
04 Jul You Are Never Too Old for Space Camp
You Are Never Too Old for Space Camp
I don’t remember growing up dreaming of being an Astronaut but watching the space shuttle launches on TV were a big part of my childhood. The most memorable and tragic happened on Jan 28, 1986, when I was 12, the Space Shuttle Challenger was destroyed in flight. Now that I’m in my 40’s I never thought I would have a chance to experience what it is like to be an astronaut.
When I signed up to my first TBEX conference in Huntsville, Alabama, it was really for convenience. Alabama wasn’t too far from home. Then the Pre-TBEX tours were posted, and I felt like a kid again when I saw an opportunity to go to Space Camp. I think anything with the word camp in it makes you think of a group of 10-year-olds. Granted I am not that old, but I am still nervous about trying to be a blogger at this age. I didn’t want to be the oldest person there.
Space camp
Space camp opened in 1982 in Huntsville Alabama. It was the idea of Dr. Wernher von Braun, who led the development of the Apollo-era rockets that led to the moon. Along with Mr. Edward O. Buckbee, the first director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. The center was created to inspire and motivate young people. Space camp is visited by thousands of kids and adults from around the world.
Space camp is a week long program weeks that welcomes kids as young as nine and as old as 90. You can come individually, as a family or a group. During the week you will get perform science experiments, simulations, and various team building activities. Participants of space camp have gone on to become astronauts, engineers, scientist, and technologists.
Realistically no one from the adult program is going to go and work for NASA, but you will have some fun memories you can share with your kids or check off your bucket list.
Bisa Goes to Space Camp
The day has come, and I’m going to Space Camp. Along with my fears of being the oldest person there, I didn’t want my weight would hinder me in participating in the activities. You’ve never seen a fat astronaut. I searched hours to find weight restrictions but I couldn’t. If I had to deal with something I will if it comes up and that was that.
The bus pulled up to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and just like 10 years olds we gazed out the window at the first site of a rocket with amazement.
Although this is a replica of a real rocket, it is real to us. We gathered together and met our trainer for the day.
We spent the morning going over our mission. After lunch, we visited the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. As you walk through the center, you will find a detailed timeline of the history of the space program.

Nasa Wall

Suits were worn by Apollo 1 Astronauts

USA
As you walk through the center, you will get to meet former engineers, scientist, and astronauts who volunteer their time to talk about their careers. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. William Vaughn an engineer and scientist who worked at NASA for 26 years from 1960 to 1986. He told me he was one of the only people who understand the engineering and science of things. He acted as a liaison between the two groups during his time there.

Space program Engineer
I put together a video of my day at Space Camp.
Aviation Challenge
If you dreamed of being Top Gun opposite of Tom Cruise, you could participate in the Aviation Challenge. The challenge is a military-inspired program that will help build leadership skills using to fly air-to-air simulations.

Inside a Simulator

U.S. Air Force Phantom F-4
You can attend Space Camp throughout the school year and summer. You can participate in a Family Adult Camp and the Aviation Challenge. I enjoyed my experience in Huntsville, Alabama at Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It will be an experience I will never forget. I wasn’t too old for Space Camp.
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Natalie
Posted at 21:12h, 09 JulyWhen I saw the pre-TBEX tours posted for the North American conference this year, I couldn’t believe that space camp was on it! I wanted to go SO badly, but we’d already planned a trip right over when the conference was. You look like you had a blast–thanks for letting me live vicariously through your experience at space camp!!
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 20:06h, 10 JulyYour welcome. It was a lot of fun. You never know you may get another chance to go one day. I would love to do it again.
View CommentJulie Cao
Posted at 21:48h, 09 JulyThe multi-Axis trainer seems so much fun and it spins fast, as if you are floating in the airspace and lose gravity . I would love to do it but also feel i will get bit dizzy.
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 20:05h, 10 JulyI did get dizzy mainly because I didn’t follow directions. They said don’t close your eyes and I did. lol
View CommentPaula Schuck
Posted at 16:50h, 20 JulyI didn’t get dizzy but I did get freaked out at being upside down. That is not natural!!! LOL I am happy to find your blog. You have a very interesting story.
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 21:43h, 20 JulyYeah, it is not natural. I thought it would be more like a roller coaster ride. Thanks for reading.
View CommentCindy Ladage
Posted at 10:08h, 28 JulyWhat fun. I have visited the site, but didn’t get to go to camp!
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 14:39h, 28 JulyThe camp was fun. Now you have a reason to go back.
View CommentNiki Gordon
Posted at 22:14h, 07 MarchNow I wish I’d of gone to TBEX in Alabama! But I had finals for my last semester of college. At least I finally graduated though!
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 11:52h, 08 MarchCongratulations on graduating! It was a fun experience. I never thought I would get a chance to go to space camp. You never know, maybe you’ll get a chance to go in the future.
View Commentmylestotravel
Posted at 00:43h, 11 AugustThank you for reading.
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