Fifteen Years Ago This Week, the Scores from the Last EdVenture Camp. Jon Parker Promoted to Sector Command and 4 Star Gov. General. Imaginarium Theater.

Let's take a trip in The Troubadour's Way Back Machine. We're traveling back in time 15 years to this week in July 2008. I'd like you to see the camper survey scores from our last EdVenture Camp of the 2008 Summer Season. 

Back then we took 66 campers on EdVenture Camps. An EdVenture Camp lasted 3 days and 2 nights. The campers arrived at 7:00 P.M. on day 1 (Usually a Monday) with their sleeping bags, pillows, a change of clothes, toiletries, and a swimming suit and towel. The campers went home at 5:00 P.M. on day 3. 

I divided the campers into 3 teams at the start of the camp.  The teams rotated to 3 different stations during the 3 days. Station 1 was the classroom session.  Station 2 was the Voyager, Galileo, and Phoenix.  Station 3 was the Magellan and the Odyssey.  After supper on day 2 we walked to the Pleasant Grove swimming pool.  I reserved the pool just for our campers, staff, and volunteers from 8:00 - 9:00 P.M. The campers could swim, then shower afterwords. It worked perfectly because we didn't have showers for them at the school.

  

We'd get back from swimming around 9:30 P.M.  The campers changed into their sleeping clothes then picked up their sleeping bags and pillows and spread out over the cafeteria floor for video night.  We had treats waiting for them and the staff sold soda and candy.  

Here are the results from our last EdVenture Camp of the 2008 Summer Camp Season  

Friday, July 25, 2008

Camper Satisfaction Survey Results of our Last EdVenture Camp of 2008's Summer

Hello Troops,
These are the totals for the 7th EdVenture Camp of the summer season running July 21-23, 2008. There were 66 campers ranging in age from 10 to 14 years old.

QUESTION 1:                                             
How would you grade the ships you were in? An Overall Grade for the entire camp.

Great = 1
Good = 2
Fair = 3
OK = 4
Bad = 5

Overall Camp Results VOYAGER:
Voyager General Average: 1.10
Last Week’s: 1.27
Voyager Rotation Average: 1.18
Last Week’s: 1.14
TOTAL VOYAGER SCORE: 1.14

Overall Camp Results MAGELLAN:
Magellan General Average: 1.12
Last Week’s: 1.26
Magellan Rotation Average: 1.18
Last Week’s: 1.36
TOTAL MAGELLAN SCORE: 1.15

Overall Camp Results ODYSSEY:
Odyssey General Average: 1.26
Last Week: 1.17
Odyssey Rotation Average: 1.14
Last Week: 1.06
TOTAL ODYSSEY SCORE: 1.20

Overall Camp Results PHOENIX:
Phoenix General Average: 1.37
Last Week: 1.64
Phoenix Rotation Average: 1.35
Last Week: 1.52
TOTAL PHOENIX SCORE: 1.36

Overall Camp Results GALILEO:
Galileo General Average: 1.33
Last Week: 1.29
Galileo Rotation Average: 1.15
Last Week: 1.20
TOTAL GALILEO SCORE: 1.24

OVERALL SCORE THIS WEEK: 1.22
OVERALL SCORE LAST WEEK: 1.29

THE VOYAGER TAKES THE CAMP WITH A 1.14 GOOD JOB BRACKEN FUNK AND HIS STAFF!

QUESTION 2:
Would you like to come back for another camp some day?

Yes = 92% (61 Campers)
Maybe = 8% ( 5 Campers)
No = 0% ( 0 Campers)

QUESTION 3:
How would you grade your overall experience at the camp this week:
(CAMPERS ARE ASKED TO CIRCLE ONE)

10 = The Funest Thing I've Ever Done!
9
8
7
6
5 = It was OK. Like a good movie.
4
3
2
1 = The most Boring Thing I've done.

Over All Results: 9.15
Last Week: 7.67

QUESTION 4:
How does our class sessions compare to your normal school classes?

Their choices:
(Much Better than = 1)
(Better than = 2)
(The Same As = 3)
(Worse Than = 4)
(Much Worse Than = 5)

This Camp’s Class Score: 1.40
Last Camp’s Class Score: 1.86
________________________________

A New Question:
The Campers are asked how coming to the Space Center compares to other attractions:
Their choices:
(Better than = 1)
(The Same As = 2)
(Worse Than = 3)

Going to Lagoon: 1.36
Going to the Movies with Friends: 1.20
Going to the Mall with Friends: 1.13
Going to a Water Park with Friends: 1.26

The follow numbers of students were surveyed for all Rotations:

Voyager: 44 Crew members
Magellan: 55 Crew members
Odyssey: 32 Crew members
Phoenix: 24 Crew members
Galileo: 20 Crew members
Classroom: 66 members

This was the last EdVenture Camp of the 2008 Season. A big Thank You to the staff for going the extra mile and putting in these very long hours.

Thanks Troops,
Mr. Williamson

Jon Parker Promoted to 4 Star Governor General and Transferred to Sector Command

Governor General Parker with his New Badge

 In a momentous occasion for Starfleet Command, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jon Parker on his promotion to the esteemed rank of 4 Star Governor General. Jon's accomplishment is not only a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication, but it also marks a historic milestone as the first officer from his class to achieve such a remarkable feat. The galaxy stands in awe of his achievements.

Having begun his journey with Starfleet 18 years ago, Jon Parker has proven time and again that he possesses the courage, skill, and resilience required to excel in the face of the unknown and the ever-changing challenges of deep space. His stellar career is adorned with honors and awards that bear witness to his unwavering commitment to the principles of Starfleet.

Throughout his illustrious tenure, Jon Parker has seen action in multiple sectors of the galaxy, braving the uncharted regions and stepping forth to protect the United Federation of Planets from threats far and wide. His bravery and resourcefulness have earned him the admiration of both his superiors and subordinates, serving as an inspiration to all those who follow in his footsteps.

Transitioning from Starbase Command to Sector Command is no small feat, but Jon has accomplished it with unparalleled expertise and distinction. His strategic acumen and ability to make swift, decisive decisions have undoubtedly played a significant role in his ascent through the ranks of Starfleet Command.

As we honor Jon Parker's promotion to 4 Star Governor General, it is vital to acknowledge the support and encouragement he has received from his fellow officers, friends, and family. Behind every successful Starfleet officer stands a network of unwavering support, and Jon's journey has undoubtedly been enriched by the bonds he has forged along the way.

Starfleet Command takes immense pride in celebrating officers like Jon Parker, who exemplify the very essence of what it means to serve in this noble organization. His achievements serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration to all aspiring officers, proving that with dedication, hard work, and a deep commitment to the values of the Federation, anything is possible.

Congratulations, Jon Parker, on this extraordinary milestone in your career. Your relentless pursuit of excellence and your unwavering devotion to the United Federation of Planets make you a shining example of Starfleet's finest. As you take on your new responsibilities as 4 Star Governor General, may the stars continue to guide you, and may your leadership continue to inspire generations of officers to come.

Imaginarium Theater

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

InfiniD Continues to Spread the Gospel of Experiential Education. See the New Simulator Mission's Launching This Summer. After 33 Years, the Set Up and Take Down Continue. The First 3 Star Admiral Badge Awarded. The Graphic Guys, a Gang? Imaginarium Theater

 

Elder Skyler Carr, Mission President of the InfiniD Worldwide Mission, showing off the newest missionary fashions.  "To sell the gospel of immersive experiential education you must look the part," Elder Carr said and the unveiling ceremony

InfiniD Learning is on a mission to revolutionize education through immersive, experiential learning. The dedicated "education missionaries" are lead by Elder Skyler Carr (Mission President) and Elder Brooks Heder (Assistant to the President). Their team is spending a big part of their summer traveling across the country, visiting conferences and schools showing educators and administrators how InfiniD can transform classrooms into spaceships, inner body ships, and other immersive environments.

Elder Brooks Heder and Elder Skyler Carr in Washington D.C. for the National Elementary Principals Conference. It was their sixth conference this summer.

These missionaries are armed with the good news as manifested in InfiniD's innovative immersive software. Using the software, students and teachers are embracing the power of experiential learning. Instead of sitting passively, students are transported into interactive worlds where they can explore academic concepts first-hand.

Earlier in July, Elder Skyler and two sister missionaries from the InfiniD education team were invited to attend the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas.

The InfiniD missionaries plan to continue their journey, visiting classrooms across the country and soon, the world. Their goal is to spark a passion for lifelong learning in students everywhere. As one missionary put it, "We want to make education fun again and show teachers and students what's possible when you make learning immersive and hands-on. NOW, do I hear and AMEN !?"

With their innovative experiential approach, InfiniD is out to convert the world of education one classroom at a time. Stay tuned as the missionaries continue their noble quest to reshape education through the power of experience.

InfiniD Learning Launches New Missions This Summer.

'Botanical Break-In' will be the first. The crew must use their knowledge of plant growth to find a rare, stolen plant in Moodoo's greenhouse and escape before it's too late.

Moodoo has stolen a rare and valuable plant species from Tellenor, called the Luminous Lykoris, and hidden it within his alien plant greenhouse. This greenhouse is filled with a variety of unusual, glowing plants that respond differently to sunlight and water. The crew will sneak in stealthily to retrieve the plant, but Moodoo will trap them inside the greenhouse. Students must work together to investigate the growth patterns of these glowing plants (i.e. the effect of sunlight and water on plant growth) in order to find the stolen plant and escape the greenhouse as quickly as possible.

*New Mission*

Forecast Fiasco - Using their weather forecasting skills, the crew will outsmart Moodoo to help Tellenor react correctly to severe weather.

*New Mission*

Laser Labyrinth is now available! Using their knowledge of forces, motion, and mass, students will infiltrate Moodoo's stronghold to get a valuable, stolen crystal back.

*New Mission*

Show of Force - 6th-8th grades: After a data breach, the crew must apply its knowledge of orbital motion and gravity to find the Crooked Snakes before it's too late.

*New Mission*

Check out Chloroplast Chaos, our latest 7th/8th grade science mission! Moodoo, the four-inch tall leader of the Fofa Alliance,

is determined to wreak havoc on the planet of Tellenor.

Some Things Never Change. The 33 Year Old Tradition of "The Set Up" and "The Take Down"

     The Christa McAuliffe Space Center has been around for nearly 34 years. During those 3 plus decades, some behaviors have become traditions.  One of those is the "Set Up and Take Down".  Last week I found Silver and Kyson engaged in the time honored ritual of "The Set Up".

     The "Set Up" involves transforming Central Elementary School's hallways into the Landing Party or Away Team playground.  Everyone who has ever volunteered or worked at any of Utah County's Space EdVenture Centers recognizes "The Set Up" with one glance at the pictures above.  

     Using whatever items they can find in the school's hallways and in the CMSC's costume and props storage room, they set up blackened barriers of chairs, whiteboards, tables, and desks.  To add to the effect, colored lights are strategically located to give that eerie feel and to provide some lighting so our campers and staff aren't tripping over each other.

     "We set up this generic Landing Party site so it can be used by all six simulators during the camp," Silver explained.  "It can be a ship's derelict hallway, or an abandoned starbase, or a lab on a distant planet, or whatever the flight director says it is.  Add a bit of music and an appropriately costumed  volunteer and you're good to go." 

Cameron, playing an appropriately dressed volunteer.

(The Paklid Grand PooPah).  Wes, a Magellan Flight Director, is in the

background using his uncanny directorial powers to draw the Paklid character out of Cameron and into the full view of the campers

 

     The only downside to the "Set Up" is the skylight built into the school by the architect. The sky light is directly over the grand staircase - right where many of the landing parties exit the Starbase set and enter the fantasy set.  Oh well, it is what it is and you make the best of it.  

      I lied in the paragraph above. There is one other downside to the Set Up. It is the "Take Down".  At the end of the camp, someone has to take everything down and put everything in its place.  

Hayden, the First to Receive a 3 Star Fleet Admiral Badge.        

     As explained in an earlier Troubadour post, the staff and volunteers at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center are receiving their Rank Achievement Cards.  Last week I presented the first 3 Star Fleet Admiral card to Hayden Senske.  Hayden is in his 5th year as both a volunteer and member of staff.  Hayden is a flight director in the Phoenix and Magellan AND if that isn't enough, Hayden is also the head of the media department.  Of course he earned every one of those stars many times over.  Congratulations Hayden.  

Does the "Graphics Guys" Count as the Space Center's First Gang? "It's where the cool kids hang out," Says Head of Department Hayden Senske.  

Hayden working with the Graphic Guys last Saturday

     If I didn't know better, I'd say the CMSC had a gang.  I found this 'gang' in the school's computer lab last Saturday. Instead of souped up Harley's and black leathers, the Graphic Guys have soft, black cotton threads.  Instead of gang signs, they flash confident looks to each other to signify an achievement on the screen. 

     "Me and the boys are using Blender," Hayden explained to me.  "It's best you don't ask a lot of questions, but go right ahead and walk around. See what ya think."  

     With Hayden's permission, I walked down the row looking at the gang's work. Their work, to the untrained eye, appeared to be the graphics of a bank vault.  I was relieved to find out it wasn't a bank vault at all, but space ship models.  

Hayden tried to get out of the picture before I snapped it but too late. I caught him in a blurred state.  "I ain't got a face for pictures," Hayden explained as he walked to the computer lab's windows, parted the blinds and looked out over the parking lot.

     To my surprise, I found the director of The Space Place sitting at the far end of the row.  Bracken Funk was feverishly working on a project using a new laptop computer. 

We aren't talking your normal four cylinder laptop. This was a beast firing on 8 cylinders.   

     "Where did you get that new computer?" I asked.  

     Hayden stopped Bracken from answering with a one finger raised. "Mr. W., what did I say about questions?"  Hayden muttered though a menacing half smile.  "Big Boy Funk here found it on the road. Apparently it fell out of the back of a truck..... right boys?"  The room filled with "That's right boss," up and down the table.   

     Hayden is doing a fine job with 'the Graphics Guys'. He's teaching them to use Blender to design some very impressive 3D models.  There is room in this 'class' for a few more.  If interested talk to Hayden but remember, don't ask many questions. 

Imaginarium Theater

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

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.