WPSD Space Camp 2013

Monday, April 29, 2013

1/6 g chair

Getting ready to go. . .

Yikes. . . it is challenging to change directions.

Come back!!!! Good thing the trainer has got Mike on a leash!

Whoa! This is tricky!!!

Now I'm getting the hang of it!

ahhh!!! Guess I need a bit more practice!

Nah, this is easy!

Whee!!! Lost my head there for a moment.

The Alabama skies opened up keeping us drenched most of the day. Since swimming was out of the question, the students decided to explore some of the indoor attractions.

Several brave students decided to try their skill on the rock wall

Each climber must buckle themselves into a harness.

Justin worked his way up one of the most challenging courses.

Mike quickly reached the top of his course.

Destiny and Samantha were side-by-side during must of the climb. They both reached the top in no time.

The students then enjoyed exploring the Black Hole Exploration exhibit.

After lunch it was time to check-in at the Habitat. The campers received their room assignments and took time to settle in.

Making the bed on the top bunk proved to be was a challenging task.

All of the campers gathered for orientation and an explanation of the camp rules.

Team assignments were then announced. Justin, Destiny and Kyle were placed on the Atlas team. The campers met their team leaders and received their space camp handbook.

Justin and I arrived at the airport early Saturday morning ready for our adventure.

After checking our luggage and bidding farewell to our families, we passed through security.

Justin relaxed in a massage chair and watched for our first plane to arrive.

The sky was clear as Justin lifted off on his first plane ride. I marveled at his ability to identify ballparks and other landmarks far below.

Our trip was hectic providing little time between arrivals and departures. In Philadelphia, we had to ride a shuttle between terminals. In Charlotte, we experienced the odd feeling of walking on a moving sidewalk.

Before boarding our last plane of the day, we were joined by the group traveling from WPSD.

Six hours after beginning our journey,
we finally arrived in Huntsville. A Space Camp counselor met our group at the airport.

The students could hardly wait check-in and go swimming.

The indoor and outdoor pools are separated by a glass wall above the water.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Playing (er, I mean learning) in the museum

Student journals: day one (Saturday)

I woke up very early so my parents could drive me to the airport. . . .it was a bit hard for me to let go but I did. We got on the plane and took off. I was very excited. . . .
Samantha G.

. . . We (Sam, Hannah, Destiny, Kyle, and me) departed from Pittsburgh Airport at 12:05PM. Arrived at Charlotte at about 1:15PM, switched to other plane and departed to Huntsville Al by 2:19. Also I had a great experience for my first flight of my life. Fortunately my ears didn't popped at all. Whew! Then we drove to main grounds of Space camp. . . . I had never stayed in hot tub so long before.
- Mike W.

. . . [we flew from Pittsburgh to Charlotte to ] meet boy from PA, then we . . . .go to hotel, find room, and go to pool (to) swim, back to my room to eat China food. . . We have a lot of fun today!
- Kyle D.

Time goes by fast when you're with friends. We arrived at the hotel and went swimming. Afterwards we ate Chinese food and it was delicious!
- Hannah F.

. . .I love to go vacation. . . . so much fun. . . Have a food night y'all!
- Destiny T.