YMCA Canberra Space Squad was established in 2016 and is Australia’s only residential holiday program for children in Years 6-9 who love space!

The program was designed to act as “The Spark” that inspires attendees to pursue further education and careers in STEM and space-related fields.

During the recent April school holidays, 41 young people from every State and Territory across our country gathered at Bush Capital Lodge for five (5) action-packed days.

They visited the NASA Deep Space Communications Centre, the Advanced Instrument and Technology Centre (AITC) and Questacon, stargazed at Tharwa, launched rockets, made telescopes, flew drones and much more!

The program itinerary reaffirms that STEM is fun! It looks to establish a pipeline for Higher School STEM Study and Career choices for our young participants.

We are encouraged by the high level of engagement of young girls and are actively identifying and working with key stakeholders in Education, Government and the Private Sector to create participation opportunities for Indigenous and Marginalised Young People whether in major metropolitan or regional and remote communities across Australia.

The program also helps young people with an avid interest in space and STEM-related fields to discover and experience social inclusion and engagement as they get to meet new people and make friends who share their passion for knowledge and opportunity.

Space Squad is organised and managed by experienced YMCA Canberra staff and educators with a passion for space and is wonderful example of Our Belief In The Power Of Inspired Young People.

Check out and like www.facebook.com/YSpaceSquad