Jeremy Cartie has always had a love for space and exploration. Years ago, he sat in this very spot at the Kopernik Observatory as a student.

Today, he’s one of the lead educators at the summer camp, helping the next generation pursue their love for science.

“I’ve gotten to grow with the place, and now I’m teaching the camps. The students are in a position I once was, and it’s just cool to see their learning process and their growth each year,” said Jeremy Cartie, Kopernik Observatory educator.

The week-long camps have been a staple in the Southern Tier for the past 30 years, but this is the first fully in-person camp in nearly two. Each day, children learn about a new topic related to STEAM and space exploration, including the use of virtual reality.

“It’s so lively here. We have full classrooms. We’re doubled up on camp so there’s at least two every session every week, and the kids are excited. They’re engaged and it’s just nice to see them learning having fun simultaneously,” said Cartie.

And you don’t have to look far to find children having fun. Whether it’s inside a classroom or at the Science Park, they’re always learning. And the next generation is needed now more than ever.

NASA recently reported an astronaut shortage, so maybe these kids could be next on the list.

“We always being them on tours to our astronaut hall of fame, and tell them there’s local astronauts that grew up in the area, from Vestal to Owego, and when they see that, they realize we could have a career in space exploration or engineering, and realize those skills are very accessible," said Cartie.

And the camps couldn’t happen without volunteers. These interns spend their days working with the students, sharing their love for space.

“I really enjoy just spending time doing science stuff. It’s cool to me and I’m learning a lot,” said Zachary Diefendorf, Kopernik Observatory intern.

The Kopernik Observatory & Science Center opened in 1974 and has been hosting children and the community ever since.