Space enthusiasts of all ages gathered at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center on Saturday, July 1, for a memorable meeting of the Voyager Club. This dynamic club welcomed new members, introduced a revamped point and rank system, and unveiled unique membership advancement lanyard ID cards.
The faculty room was just big enough to hold the meeting
The meeting commenced with a warm welcome extended to the latest recruits who joined the Voyager Club. New members of the club are called Explorers. Explorers work their way through the club's point system until they reach the point level required to become Voyager Club Volunteers. With a shared passion for space exploration and discovery, these new members were eager to embark on their journey within the Voyager Club.
Vice President Mikey and Club President Aiden explaining the team building activity
One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of the club's revamped point and rank system. Members now have various avenues to earn rank points, providing them with opportunities to showcase their dedication and commitment to the club's mission. Volunteer work at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center allows members to contribute to the growth and development of the center while earning valuable points. Additionally, their academic achievements are also recognized through points awarded for school grades.
The Voyagers were divided into two teams for the activity
The Space Center's six starship simulators offer an immersive experience for Voyager Club members. Not only do they provide an opportunity to hone their skills, but passing off stations within these simulators also earns members rank points. This integration of practical learning and friendly competition ensures an engaging and rewarding experience for all participants.
The membership advancement lanyard ID cards unveiled at the meeting were another exciting addition. These personalized ID cards serve as a symbol of membership within the Voyager Club and offer a glimpse into a future yet to come. The ID cards feature a section where members can express their preference for a fictional starbase section they would join if they were living 300 years from now. This imaginative element encourages members to envision themselves as part of a future space-faring society, fostering a sense of unity and purpose within the club.
The first to received their Voyager Club Rank ID Cards were Canon, Jack, Cameron, Thomas, Mikey, and Brian Dean.
To kick off the meeting on a fun note, a lively game of Bingo was organized, giving members a chance to win prizes. After Bingo, Aiden welcomed everyone, introduced the new Explorers, and turned the time over to Mr. Williamson for the presentation of the point, advancement recognition system and ID cards. Mr. Williamson had a few minutes after the presentation to show several pictures of starship simulators passed and present for the members to identify. Micah Clegg took honors for having the sharpest memory of the Space Center's past.
The meeting concluded with a team-building game led by the enthusiastic Mikey and Aiden. Team building games contributes to the club's emphasis on teamwork.
The Voyager Club meeting held on Saturday, July 1, at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center showcased the club's commitment to inspiring and nurturing a space-faring civilization. With the introduction of the new point and rank system, membership advancement lanyard ID cards, and engaging activities, the Voyager Club continues to provide an exceptional platform for space enthusiasts to pursue their passion and contribute to a future where the stars are within reach.
The Voyager Academy Unites Voyager Clubs to Propel the Space EdVenture Centers into the 23rd Century
The Unity Parent/Student Overview
Exciting developments are taking place as the Voyager Clubs at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Renaissance Academy's The Space Place join forces to propel Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers into the future through the Voyager Academy. This collaborative initiative aims to provide cutting-edge classes and workshops to Voyager Club members, enhancing their skills and knowledge in various disciplines related to the mission of the space centers.
Bracken Funk teaches the After Effects Class at Renaissance Academy's The Space Place. The class has 17 students ranging in age from 12 to adults.
The Voyager Academy offers a diverse range of classes and departments to its members. One such department is the Engineering Department which specializes in maintaining the equipment used in the starship simulations and creating new props to more fully immerse the centers' visitors.
The Writing Department nurtures members' creativity and communication skills. Participants have the opportunity to craft captivating narratives and scripts for simulated space missions. This department fosters effective storytelling and engages members in conveying the wonders of space to a broader audience.
Recognizing the importance of immersive experiences, the Voyager Academy includes an Acting Department. Through workshops and training, members can hone their acting abilities and bring the future of space exploration narratives to life. These classes create an interactive and engaging environment for club members.
The newest addition to the Voyager Academy is the Computer Media Department. This department focuses on leveraging technology to enhance visual simulations and create stunning space imagery. Two current classes, "Learning the Basics of After Effects" and "Beginning Blender for Mission Production," are already underway. Bracken Funk, director of The Space Place at Renaissance Academy, teaches the After Effects class, while Hayden Senske leads the Blender class at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.
These courses introduce members to industry-standard software such as After Effects and Blender, enabling them to create computer-generated models. These models are then integrated into the Unity Game Engine, a powerful platform used for interactive simulations. By incorporating these visually striking models into the 3D tactical screen imagery for the space centers' simulated missions, the Voyager Academy aims to deliver an immersive and realistic experience to its members.
Hayden teaches Blender at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center
To further expand its offerings, the Voyager Academy is launching a new class on Unity, scheduled to begin in August. A recent parent and student information session held at the Planetarium in the Christa McAuliffe Space Center provided an overview of the Unity class. Instructors Dave Stevens from Meta and Elan Wilkinson from Lockheed Martin detailed the course curriculum and expected outcomes. This collaboration with industry experts ensures that Voyager Club members receive top-notch instruction and stay at the forefront of technology.
The Voyager Clubs at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Renaissance Academy's The Space Place, along with their respective Voyager Academy departments, are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of space education. By integrating cutting-edge technology, engaging storytelling, and immersive experiences, these space centers are forging new paths in space exploration and inspiring the next generation of space enthusiasts.
The Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers are poised to revolutionize starship simulations, making them visually stunning and engaging, thanks to the courses offered by the Voyager Clubs through the Voyager Academy. Together, these visionary institutions are charting a course towards a future where space exploration knows no bounds.
The First Day of Summer Space EdVenture Camps at Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers
June 5th was the first day of summer space camps at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center and Renaissance Academy's The Space Place. I visited both space center's to visually record the events. Say hello to the very enthusiastic staff and volunteers who opened the summer camp season that day.
The staff and volunteers of the Starship Magellan at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Tyler Gotcher was the Flight Director
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