Summer camps or *Just Kids* vacations

The ClubHouse: Archives: Summer camps or *Just Kids* vacations

Rissa

Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 08:30 am Click here to edit this post
I was just posting in another, similiar, thread about vacations and it reminded me that I want to enroll my two eldest in Space Camp this year. Before you read further you really should check out the website: http://www.spacecamp.com/

Alrighty, for those of you who did not check it out :), this is their summary:

U.S. Space Camp is a five-day program jam-packed with astronaut training for young people. Activities include simulated Space Shuttle missions, IMAX® movies, training simulators (like the 1/6th Gravity Chair), rocket building and launches, scientific experiments, and lectures on the past, present, and future of space exploration.
Kids must already be attending classes in the 4th grade and be at least 9 years old. The only other requirement is the desire to have a great time. The kids stay in bunk-bed style dorm rooms in our two locations -- Alabama (Huntsville) and Florida (Titusville). Tuition includes all meals, lodging, and program materials.

The summary covers all the programs but each is different depending on age, all are amazing experiences. The kids stay at U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Alabama or the Space Camp Florida Training Center (near NASA's Kennedy Space Center), there is also a Cdn location (www.spacecamp.ca) in Laval, Quebec.

Has anyone here sent their kids to this camp or know of someone who has? They also have parent/child programs.. adult only programs (learn to fly and get a ride in a fighter jet). How about just regular old summer camp? I have never sent my kids away for camp although they beg every year. Would love to hear other parents experiences with these week or longer camps. Any types to recommend or avoid?

Kstme

Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 02:05 pm Click here to edit this post
Rissa...SEND THEM!! It will be an experience they will NEVER forget!!!

We sent our daughter to "camp" from the time she was in first grade through her ninth grade year. At first, she went to a one week Campfire Girls camp on Puget Sound. She did that for two years and then...it was "horse camp"! For the first two years there, she went two weeks and then four and then, her last year, she was there for six weeks. I think if we hadn't moved to Vegas, she would have ended up working there as a counsler! She loved it and the memories last a lifetime!

TheKid has a friend who went to Space Camp and was awed by it! The friend wanted to be an aeronautical engineer and I'm sure she is! She went to it not long after it opened and I'm sure it's even better now.

I went to camp every summer too and I think that's why I think it's so important (IF you can afford it) to give our kids a chance to spread their wings without us parents watching overhead. They have a chance to meet so many others from so many other parts of the world and cultures. Gee...I just can't say enough good about how I feel about "camps!"

I certainly would not be concerned about "Space Camp", but if you're looking into other camps use the internet and check accreditation, references, talk with people that have gone before and, if possible VISIT yourself! Find out the policy on pre-camp visits, too! My theory is...if they don't want "me" there to check it out, my kid certainly isn't going to go either!

Hopes this helps you out! Your kids will LOVE IT!

Schoolmarm

Thursday, January 10, 2002 - 02:24 pm Click here to edit this post
I used to teach at a science magnet school and we regularly sent kids to space camp. It's GREAT!!!

I also have a friend up here who took his son to the parent/child one last year. Wonderful experience.

Apply early! I think that it is a bit competitive to get in, unless they have expanded it since I left the magnet school in 1994.