The 2011 Student Explorers trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, AL was definitely full of adventure! After lots of planning and arranging, on July 10th, 11 students boarded a United jet (many for the first time) and ventured to the US Space and Rocket Center for 5 days of astronaut training and fun.
The Student Explorers came from four JRJF partner schools in Chicago and Aurora, IL, but throughout the week, they came together and learned how to work (and play) like a team. The students used flight simulators to learn the basics of flying, successfully completed a shuttle mission, learned how to build a fire and shelter in the wilderness, learned how to survive a plane crash in the water, heard stories from real astronauts, and much much more! But probably the most rewarding thing to witness was how the Space Camp experience personally affected each student.
Anessa D. from Brown Elementary learned that she wasn’t so scared of planes and that she has strong leadership skills. Car-lon A. from Herbert Elementary realized he wants to be a pilot and even got to sit in the cockpit of a real plane. Lennell M. from Sherman School of Excellence found a second home at Space Camp -- excited about every single activity, he never took his flight suit off and cried the day we had to leave.
Each of the 11 students played a distinct role in the team, and I think they each learned some important things about themselves and their surroundings. They met students from around the world and explored an environment outside of their communities. They learned what possibilities exist for them in life, saw new career opportunities, and learned the importance of education and focus. For all of the 2011 Student Explorers, their time at Space Camp will be a memory they keep for life; for most of them, this experience will change the course of their lives forever.
Learn more about the Student Explorers program here.