Day two: low ropes and rocket construction

"It was so fun to play a game.  It help us to work together and [develop] teamwork.  . .  . [there was one] bucket with three balls and another bucket that was empty.. .  .[we had to] move the balls into the bucket [without touching them].   It's kinda hard." -Noah

"It the habitat we [were given] the most challenging mission.  The bucket supped to be toxic poison, and you can't touch it.  So it pretty hard." - Rain

I played with my team [by pretending we were] heading to an island [and could only use] three woods on the stone [as bridges]. . . . Failed a few times, the success!"-Fauntaye


"Last night we built a rocket!!!!  It's [a] pieced of cake!" -Noah

". . . [we learned] different methods [for] the rocket that is handmade."
-Rain

"I made a rocket and [was] really interested [by how] to make it."
Fauntaye

Weather camp?

We always prepare for various weather conditions, but didn't anticipate quite as many watches and warnings as we've been having!  The staff is on high alert and quick to respond to any potential hazard; we've sheltered three times so far in response to weather warnings.  Our students have been great though all the craziness. . . Even though some were pulled from their shower and in the middle of preparing for bed they responded quickly and with few complaints.  This is actually a Red Cross emergency shelter -- probably one of the most safe places to be in the area.  Just wanted to assure everyone that we are all okay and looking forward to a great tomorrow!!!  Will update with details of today's events in the morning. -JAM

Day two, missions

"I was selected to be the pilot [for a] very challenging mission.   As pilot [you push and switch] buttons.  The buttons are everywhere.  You have to find the specific buttons. I enjoy being pilot.  It pretty fun to practice."   -Rain

"I'm work[ing] in ISS.  It is so very cool things inside of ISS.  I'm Missions Specialist 2 for fixing technology and helping Mission Specialist 1 and giving a message . . . . [to help solve any] problem."
-Fauntaye

"I am FDO ( Flight Dynamics Officer ). . . Check shuttle [information system panels] for flying [like] how much gas or it lets me know if something broke."
Noah

Day one

"We had fun at the hotel; sadly we left  to sleep at the habitat.  It's so cool but kinda feel uncomfortable. . . I should be patient.  I met a few new friends! I like space camp but I still miss my home and school.  We learned things from Apollo 12 [and other missions]. It's very nice there" -Noah

"I listened to the leader of my team about fire and tornado [emergency procedures].  We went to eat the food  in the cafeteria.  I watched a movie [in the IMAX] theater.  I liked today!  I looked around the museum, [at the] shuttle and other things..  . . We listened to their presentation about events this week."
- Fauntaye

"[Space Camp experiences make me] more curious.  After we at dinner, we went to watch Walking on The Moon  in IMAX and it was awesome! The we went to the US Rocket museum [it was] cool to see many different rockets. "  -Rain

Blast off!!!

Moved into the habitats and went through orientation.   Students are getting to know the teams they'll be working with for the week now.  It is pouring outside and we're keeping a close watch on the weather but have plans for every possible situation and feel excited to start.

Huntsville Alabama (Day1)

Flying into town we could see the enormous rockets that mark Space Camp.  Students are writing in their journals and we'll have some words from them soon, but we just wanted to share some more photos and let everyone know that after earning flight wings, we've arrived safe and sound in this lovely city known for its contributions to aeronautics.

"My friends were so nervous of airplane but [after we] rode in the airplane, we felt comfortable.  . . .Space Camp looks so cool and I can't wait for tomorrow! :|)
- Noah

". . . Funniest, craziest day ever. . .  I wish we could stay two weeks here.
First time to [fly in an ] airplane to Atlanta. ..  Sky with cloud is so beautiful!  Then we ride another flight toAlabama . ..  Slept in the hotel. . . Swimming in pool.  I am so ready for Space Camp!
-Fauntaye

"I wish that I own the airplane, because I love how it feel- like I [am riding on a] roller coaster and then feel like I'm in a car, but faster.  Since we arriv[ed in] Huntsville, we['ve been] talking, sleeping, and [teasing each other], seeing Space Camp and swimming!" - Rain

Final count down. T-4 days until lift-off

Tuesday during ISP we learned about the space shuttle program and how rockets & orbiters (satellites) work.  That afternoon, students stayed for "movie night" where we watched the movie The Right Stuff.

"Today we learned about the space shuttle and [watched a] movie." -Fauntaye

"I learned that the space shuttle is almost like rocket and airplane.  . . . They have a few parts [like] external tank, solid rocket booster, and main engines" -Noah

"When [space shuttles] take off, the huge external tank releases and the orbiter (looks like airplane) goes to space." Rain


"I learned that [astronaut candidates take a] lot of tests, studies, and exercise. .   . I think the movie is awesome." Noah

"Since I watch[ed] the movie, I learn[ed] something more interesting. . .. . [Mercury 7 astronauts used] teamwork and tried to achieve the mission." -Rain