 |
| Megan Warner briefing her Phoenix Overnight Camp crew on a March 2007 weekend. This was my desk in the Briefing Room. The Phoenix lower front hatch is visible on the left bottom. |
March is the time of year when the Space Center, and now Space Centers, announce their summer camp season. The March space camp announcement is a tradition as seen in the photo above. The 2007 Summer Camp flyer is visible at the end of my desk. And if you look close enough, you'll see the summer camp missions for 2007 written on the whiteboard.
 |
| The 2007 Summer Camp Season outlined on the Briefing Room's whiteboard |
By the way, does anyone out there recognize Megan's overnight mission from her briefing drawings?
In case you haven't noticed, it's March; and that means it is time to announce the summer camp season for 2018.
Mr. Williamson
Telos Discovery Space Center and the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center Announce their Summer Camp Schedules
Summer space adventure right here in Utah! Send your child or teen for an overnight, super-overnight, three day, or five day simulated space adventure that will be the highlight of their summer and a memory they will talk about for years to come. Or, sign your family up for a unique and exciting family reunion or beat-the-h
eat activity. Visit Telos Discovery Space Center's Summer Camp page for more details.
If the unusually warm weather doesn't have you looking forward to Summer then perhaps this will.
SUMMER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR SPACE CAMPS!
That's right you can now safely plan out your summer vacations around your cadet's favorite activity. Be an early bird and register before May 5th to get 5% off any camp. Code: warbird
Amazing Timelapse of the Entire Universe
On a cosmic time scale, human history is as brief as the blink of an eye. By compressing all 13.8 billion years of time into a 10 minute scale, this video shows just how young we truly are, and just how ancient and vast our universe us. Starting with the big bang and culminating in the appearance of homo sapiens, this experience follows the unfolding of time at 22 million years per second, adhering closely to current scientific understanding.
It can be difficult to fathom how long 13.8 billion years is. The more you watch this video, the more it sinks in just how stunningly old the universe is, and how magnificently tiny we humans are in the grand scheme. I hope seeing this experiment in humility makes you ponder the vast, unwitnessed ages that have passed before we came along, and the brevity of our existence in comparison.
Every event featured in this video is fascinating on its own, so I highly encourage anybody interested to dig deeper. Start with the Wikipedia page on geologic time and go from there to learn more about all the events featured within.
Narration by Brian Cox, Carl Sagan, and David Attenborough.
Concept, music, editing, sound design, and select VFX by melodysheep. Soundtrack now on bandcamp: https://melodysheep.bandcamp.com/albu...
In addition to custom footage, this video samples a large library of content from many sources, including NASA, Voyage of Time, Cosmic Voyage, Wonders of the Universe, and more. Learn more about this project at http://melodysheep.com/timelapse.
Post from the Past: Supernova Field Trip Program is a Success! What is the Space Center's Primary Purpose and How Can You Help Us Achieve that Purpose.
September 23, 2001
Hello Troops,
Monday saw the opening day of the new Supernova Field Trip Program. I decided to teach today to model the lesson for Fred, Lorraine, and Jennifer. I wrote the lesson 4 years ago, the last time we did the Supernova. I took an hour or so to review it. It went well. The
students enjoyed the lessons and the jokes. It is a good lesson. It teaches them in a way they can understand how they are related to the Earth and the Stars by the fabric of their very being. After School we opened the simulators for Orem Elementary's 6th graders for the Supernova story. It also went extremely well. The Voyager's afterschool staff lead by Brady Young did the job and connected all the loose ends.
It is important to know as a staff and volunteers that the purpose of the Space Center is not to run overnight or summer camps. Our primary purpose, the reason the School Board of the Alpine School District supports the Center with my salary, is to run the daytime field trips. We could close all other programs except the school field trips and not hear a word about it from my bosses. All other programs work to support the daytime operations. Our daytime missions need to be the best - the best in story, special effects, computer screens, training, and Teaching. I believe we have reached our goal this year. I want to thank the following for their efforts.
1. Me..... It is a darn good story and lesson.
2. Lorraine Houston. Willing to teach it for another year and an outstanding job in the classroom and Voyager. Teachers comment every year on the terrific job Lorraine does. I also want to thank Lorraine for the goodies she brings. She provides great teaching, good conversation, and food for the soul and tummy.
3. Jennifer Remy. Excellent work with the curriculum web site! This site really improves the professionalism of the Center. It puts us in league with the big boys. Jennifer is new to the daytime operation this year. She comes with excellent ideas on things we can do for lessons, and expansion.
4. Fred Olsen. His knowledge and work in the classroom adds that level of scholarship we need to say we are an institution that teaches space science.
5. Bill Schuler. What an outstanding video tape for the Supernova flight. There are sections in that tape that cause shock and dismay and cheers.
6. David Merrell. Great tactical, science, and sensors stacks. What can one say. Thanks. David will also be operating the Odyssey for the first 3 months of operation. A real big thanks for the new Odyssey controls. Mark Daymont worked with David on the overnight mission and commented on how the Odyssey has also been taken up a notch on the Disney Quality Scale.
7. Steven ?. Steven has taken over the Magellan for school operations. He is doing well. His contribution to our day time operations is setting up and taking down the planetarium. You may not think that is much but the planetarium is another highlight of the field trip experience. It is also a very expensive piece of equipment.
9. Kyle Herring. Kyle, although not a part of day to day operations will play an important role in the Disney Quality Index. Although very busy with his own business, Kyle has agreed to still come in when our visiting classes are large and run the Galileo in the morning.
10. Brady Young. Brady is the Voyager supervisor for after school missions. Yes, the afterschool Voyager missions are intended for schools that can't make it during the school day and therefore considered part of the field trip program. Brady does an excellent job
taking care of the details so I'm not so "frayed" on my 3rd mission of the day.
11. A special thank you to the other Blue Shirts, Voyagers, and Pioneers that also assist in the after school field trips.
I'm feeling very positive about this year and believe we offer the schools and teachers of this district and surrounding districts one of the best field trips within hundreds of miles. I challenge all the staff and volunteers to think of new ways we can "WOW" our field trip
visitors. Remember again - the field trips are the reason we are open. We want the school board to hear from people year in and year out how superb their child's field trip was.
I compare us to Disney. We offer entertainment and education wrapped into one package. Quality is very important to them and should be as important to us. The Center's quality starts with the impressions the public has as they come to the Center. Our staff and volunteers are the first thing they notice even before they see the ships. How can we
improve that first impressions?
1. Remember, most people's first impression of the Center comes from the school field trips. Central isn't the best looking school in the district. Many drive up, take one look at the Center and think "This is where the Space Center is?" So..... when they walk in the building and meet one of us they need to feel welcome. Be friendly and welcoming.
2. Look your best when you come to work. All staff should be wearing staff shirts or shirts and ties. Black pants for overnight. Blue jeans are never acceptable at the Space Center.
3. No gum.
4. Shirts tucked in.
5. Teeth brushed - especially if you are going to be training or working the bridge.
6. At the end of the mission thank the customers for coming and invite them to come back.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
The rest of the week went very well. The program almost feels like it has dropped in to the groove. Very odd for the so early in the year.
I'm always honored to work with all of you. I feel we make a good team. We all have something to contribute to the Center
Let's have another good week.
Mr. Williamson
Monday saw the opening day of the new Supernova Field Trip Program. I decided to teach today to model the lesson for Fred, Lorraine, and Jennifer. I wrote the lesson 4 years ago, the last time we did the Supernova. I took an hour or so to review it. It went well. The
students enjoyed the lessons and the jokes. It is a good lesson. It teaches them in a way they can understand how they are related to the Earth and the Stars by the fabric of their very being. After School we opened the simulators for Orem Elementary's 6th graders for the Supernova story. It also went extremely well. The Voyager's afterschool staff lead by Brady Young did the job and connected all the loose ends.
 |
| Photo from the Past: Stephanie Blackman as the Doctor on the USS Phoenix. 2007 |
 |
| Photo From the Past: The USS Voyager's Decontamination Hallway. Step out of the turning door and you saw this. Walk to the end of the hall and on the left is an engineering panel, on the right is the stairway down to the crew quarters. |
1. Me..... It is a darn good story and lesson.
2. Lorraine Houston. Willing to teach it for another year and an outstanding job in the classroom and Voyager. Teachers comment every year on the terrific job Lorraine does. I also want to thank Lorraine for the goodies she brings. She provides great teaching, good conversation, and food for the soul and tummy.
3. Jennifer Remy. Excellent work with the curriculum web site! This site really improves the professionalism of the Center. It puts us in league with the big boys. Jennifer is new to the daytime operation this year. She comes with excellent ideas on things we can do for lessons, and expansion.
4. Fred Olsen. His knowledge and work in the classroom adds that level of scholarship we need to say we are an institution that teaches space science.
5. Bill Schuler. What an outstanding video tape for the Supernova flight. There are sections in that tape that cause shock and dismay and cheers.
6. David Merrell. Great tactical, science, and sensors stacks. What can one say. Thanks. David will also be operating the Odyssey for the first 3 months of operation. A real big thanks for the new Odyssey controls. Mark Daymont worked with David on the overnight mission and commented on how the Odyssey has also been taken up a notch on the Disney Quality Scale.
7. Steven ?. Steven has taken over the Magellan for school operations. He is doing well. His contribution to our day time operations is setting up and taking down the planetarium. You may not think that is much but the planetarium is another highlight of the field trip experience. It is also a very expensive piece of equipment.
9. Kyle Herring. Kyle, although not a part of day to day operations will play an important role in the Disney Quality Index. Although very busy with his own business, Kyle has agreed to still come in when our visiting classes are large and run the Galileo in the morning.
10. Brady Young. Brady is the Voyager supervisor for after school missions. Yes, the afterschool Voyager missions are intended for schools that can't make it during the school day and therefore considered part of the field trip program. Brady does an excellent job
taking care of the details so I'm not so "frayed" on my 3rd mission of the day.
11. A special thank you to the other Blue Shirts, Voyagers, and Pioneers that also assist in the after school field trips.
I'm feeling very positive about this year and believe we offer the schools and teachers of this district and surrounding districts one of the best field trips within hundreds of miles. I challenge all the staff and volunteers to think of new ways we can "WOW" our field trip
visitors. Remember again - the field trips are the reason we are open. We want the school board to hear from people year in and year out how superb their child's field trip was.
 |
| The Voyager's Security Station Looking Toward the stairway to the Captain's Loft and Brig |
improve that first impressions?
1. Remember, most people's first impression of the Center comes from the school field trips. Central isn't the best looking school in the district. Many drive up, take one look at the Center and think "This is where the Space Center is?" So..... when they walk in the building and meet one of us they need to feel welcome. Be friendly and welcoming.
2. Look your best when you come to work. All staff should be wearing staff shirts or shirts and ties. Black pants for overnight. Blue jeans are never acceptable at the Space Center.
3. No gum.
4. Shirts tucked in.
5. Teeth brushed - especially if you are going to be training or working the bridge.
6. At the end of the mission thank the customers for coming and invite them to come back.
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.
The rest of the week went very well. The program almost feels like it has dropped in to the groove. Very odd for the so early in the year.
I'm always honored to work with all of you. I feel we make a good team. We all have something to contribute to the Center
Let's have another good week.
Mr. Williamson
 |
| Photos from the Past: The Captains Station on the Phoenix |
Post from the Past: Congratulations on These Promotions
September 28, 2001
Hello Troops!
I'm happy to announce the promotion of 12 of our top Pioneers to the Voyager Society. The following Pioneers have been promoted to the Voyager Society. The selection was based on their points and service time.
Alan Johnson
Jennifer Halverson
Travis Masterson
Allison Cloutier
McKay Hardy
Mike Camp
Mike Nielson
Quentin Smith
Richard Woolston
Taylor Dacus
Ben Hoglund
Aspen King
Your promotions are effective now.
On behalf of the Voyager Society, Blue Shirts, Flight and Set Directors I want to welcome you into the Society.
Mr. Williamson
I'm happy to announce the promotion of 12 of our top Pioneers to the Voyager Society. The following Pioneers have been promoted to the Voyager Society. The selection was based on their points and service time.
Alan Johnson
Jennifer Halverson
Travis Masterson
Allison Cloutier
McKay Hardy
Mike Camp
Mike Nielson
Quentin Smith
Richard Woolston
Taylor Dacus
Ben Hoglund
Aspen King
Your promotions are effective now.
On behalf of the Voyager Society, Blue Shirts, Flight and Set Directors I want to welcome you into the Society.
Mr. Williamson
 |
| Lorraine Houston |
Post from the Past: Lorraine Houston Gives her Thoughts on the September 11th Attack
September 28, 2001
Everyone,
Victor's post on the terrorists' attack really got to me when I read the part about looking in on your sleeping children once last time. Most of you don't understand yet just how much your parents love you and and the great sacrifice it was for your mother to get you here. It has only been a few short years ago when my children were very little. I use to put them to bed all in the same room. There were two twin beds, a crib, dressers, toys, diapers, and plenty
of stuffed animals in the room. (I just wanted to add that because the memories are sweet it's not really important) After they were asleep I would quietly go back into the room and sit in the middle of the floor. I would look at them, each one so innocent, each hand so
tiny, and each small face so beautiful. I would often pray in the peace and quiet of that small room for the safety and happiness of those beautiful children.
When I think of the six children and their parents from Springville who were in the towers, the ten year little girl and her mother on the plane, I cannot understand how anyone could harm and frighten such innocent people. I am filled with pain for them and the ones they left behind. This is a most horrible crime, and yes we can go on, but not without a greater knowledge of how precious life is, and how we should take the time to let those around us know how much we love them. I know that I will live each day with a renewed effort to
share my love, and bring sunshine into the lives of those I come in contact with. Anyone of us could be taken back without warning, if so, I hope we leave behind good memories, true service, love, and a better world for others.
If you haven't thanked and hugged your parents lately, maybe it is time.
Your loving Space Mom, Lorraine
Hello Troops,
I'm pleased to announce the appointment of the following people from the Waiting Volunteer Pool into the Pioneers.
Megan Warner
Richard Bean
Thomas Hardin
Stephen Matthews
Casey Voeks
Mike Bangerter
Heather Loveridge
Stacy Carrell
Dustin Flanary
Scott Robinson
Shane Michelsen
Spencer Jones
Brett Merkley
Gary Gardiner
These people were eligible because of the time they have been waiting and because they came and did mission observations. There were many other Waiting Volunteers that answered the questionnaire but hadn't done any observations.
Waiting Volunteers, remember to come and do observations. You cannot be placed in the Pioneers until you've done some.
Again, Welcome to the Pioneers! You may now send in mission requests when I send out the call for volunteers. You may also pick up your Pioneer T-shirt the next time you come to the Space Center. I also urge you to look in the Egroup File Section and read what it takes to advance within the Pioneers toward the Voyager Society. May I suggest you enroll in one or more of our Space Academy Classes. The Flyer is on our website.
Congratulations!
Mr. Williamson
Hello Troops,
This week has been a special one to over 20 members of our egroup. Several of them were appointed to either the Voyager Society or the Pioneers. I want to congratulate those promoted. To those moving into the Voyager Society I say welcome. I'm excited to get to work with you on the overnight missions. I know many of you have been waiting a long
time for this promotion.
To those of you just appointed into the Pioneers I also say Welcome! I've met all of you at least once. I know you are excited to get involved by working your first missions. Remember, Pioneers may work any afterschool and Saturday missions. They may not do overnight missions. Whenever you see an opening on the weekly calendar posted here get on the email and let me know. Another warning from the wise. All communications from the Center come through email and the egroup, not the phone or mail. If you want to move ahead check your email often, at least once a day! If you don't you will miss out on
opportunities.
There have been new changes made in the advancement file of the egroup. Now, there is a way for everyone to move up the ladder toward Blue Shirt and then on up through those levels. Everyone please go to the file section of the egroup and click on the Advancement file. Please read it over carefully. If you have questions please post them to the egroup and I'll answer them.
I've been feeling relaxed this week. Monday was fun. We had the student government officers from Highland High School in the Voyager for the Supernova mission. They had a great time. I enjoyed working with them. They really got into it. I got a chuckle from the kid at engineering. This kid looked like a football player so it was a tight squeeze for him up there next to the ceiling. All during his training he kept shouting "This is sooooo Cool!" That is the kind of stuff a flight director needs to hear at the start of every mission. During the training I'd also here him clapping his hands and laughing every time he got to rearrange the chips. Sometimes I forget how fun this place can really be.
Tuesday was spent in a First Aid Class complete with CPR training. Some of it will come in handy at the Center - you know, cuts and nose bleeds. I doubt I'll ever have need to administer CPR but you never know. To certify you have to do CPR and mouth to mouth on dummies laid out in the hallways. I could have some fun with that comment but I'll
let it go.......... I did get confused on the baby dummy. I wasn't holding it correctly. I was also slapping it too hard on the back for the choking test. My teacher said I dislodged the object but the baby would be paralyzed from the neck down for life. "At least it can breath!" I said. "It will thank me someday," He signed my card and moved me on.
I want to thank Jennifer Remy for teaching my Pre Algebra class on Tuesday. The kids loved it and think she is great. They want her back. What do you think of that!? Gone one day and ready for the scrap heap. Kids these days!
I'll see you all this week. We officially open on Monday with nonstop regular field trips. Oh stop my beating heart. I'm already exhausted and looking forward to Thanksgiving Break. Are you with me on that one!?
Mr. Williamson
Theater Imaginarium
The Best Gifs of the Week Edited for a Gentler Audience
Everyone,
Victor's post on the terrorists' attack really got to me when I read the part about looking in on your sleeping children once last time. Most of you don't understand yet just how much your parents love you and and the great sacrifice it was for your mother to get you here. It has only been a few short years ago when my children were very little. I use to put them to bed all in the same room. There were two twin beds, a crib, dressers, toys, diapers, and plenty
of stuffed animals in the room. (I just wanted to add that because the memories are sweet it's not really important) After they were asleep I would quietly go back into the room and sit in the middle of the floor. I would look at them, each one so innocent, each hand so
tiny, and each small face so beautiful. I would often pray in the peace and quiet of that small room for the safety and happiness of those beautiful children.
When I think of the six children and their parents from Springville who were in the towers, the ten year little girl and her mother on the plane, I cannot understand how anyone could harm and frighten such innocent people. I am filled with pain for them and the ones they left behind. This is a most horrible crime, and yes we can go on, but not without a greater knowledge of how precious life is, and how we should take the time to let those around us know how much we love them. I know that I will live each day with a renewed effort to
share my love, and bring sunshine into the lives of those I come in contact with. Anyone of us could be taken back without warning, if so, I hope we leave behind good memories, true service, love, and a better world for others.
If you haven't thanked and hugged your parents lately, maybe it is time.
Your loving Space Mom, Lorraine
Post from the Past: Congratulations on These Promotions from the Volunteering Waiting Pool into Active Volunteering
September 30, 2001
Hello Troops,
I'm pleased to announce the appointment of the following people from the Waiting Volunteer Pool into the Pioneers.
Megan Warner
Richard Bean
Thomas Hardin
Stephen Matthews
Casey Voeks
Mike Bangerter
Heather Loveridge
Stacy Carrell
Dustin Flanary
Scott Robinson
Shane Michelsen
Spencer Jones
Brett Merkley
Gary Gardiner
These people were eligible because of the time they have been waiting and because they came and did mission observations. There were many other Waiting Volunteers that answered the questionnaire but hadn't done any observations.
Waiting Volunteers, remember to come and do observations. You cannot be placed in the Pioneers until you've done some.
 |
| The forward section of the old Galileo |
Again, Welcome to the Pioneers! You may now send in mission requests when I send out the call for volunteers. You may also pick up your Pioneer T-shirt the next time you come to the Space Center. I also urge you to look in the Egroup File Section and read what it takes to advance within the Pioneers toward the Voyager Society. May I suggest you enroll in one or more of our Space Academy Classes. The Flyer is on our website.
Congratulations!
Mr. Williamson
 |
| Photos from the Past: The forward section of the Odyssey as seen from the Captain's Chair |
Post from the Past: Space Center Journal. Promotions, CPR Training, Highland High and the Voyager. The Center is Ready to Open for Field Trips. Let the Season Begin!
September 30, 2001
Hello Troops,
This week has been a special one to over 20 members of our egroup. Several of them were appointed to either the Voyager Society or the Pioneers. I want to congratulate those promoted. To those moving into the Voyager Society I say welcome. I'm excited to get to work with you on the overnight missions. I know many of you have been waiting a long
time for this promotion.
To those of you just appointed into the Pioneers I also say Welcome! I've met all of you at least once. I know you are excited to get involved by working your first missions. Remember, Pioneers may work any afterschool and Saturday missions. They may not do overnight missions. Whenever you see an opening on the weekly calendar posted here get on the email and let me know. Another warning from the wise. All communications from the Center come through email and the egroup, not the phone or mail. If you want to move ahead check your email often, at least once a day! If you don't you will miss out on
opportunities.
 |
| Pictures from the Past: The Magellan |
There have been new changes made in the advancement file of the egroup. Now, there is a way for everyone to move up the ladder toward Blue Shirt and then on up through those levels. Everyone please go to the file section of the egroup and click on the Advancement file. Please read it over carefully. If you have questions please post them to the egroup and I'll answer them.
I've been feeling relaxed this week. Monday was fun. We had the student government officers from Highland High School in the Voyager for the Supernova mission. They had a great time. I enjoyed working with them. They really got into it. I got a chuckle from the kid at engineering. This kid looked like a football player so it was a tight squeeze for him up there next to the ceiling. All during his training he kept shouting "This is sooooo Cool!" That is the kind of stuff a flight director needs to hear at the start of every mission. During the training I'd also here him clapping his hands and laughing every time he got to rearrange the chips. Sometimes I forget how fun this place can really be.
 |
| Photos from the Past: The Magellan |
Tuesday was spent in a First Aid Class complete with CPR training. Some of it will come in handy at the Center - you know, cuts and nose bleeds. I doubt I'll ever have need to administer CPR but you never know. To certify you have to do CPR and mouth to mouth on dummies laid out in the hallways. I could have some fun with that comment but I'll
let it go.......... I did get confused on the baby dummy. I wasn't holding it correctly. I was also slapping it too hard on the back for the choking test. My teacher said I dislodged the object but the baby would be paralyzed from the neck down for life. "At least it can breath!" I said. "It will thank me someday," He signed my card and moved me on.
 |
| Photos from the Past: The Phoenix Crew getting briefed on their Overnight Camp Mission. March 2007 |
I want to thank Jennifer Remy for teaching my Pre Algebra class on Tuesday. The kids loved it and think she is great. They want her back. What do you think of that!? Gone one day and ready for the scrap heap. Kids these days!
I'll see you all this week. We officially open on Monday with nonstop regular field trips. Oh stop my beating heart. I'm already exhausted and looking forward to Thanksgiving Break. Are you with me on that one!?
Mr. Williamson
Theater Imaginarium
The Best Gifs of the Week Edited for a Gentler Audience
No comments:
Post a Comment