Galaxy Explorers began pilot program operations in 2002 with a 10-day learning summer camp in Prince William County, Virginia (see photos). Kids shared the excitement of space exploration and development through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Camp participants built and launched rockets, learned the history of space exploration, global navigation, and remote sensing. Members also observed through telescopes and conducted scientific experiments.

In 2003, The Federation hosted nearly 500 kids in five summer camps at schools in Prince William and Fairfax counties, Virginia; Colorado Springs, Colorado; State College School District, Pennsylvania; as well as NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland.

The Galaxy Explorers summer camps augment the learning experience of Mission Team school year activities.