HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Instead of making S'mores over a fire, some lucky students will get a chance to camp among the stars.

The Air, Space and Missile Defense Association is offering 16 scholarships for selected children to attend a weeklong Space Camp from July 30-July 5 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.

These scholarships are open to any military or civilian children, ages 9-11, of a parent or guardian assigned to U.S. Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command; Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense; Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space; Aviation and Missile Command; Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center; Missile and Space Intelligence Center; NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center; Missile Defense Agency; and those who are contractors working for corporate members of ASMDA.

"We are very excited about the opportunity we are offering our military and employees of the ASMDA community," said Al Kemmet, ASMDA president. "The ability to provide this wonderful experience to 16 young children who probably would not otherwise have an opportunity to attend is very rewarding."

The ASMDA scholarship includes one week at Space Camp, round-trip airfare and unaccompanied minor fee (if required), transportation to and from Huntsville International Airport to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (if required) and a Space Camp flight suit.

As the timeline for receiving applications and awarding the scholarships is very tight, ASMDA will not accept applications after the deadline on May 1. The goal is to notify the winners starting May 17.

Immediately following selection and acceptance, ASMDA will send an information packet and begin making flight reservations, if applicable.
Once selected by ASMDA, winners will be required to provide an attendance application, including a camp physical, to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Scholarship application forms are available at www.asmda.us.