A Visit to the Lion's Gate Space Center at Lakeview Academy, Saratoga Springs. Retired Space Center Flight Directors Relive Glory Days in Outing to Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Imaginarium Theater.

                    The bridge of the Starship Artemis at The Lion's Gate Space Center

On June 30th I drove to the other side of Utah Lake to visit our sister space center at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs.  The Lions Gate Space Center at Lakeview is the second oldest Space EdVenture Center in Utah Valley. It opened about 5 years ago, right before The Space Place at Renaissance Academy opened.  It was the brain child of the school's director, Richard Veasey and InfiniD's management team of Casey Voeks and Skylar Carr.  The Troubadour blog covered the construction of the Lion's Gate Center. You can read those posts by doing a search using the search engine located in the blog's right sidebar.  Type "Lakeview" in the field. 

From the open room you enter the Artemis (Left) and the Apollo (right). The Control Rooms'entrance is in the middle door.

Daniel Kirkpatrick is the director of the Lion's Gate Center.  I met Daniel at the school shortly before a private party arrived for a 2.5 hour mission.  I've been to the center several times and was interested in recent changes to the sets and how they integrated both Thorium and DreamFlight Adventures software in the operation of their ships.

 

Right off of the Open Room is the Center's prop storage. The stairs lead up to the simulators' top section giving the staff a sneaky way into the ships from above.

The center is located right off the school's main gym - perfect for landing parties. However, the gym is rarely needed because the center has a large open room in front of the entrance to both starships, the Artemis and the Apollo.  The large room is used for away teams.  It is also used when they use their large inflatable planetarium for star shows. 

Daniel briefing the crew on their mission and giving out positions.

Uniform distribution. Every uniform has a patch signifying your job on the ship. 

Every job has its own logo.

The open room is used for mission briefings and distribution of uniforms. Crews arrive, are briefed on their mission, put on their uniforms, and enter their ship all from the open room.  Large revolving darkroom doors act as the airlock to the ships.  From their the crews enter decontamination area.  A sliding glass door separates Decon to the outer bridge hallway.  Another sliding glass door takes you from the hallway and into the bridge itself.  Each simulator has a brig right off the hallway as well.

I'll let the following pictures speak for the Artemis's bridge.  It is a beautiful set.  It's sister ship, the Apollo, is an exact replica located right beside the Artemis.  

The logos loop on the televisions near the simulators' entrances

The Brig (with hatch to get your actors out when needed)

Blast Cabinet. Great for hazardous substances and defusing bombs

Front Bridge

Back Bridge. The entrance is to the left. The captain sits in front of the ladder.

Two stations in the back.  The door on the right takes you to the school's gym.

The small medical station

Right off from the bridge is the computer scientist station. This use to be a science lab which

explains the sink.

I stayed through the training and the start of the mission to see how Daniel and team used both Thorium and Dreamflight software.  Thorium is used for videos.  Ship operations are all Dreamflight.  Dreamflight controls put the simulator in a gaming 3D environment where the crew actually control the ship.  This makes flight directing a bit easier so rarely does Daniel need a second chair.  I filmed Daniel in this roll as flight director. The video is below.  

Not having a formal training session was one thing that surprised me.  The crew enters the ship, takes their stations, and begin to work through a series of tasks before the mission starts.  While the crew works their pre-launch tasks, the two volunteers set up the landing party barriers in the Open Room. 

The Center uses pvc pipes assembled together and covered with black fabric to create mazes for the crew's away missions.  They have enough material to fill this large open area with a detailed maze if needed.  And it goes super quick.  The pipes fit together, the fabric attaches with velcro and in no time, you're ready.
  

I enjoyed watching Daniel fly the ship.  He has a convincing character with the perfect "Godfather" New York accent he uses as an antagonist.  Daniel and team run a fantastic program at Lakeview.  

Retired Space Center Flight Directors Relive Glory Days in Outing to Christa McAuliffe Space Center

The Phoenix Crew

Bracken Capt. Other old space center friends include BJ Warner, Haylee Warner,

and Megan Warner

The Galileo Crew and Staff. Silver Brylee, James, Christine, ?, Nathan, and Lindsey

Pleasant Grove, USA . July 1, 2023

The Nearly There Home for Retired Flight Directors and Supervisors organized a special outing for its esteemed residents, providing them with a chance to relive their space-faring days at the renowned Christa McAuliffe Space Center. The elderly care home, known for its expertise in post-dramatic stress syndrome, a close cousin ailment to post traumatic stress syndrome (a very common ailment which afflicts most retired flight directors and supervisors), ensured a memorable experience for the retired flight directors as they embarked on their daring space missions to battle galactic villains.

The Nearly There Home for Retired Flight Directors and Supervisors

The Nearly There Home for Retired Flight Directors and Supervisors is known for its specialized care for retired space center staff. Each bedroom is equipped with unique features catering to the residents' former careers. These included a bedside microphone, a voice distorter, a cassette player for music, and cardboard cutouts of school-age children serving as a flight crew.

The Phoenix Crew

Captain Bracken Funk led one team aboard the starship simulator Phoenix, while Commander Christine Smith commanded the other team on the starship simulator Galileo. Adapting swiftly to their roles, the retirees showcased their well-honed skills, surpassing expectations without requiring any medical staff assistance during the outing. To everyone's delight, the retired flight directors seamlessly adapted to their roles in the simulations, displaying their exceptional skills and expertise.

The Phoenix Crew

Notably, the outing proved to be a testament to the retirees' resilience and independence, as none of them required assistance from the staff during restroom breaks or while navigating the stairs.

The simulated space missions challenged both teams as they faced off against some of the most nefarious adversaries the galaxy had to offer. The retirees, fueled by their past expertise and the thrill of the adventure, navigated the challenges with finesse and determination. After an exhilarating five hours, the participants, now craving auxiliary oxygen and their evening porridge and toast, bid farewell to the cosmic battles and prepared for a well-deserved rest. Each falling asleep to Star Trek reruns playing on their televisions.

The Galileo Crew

The event was a resounding success, with all participants thoroughly enjoying the outing. The dedicated nurses, who were on standby in case of any medical emergencies such as heart attacks or strokes, were not required, as the retirees demonstrated their enduring spirit and determination.

The Space Center's Undead

The outing to the Christa McAuliffe Space Center provided the retired flight directors with a nostalgic and memorable experience, allowing them to relive their glory days and create new cherished memories. The event served as a reminder of the indomitable spirit that propelled these individuals to greatness during their careers in simulated exploration.

The dear old timers are safely loaded on the Home's bus and ready

to leave the Space Center

And to the staff who took such good care of them while they were ship bound, please know that you helped them find solace in their memories of their old cosmic triumphs.

Video Link 1. Video Link 2. Video Link 3. Video Link 4

Imaginarium Theater

The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience.

Exciting Developments Unveiled at the Voyager Club Meeting. The Voyager Academy Unites Voyager Clubs to Propel the Space EdVenture Centers into the 23rd Century. The First Day of Summer Space EdVenture Camps at Utah Valley's Space EdVenture Centers Imaginarium Theater

New Explorers were introduced during the meeting

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 Voyager Club ID Rank Card Explained

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 Voyager at The Space Place in Lehi, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Bracken Funk (The Space Place Director) was the Flight Director

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

The staff and volunteers of the Starship Phoenix at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Silver Perry was the Flight Director

The staff and volunteers of the Starship Falcon at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. James Porter (Space Center Director) was the Flight Director.

The staff and volunteers of the Starship Galileo at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Orion Bowers was the flight director

The staff and volunteers of the Starship Odyssey at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Nolan Welch was the flight director.

The staff and volunteers of the Starship Cassini at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center in Pleasant Grove, Utah on the opening day of the summer space camp season. Jon Parker was the Flight Director

Imaginarium Theater

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

The Few, The Proud, the Chosen Welcome a New Member of the Flight Director's Guild. The Flight Director's Roundtable Meets for the First Time. Julie's Dress of Many Planets, Imaginarium Theater

                 Alex R., in the CMSC Galileo with the FD Microphone in Hand

     One of the happiest things I get to post on The Troubadour is the appointment of new members into the Flight Director's Guild.  The Guild's membership is composed of outstanding flight directors at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, The Space Place at Renaissance Academy, the Lions Gate Center at Lakeview Academy, the American Heritage School Discovery Space Center, and the Telos Discovery Space Center.

The Flight Director's Guild

     Today I introduce Alex R., as the newest member of the Flight Director's Guild.  Alex was given his FD wings on June 16th by James Porter, Director of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center.  He is authorized to fly the CMSC's Galileo.

     Alex, at 14 years of age, is one of the youngest FD's ever promoted into the Guild.  He started volunteering at the CMSC in April 2022 and in 14 months reached his goal.  His training began in November 2022.  His trainers were Brylee (Galileo Set Director) and Orion.  His favorite mission to fly is "The Hunt". 

     Getting into the Guild is difficult, requiring months of training (sometimes years) involving both hands on practice and critical reviews and evaluations of practice missions. So it is fitting that we celebrate the induction of another Flight Director into the Guild and wish Alex the best.

      So, with his hand on his heart, Alex takes the Flight Director's Pledge; 

     "I pledge to honor the training and craftsmanship of the flight directors who trained me. I pledge to set a proper example of professionalism for my staff, volunteers, and crew. I promise to lead and guide my crews by adhering to the mission's goals and objectives. I promise to honor the pioneering spirit of the first ship Voyager by continuing to learn and improve upon my craft. These things I will do until I lay my microphone down."

The Story Teller's Roundtable Meets for the First Time.

Tabitha Ricks Opening the first Story Teller's Roundtable

   The first Story Teller's Roundtable (STR) was held on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the CMSC in Pleasant Grove.  This will be included as a new department in the CMSC's Voyager Academy along with the Engineering, Acting, Writing, and Computer Media Departments.  Tabitha Ricks is the STR's Department Head.  I'll let Tabitha's introductory email describe the department's mission and goals.

There has been talk for years at the CMSC about having some guild/department like gathering for staff to talk about flying theory. A lot of us, as staff, also look for ways to improve on our craft. We are officially launching Storyteller Roundtables to itch the theory bug, learn from each other, and keep our storytelling skills sharp. Staff is welcomed and encouraged to participate, however, attendance is not required. Roundtables are not paid. 
     Who are storyteller roundtables for? Any paid staff or trainees who tell stories - that includes Navigators, Supervisors, and Flight Directors. 
      When are roundtables? We'll be holding them on the 4th Saturday of every month from 9am-9:45am in the faculty lounge. That means our first roundtable will be held Saturday, June 24th at 9am. We will be talking about "Agency and Empowerment through Storytelling." Breakfast foods will be provided.
We hope to see you there!
     A note for navigators - Some storytelling tools vary between the simulators and the planetarium. Where storytelling is heavier in the simulators, content is directed towards them. Some roundtables may not be as readily applicable to the planetarium. You are always welcome, however, and I will mention which roundtables will have more tangible storytelling subject matter for navigators. 

      Tabitha  

     Tabitha did an outstanding job preparing for the event. She delivered a well planned workshop complete with stated objectives and clear, understood goals.

 

                         The First Gathering of the StoryTeller's RoundTable
 

     Flight Directing is both an art and science. With that in mind, several topics were discussed with current flight directors, navigators, and flight director trainees present.  Participation was encourage and thoughtful questions were asked.                      

     Workshops like this are necessary to allow our practitioners time to do three things - collaborate, share, and learn best practices. I encourage all our storytellers to attend next month's meeting and make this department a priority for your time.  

Mr. Williamson 

Julie Culver and Her Dress of Many Planets....

   Julie is a Planetarium Navigator (presenter) and a Junior Camp Leader at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center, so space is one of her things. Knowing that, I shouldn't have been surprised to see her arrive for a Junior Camp wearing what could only be described as  a Robe de L'espace.  Her dress was not one of those off the rack frocks you'd find at your "across the tracks" outfitters like Wilfred's of Wolverhampton, famous for their "One Size Fits All" warp arounds for all occasions.  No, Julie's dress was custom made -  a one of a kind not found even in the most exclusive boutiques on the Rue des Francs Bourgeois in Paris.  

     Julie, great job talking the talk, walking the walk, and looking the look. (I don't think that works, does it?)  

Victor 

Hensen, Gracelyn, and Julie

     And while we're on the subject of Julie, let me say something about the fantastic junior camp program she runs with her co-instructor Gracelyn.  Together, Julie and Gracelyn see over 100 young junior campers per week. The CMSC's Junior Camp Program is extremely popular and difficult to get into if you don't book a spot for your child's camp early.       

Imaginarium Theater

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