See the Latest Pictures from the New Space Center Simulators. Awesome is the Only Word for Them. From the Archives. Ten Years Ago. Meet Admiral Schuler - the Terror of the Overnight Camps and Quiet Before Bed on the Overnight Camp. Also, the Imaginarium Theater. Enjoy.

The Latest Pictures of the CMSC 

The Galileo

Name to Be Announced Simulator

The Odyssey

The Starbase Hallways

The Phoenix

The Cassini

The Magellan

The Planetarium Level with Stairway to Starbase

A Sign on the Baseball Backstop Reminding Everyone that the Christa McAuliffe Space Center is About to Open.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

Pictures of the Old Space Center.

Hello Troops,
     You're stepping in the Space Center's Way Back Machine to see the Space Center shortly after its opening in November 1990. The photographs are courtesy of Connor Paulson. He found them somewhere online. I'm thinking www.prehistoricschools.org. I'll do my best to describe what you're seeing. I'm sure you'll marvel at how far we've come over the last twenty years.

     In 1990 the Space Center consisted of the Voyager simulator and the Briefing Room (where the Odyssey and Phoenix are today). In the photograph above you see Mr. Bill Schuler teaching a lesson on Space History. Bill is wearing a Star Trek uniform. During our early camps, Bill played Admiral Schuler. Every Overnight Camp started with Adm. Schuler's inspection of the Voyager. He'd walk up the spiral stairway to inspect the crew and the cleanliness of the ship. The crew would be smartly at attention. The Admiral scrutinized the carpet, looking for the slightest molecule of dust or grime. If found, he'd go into a rant.
     "Captain. Look at this!" he'd say while pointing to a spec of something or another on the carpet. Of course the captain had to strain to see what the Admiral was talking about - which made it even funnier for those of us in the Control Room watching on the camera. "Captain, I could have tripped over that. Did you want me to trip over that pile of trash?"
     Bill's exaggeration of the size of the spec of dust always caused one of the campers to chuckle. Oh, foolish child, that is exactly what the Admiral wanted. Bill worked the crew until someone laughed of snorted or made any sound he could latch onto like a bird on a power line.
     The Admiral's unique homing device drew him straight to the disrespectful camper. The Admiral stood toe to toe with the the camper - bent at the waist so his nose was inches from the campers. "Did I say something amusing cadet?" he'd sneer. Bill exaggerated the movements of his mouth so droplet's of spittle would land on the camper's face.
     "Captain, this ship is a disgrace to the fleet. You're not certified to take it out of Space Dock. Get it cleaned up and get your crew in order. I'll return shortly." 

     The Admiral walked off the bridge and down the spiral stairs. The campers always broke into laughter when they were sure he was out of earshot. That was my cue to enter the bridge and help them with the detailed cleaning. We'd also discuss the importance of staying in character - even during a grueling interrogation from the Admiral.
     The Admiral would once again make his appearance and do his best to get someone out of character. This continued until the crew made it through without cracking. It took several tries, which ate up a lot of time, but well worth it. Besides, in those days overnight camps started at 5:00 P.M. and ended at 11:00 A.M. They included a pizza supper believe it or not. We had extra time to kill. In those days the missions ended for bed at midnight instead of 11:00 P.M. as they do now. They also cost $25.00 per person. Times have changed.......
     In those days we only had the Voyager so half the overnight crew would be in the ship doing the mission while the other half attending classes. They'd rotate every hour or so.
     Notice the big screen TV. Notice the bunks behind the TV? The Phoenix sits there today. Those bunks were reserved for the staff.
     Notice the Staff Bulletin Board. Notice there about 15 places for pictures? That was the size of our staff in those days. All of them were volunteers. The most senior volunteers received a $5.00 gift card for working an overnight camp. It's because of this early volunteer staff the Center was able to save enough money to build and outfit the Odyssey (along with a $25,000 donation from US West).
    

Enjoy,
Mr. Williamson

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2010

And Now, Nearly Bedtime

     Another week gone. It's 11:37 P.M. and the campers are preparing for bed. I've got a few moments of peace and nearly quiet while Jon and Alex do battle in the Voyager. My shoes prop open the Briefing Room door leading to the school's hallway. AHHH, my toes are free to roam the wilderness of odds, ends and junk inhabiting the under areas of my desk.
     We've had a great week at the Center. Secondary school's made up most of the field trips. I told a few Perikoi's, a couple of Cry from the Dark's and, my favorite for the week, three or four Midnight Rescues.
     Bracken Funk finished the new tactical cards for the mission from his dorm room at Fresno State and sent them via the internet. I was so impressed with his work I went ahead and told the mission without knowing them properly. It was hit and miss but Jon was on hand to help. Lorraine was at video so I didn't need to focus on that.
     Bracken's new cards do an excellent job bringing suspense and anticipation to the crew. These emotions springboard into the screams and shouts from which we flight directors feed. Great Job Bracken!
     Strangely quiet in the Voyager right now. Jon may be telling stories in the Crew Quarters. His stories are always a favorite with our campers.
     The junior high staff are in the Odyssey. The girls are tucked away in the gym under the ever watchful eye of Mrs. Houston and Metta. The high school boys are talking in the Discovery. They have their computers open and ipods playing. They can't live when unconnected from the matrix. What have we become.

And now its 11:51 P.M.

     Best go to bed. I'll need to get up earlier than usual tomorrow to make the donut run to WalMart.
     I just checked the school's front door. We're locked and secure. Pleasant Grove sleeps quietly at the foot of Mt. Timpanogoes, reminding me its time to pull out my pad, blanket and pillow and spend another night on the floor in front of my desk, ever vigilant - or at least until blessed unconsciousness steals me away :)

Goodnight....

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos from Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Imaginarium Theater October 11, 2020 from SpaceCampUtah's Imaginarium on Vimeo.

News from Renaissance Space Academy. When Will It Open? A Cool Space Mural at the CMSC. From the Archives: See a Video Star Trek Fan Episode Shot on the First USS Voyager and See a Younger Me Give a Tour of the Center. More Awards? Will it Ever Stop? Imaginarium Theater.

The Space Academy at Renaissance Academy is closed, thank you Covid :(  However, that is not a permanent situation.  Megan Warner has been in on Saturdays working to bring the Voyager back into working order after a long summer of disuse and school construction.  Once the Voyager is back in working order and space worthy, my staff and I will meet with Renaissance administration to outline a "Back to Space" timeline.  We hope to have the Voyager open for private missions sometime this Fall.

The after school Young Astronaut Program at Renaissance may have to wait a bit longer due to the split schedule the school is working under.  More news will be posted here on The Troubadour once it is available.

The Space Academy's InfiniD mission program may resume this Fall.  I'm working with Casey and Skyler on bringing the mobile simulator to our classrooms.  The mobile unit consists of a easily portable lighting and speaker system set up in the center of a classroom.  That unit, along with a set of chromebooks, will allow us to fly InfiniD missions for Renaissance Academy's in school daytime students.  Will wonders never cease!     

Mr. Williamson 

 

The Christa McAuliffe Space Center Planetarium is Wrapped in Space. 

A cool space mural wraps around the outer wall of the planetarium providing a nice backdrop to the planets in the main lobby of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.

From the Archives.  Ten Years Ago

See a short film shot on the original USS Voyager by a group from Weber University. We sure miss that simulator. It was the best.

September 2010

Here we have a short film made by J&j Productions and the AAT Team of Weber University. It was a smash hit at the award ceremony. Check it out.

In that same post was this video clip showing me giving a representative from UEN a tour of the Space Center.  

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2010

What? More Awards? When will it Ever Stop?

OK Troops,
     It's time to pause from the drudgery of your day to day routine and pay some attention to a few awesome Space Center volunteers that recently received honors during the After Meeting on the last few Overnight Camps.

     Ahem, we'll get started once we can have everyone's attention. Jacqueline Wallace, Rachel Harken we're waiting on you two. Please find a seat.
     Rachel doesn't do Facebook or My Space or any of the other Your Business is My Business social web sites. She believes the best way to find out what her friends are doing is talk to them, face to face.
     Jacqueline, on the other hand, prefers to keep things at a distance and doesn't like being forced into a verbal conversation covering a week's worth of news from someone that doesn't post or tweet.  "So much talk talk. It's so medieval," she was overheard saying while rummaging through the fruit on the glass display case after the camp.
     Rachel had Jacqueline trapped in conversation. 

Jacqueline may look at ease in the photo, but if you look closely at her right hand you'll see she isn't. She's digging her fingernail into her thumb, hoping to draw blood - thus giving her a reason to excuse herself to tend to the unexplained wound.

     OK, it looks like Rachel is letting Jacqueline out of the conversation with a traditional Harken Back Woods Hand Shake. It's the way all the Arkansas Harkens end their visiting. With the hand shake comes an invitation to "come on over for vittles and sweet cider when the meetin is done."
(Actually, I may have this all wrong. It might be that Jacqueline is getting her Galileo Pin from Rachel. Yep that's what it is. My bad...)

     Today we celebrate the fact that Connor Larsen is still a member of the Club of the Living after the near fatal puncture of a Phoenix Pin into his neck by Phoenix Set Director Alex Anderson.
     Alex is a member of the "Children should be seen and not heard" group . Actually, Alex takes their motto one step further and believes that children should not be seen OR heard, but considering the business we're in, he's had to adapt - and it hasn't been easy. It's taken a few years but I've gotten Alex to the point where he tolerates our campers and actually does a good job convincing them that he cares. He says he's living a lie every time he smiles at anyone younger than 15 but, in the interest of a pay check, his smile has become believable, although his voice sounds strained when he has to comfort a frightened small human.
     You've heard in your science classes that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. It is true. Every time Alex forces himself into being agreeable with our customers, someone or something must be the recipient of the 'Reaction'. Today that someone was Connor.
    The picture above was taken just before the Phoenix's pin penetrated one of the arteries feeding blood into Connor's brain. Luckily we had several EMT's on our staff that sprang into action and saved his life.
     (Actually, I may have this all wrong. It might be that Alex gave Connor his Phoenix pin, shook his hand, walked over to the hand sanitizer, applied two squirts, deloused his hands, and sat down. Yes, I think that's how it went. Sorry.).

     Christine Grosland comforted Eric Babb as she awarded his Odyssey Pin. He was visibly moved by the event and covered Christine's hand with tears and other drippings. Christine was a champ and hid her stomach's retching from the watching staff. Eric pulled himself together by the end of the ceremony and asked to say a few words. Forty minutes later, we moved along to the other business of the day.
Actually I think I have this all wrong as well. My reporting of Space Center news is all messed up. I seem to be exaggerating a few facts (My inability to stay true to the facts is my one true weakness I'm told). Perhaps I should appoint reporters that will get the news right. What do you think?
     Thanks Troops for all your Hard Work. Our volunteers are the best in the State and I'll challenge anyone that disagrees.
     Enjoy your supper and the rest of the evening. I'm leaving the Space Center now and heading home. Dave Daymont is running a Phoenix mission. Stacy Carrell is doing the same in the Galileo, and Zac Hirschi is in full swing in the Magellan. It's all go at the Space Center at 6:08 P.M. on Thursday, September 23.

Mr. Williamson

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Imaginarium Theater October 4, 2020 from SpaceCampUtah's Imaginarium on Vimeo.

Why Did I Create the Space Center Program Nearly Thirty Years Ago. What is its Mission? What is the Future? Plus, News from the Soon to Open CMSC. And a Good Story from InfiniD Learning. Plus the Imaginarium Theater.

Hello Troops,

I've been asked many times over the last thirty years why I created the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. The answer comes from my belief that you and I, and all those we know and love, are together on this small blue dot in space. The answer comes from my belief that humankind's destiny lies out there where many things wonderful wait to be known for there is "nothing so far removed from us to be beyond our reach or so far hidden that we cannot discover it" (Rene Descartes).  I wanted to build a program that asked children to look up to see the undiscovered country.

The Space Center's early years were difficult.  Those early imagineering pioneers, those dedicated early staff and volunteers, worked alongside me in our goal to create a space faring civilization - in our own small way and in our own corner of the globe.  Did I ever want to give up?  Yes. What kept the program going?  The excitement of students and teachers, and my firm belief in our mission kept us going. 

However.....     

There was something I saw and heard those many years ago that cemented my will to continue to move forward at great personal cost.  Someone else had found the right words that inspired me; words I've come back to many times over the decades when I needed to remember the uniqueness and fragility of our existence and the absolute necessity we have to come together, despite our differences, to celebrate the fact that we are here and this is our time to make a difference.   

I'd like to share that experience with you. Perhaps, after watching this, you'll come to understand the power of emotion in education and how something lasting only a few minutes can change a life forever.

The three minutes I spent listening to this master teacher may seem insignificant in a life of 62 years - but they were. They inspired me to pass this reverence of what lies beyond in the darkness that surrounds us, and the importance of what we have here on Earth with my students. And thus, from my sixth grade classroom in the 1980's, sprang the foundation from which the Christa McAuliffe Space Center was built upon.

The power of Dr. Carl Sagan's words, spoken so long ago, still impact today's children through the space centers and our Space Academy's Young Astronauts Program by showing them what is, what was, and what could be - if we cherish the pale blue dot in space we call home.

Mr. Williamson

Are you ready for what lies ahead?  This is the call to look up and venture outward.  

Support the Space Academy's Young Astronaut Program for grades K - 8.  Contact me at Director@SpaceCampUtah.org to learn how.  

Victor

News From the Christa McAuliffe Space Center

How do you build the 2nd largest planetarium in Utah and six state of the art educational simulators? Take a look and see.

Posted by Christa McAuliffe Space Center on Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Ten Years Ago.  From The Troubadour's Archives

The Really Late Friday Overnight Camp Night Report

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

     Not all quiet on the Western Front.

     Its becoming traditional for me to post something about the current Overnight Camp before turning in for the night.
     It's 11:49 P.M. The camp is heavily loaded with boys (34 boys and 5 girls). That means I have four campers sleeping in the Odyssey. Sleeping boys in the Odyssey poses a problem. It's closest to where I sleep therefore any noise they make wakes me up. I told the boys that they could talk until I went to bed - and they are.
     There was a knock on the school's east doors. A dad arrived to pick up his sick son. That leaves 33. He was caught in traffic coming down from Salt Lake. An accident on the freeway.
     Ah, the current conversation in the Odyssey involves how many girl friends each of the boys have. It's interesting the way they try to talk over each other to make their points.
     A lull in the conversation. I think they're getting cold. The air conditioner keeps the Odyssey about 5 degrees above Absolute Zero. Such arctic conditions motivate the boys to crawl up into their sleeping bags for warmth. Soon afterwards they fall asleep, and I follow.
     Overall a good crew and of course we've got a killer staff to working with them.
     I'm getting a sore throat. Could be allergies.
     It's 12:01 A.M. time to go to bed. The air conditioners just switched off. They do this every Friday night at midnight and turn on again ten minutes later.
     Having trouble keeping my eyes open. Best surrender and see if the Odyssey boys will let me have a few restful hours before I'm up again at 5:40 A.M. to clean up before making the WalMart donut run.

Good night.

Mr. W.

A Good Story From InfiniD Learning

Skyler Carr

I got totally punked by one of our schools yesterday.

This is a school that has had a lot of super strange tech issues because their school is so old. I'm on the phone with them a lot. Yesterday I was in the neighborhood so I sent them a message asking how they were doing and if there was anything I could do to help. Their assistant principal responded, "yes, please come."

I geared up for another wild ride of troubleshooting, but when I walked into the room, the kids were all in the middle of a mission and things were working perfectly. Confused, I asked what was wrong and she said, "Nothing is wrong. You've helped us with so much that I just figured you'd want to see how much our kids love it."

Imaginarium Theater

The Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience

Imaginarium Theater September 27, 2020 from SpaceCampUtah's Imaginarium on Vimeo.