Celebrating the Start of an Out-of-This-World Summer Space EdVenture Camp Season in Utah County. Imaginarium Theater

The staff and Voyager Volunteers from The Space Place at Renaissance Academy on the first day of summer camp 2023. They are in the Voyager's Control Room. The person with the beard is the center's director Mr. Bracken Funk.

Amidst a backdrop of anticipation and determination, the momentous launch of Earth's Sagittarius Fleet unfolded at Starbase Williamson and Outpost 14 last Monday, June 5. As the engines roared to life, seven mighty starships stood poised for their mission: Voyager, Magellan, Cassini, Odyssey, Falcon, Phoenix, and Galileo. Together, these vessels represent humanity's collective strength and resolve. They are prepared to face the greatest threat ever encountered: the Ignorii.

Shrouded in darkness, the Ignorii advance relentlessly towards Earth, posing a perilous danger to mankind's very existence. The Sagittarius Fleet is Earth's last line of defense, a beacon of hope in the face of impending adversity. Manned by the finest staff officers and Voyager cadets from Earth and its dominions, each ship stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit and dedication of its crew.

With every system checked, every crew member focused, and every heart united, the time has come for humanity to make its stand. Together, the ships form an unstoppable force, bound by a shared purpose: to protect their homelands from the encroaching darkness.

In the face of such a grave threat, the crew members are driven by an unwavering determination to prevail against the Ignorii. They possess the skills, knowledge, and resilience necessary to navigate the uncharted territories that lay ahead. With every heartbeat and every command given, they brace themselves for the arduous battles that await, fully aware that their actions would determine the fate of mankind.

Say Hello to the Staff and Volunteers on the First Day of Summer Space Camp, June 5, 2023

Utah County's young space enthusiasts are in for an exciting and educational treat this summer as two of the valley's five space centers, the Christa McAuliffe Space Center (CMSC) and The Space Place at Renaissance Academy (SPRA), kick off their highly anticipated space edventure camp season. With their mission to create a space-faring civilization, both centers are prepared to offer an unforgettable experience to the young aspiring astronauts who will be attending their camps.

The staff and Voyager Volunteers of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center (CMSC) in the Magellan's Control Room on the first day of camp season 2023. Tyler G., is the guy with the mustache. He is the Magellan's Set Director

Monday, June 5 marked the beginning of this year's summer space camp season, with eager campers flocking to the CMSC and SPRA to embark on their extraterrestrial adventures. The Christa McAuliffe Space Center, named after the brave teacher-astronaut who tragically lost her life in the Challenger space shuttle disaster, has opened its doors to 52 campers per camp. Meanwhile, The Space Place at Renaissance Academy is geared up to welcome 10 space enthusiasts for their stellar program.

The staff and Voyager Volunteers of the CMSC in the Cassini's Control Room on the first day of camp season 2023. The guy with the microphone is Jon Parker. He is the Cassini's Set Director and the CMSC's Assistant Director

At the CMSC, campers will have the unique opportunity to crew one of six starship simulators, each with its own captivating name and missions: The Magellan, Cassini, Odyssey, Falcon, Galileo, and the Phoenix. The SPRA, on the other hand, boasts two starship simulators, the Voyager and the Nighthawk. The Voyager is the only ship operational for the summer at the SPRA. The Nighthawk is in the shop getting a major refit thanks to Megan Warner and Matt Long. With these state-of-the-art simulators, campers will feel like they've stepped right into a science fiction movie, ready to explore the cosmos.

The CMSC's Odyssey staff and Voyager Volunteers on the first day of

camp season 2023. Nolan is seated. He was the Odyssey's Flight Director of the First Day of Camp.

The staff and volunteers at both space centers have dedicated countless hours to training and preparation, ensuring that every camper has an extraordinary out-of-this-world experience. These passionate individuals understand the importance of nurturing a love for space exploration among the younger generation and are committed to instilling knowledge, curiosity, and a sense of adventure in each camper.

The CMSC's Falcon staff and Voyager Volunteers on the first day of

camp season 2023. That's Mr. James Porter, CMSC's Director, at the microphone.

He isn't one for pictures but kindly obliged me.

Adding to the excitement, cadets from the Voyager Clubs at both centers will be volunteering in the simulators. Their knowledge and passion for space and immersive simulator based learning will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the young campers, further enhancing their summer camp experience.

The CMSC's Phoenix staff and Voyager Volunteers on the first day of

camp season 2023. That's Silver in the plaid shirt. Silver is the Phoenix Set Director. I literally had to drag him into the control room for this staff photo. He was on his way to give his mission briefing. You don't mess with Silver's schedule :)

The camp missions themselves are the highlight of the summer program. Lasting anywhere from 2.5 hours to an impressive 7 hours, these simulated space missions immerse campers in thrilling adventures that utilize science fiction to ignite their curiosity about space. The campers assume the roles of futuristic astronauts, venturing into the cosmos aboard make-believe starships, and engaging in awe-inspiring missions that challenge their problem-solving skills and encourage teamwork.

The CMSC's Galileo staff and Voyager Volunteers on the first day of

camp season 2023. Brylee is the Galileo Set director - and as you can see by the number of pins on her lanyard, one of the most decorated of the Set Directors.

The CMSC and SPRA have carefully crafted these missions to be both educational and captivating, providing campers with an unforgettable journey through time and space. By blending science fiction with real scientific principles, the camps aim to excite young minds and inspire them to delve deeper into the wonders of our universe.

Summer Camps at the CMSC have always stared the same way, in the gym with excited campers waiting impatiently for their simulator assignments.

As the summer space camp season begins in Utah County, it is with great joy and anticipation that we congratulate the Christa McAuliffe Space Center and The Space Place at Renaissance Academy on the start of what promises to be a truly fantastic summer. To all the campers embarking on these cosmic adventures, may you reach for the stars and find endless inspiration in the mysteries that lie beyond our planet.

The campers love summer camp.  Here you see some of The Space Places's campers enjoying a friendly game of dodgeball during their lunch break.

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