangements to get to Y Canberra Region Space Squad program each day.
Q: When do bookings open for the next camp?
A: We aim to open our bookings for the next camp roughly 5 weeks in advance.
We suggest booking as soon as possible so that you get a spot.
For the latest information and updates, check in on this page and our Facebook page.
Q: How can I get in touch with my child?
A: If you need to contact your child during the program, you are able to contact our Customer Care Team on 6242 4040.
Q: What can students expect?
A: We strive to make each program slightly different and unique.
Some of the activities we often include are:
– Rocketry
– Gravitational waves, dark matter and black holes
– Rover coding
– Aviation
– Careers in space
Some of the venues we visit (pending availability and program schedule):
– Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
– ANU Mt Stromlo Observatory & Advanced Instrument and Technology Centre
– Questacon
– UNSW Canberra National Concurrent Design Facility (ANCDF)
– Academy of Interactive Entertainment Campus (AiE)
Q: Can Space Squad cater for allergies and medical needs:
A: Absolutely! The Y caters for school groups all year round and has a comprehensive food allergy management system in place. When you apply, you will have the opportunity to give any details regarding allergies, dietary and medical requirements. We also have First Aid trained staff on site.
Q: Who is responsible for the Cadets?
A: Space Squad is supervised by Y service coordinators who are Y Canberra Region employees. Our staff are responsible for the care of the cadets in the program.
All Y Canberra Region staff and volunteers hold valid Working with Children’s Checks/Working with Vulnerable People Checks and undergo a National Police Check.
Q: How can I follow my child’s progress on program?
A: Space Squad’s Facebook is updated and updates can be received via StoryPark.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Yes! We have a limited number of scholarships available per program. These aim to provide children who would otherwise be unable to attend due to financial difficulties the opportunity to be part of the program.
To apply for a scholarship, email spacesquad@ymca.org.au
Q: What do I need to bring to come to Space Squad?
A: Each day, children should bring a hat, water bottle, lunch and snacks*
*Note, we are a nut-free organisation.
Stay up to date:
For all updates on the application process, photos, videos, events and other exciting news follow us on the Space Squad Facebook page!
Launching Dreams
Space Squad is a program of the the Y Canberra, and we are fortunate to partner with some leading space experts in and around the Canberra Region to spark inspiration and launch dreams for our young people who are big thinkers and dreamers.
If you’d like to help out and join us in inspiring young minds and connecting within the space and technology community, reach out today!
Our Inspirers:
The Boeing Company – Boeing Australia
Australian Space Agency
Royal Australian Airforce
Inspiring the ACT
ACT Government
Academy of Interactive Entertainment
ANU
Astro3D
Australian Government Dept. of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources
Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
Canberra Rocketry Group
CSIRO
Gilmour Space Technologies
NASA
OzGrav
Questacon
Scouts Australia
University of Sydney Rocketry Team
UNSW Canberra
Visit Canberra
Young Stars
Contact Us
Have a read through our Space Squad information above. If you still have a burning space question, or just want more information contact us below.
Contact
Phone (02) 6242 4040