Ask children what they want to be when they grow up and you will get an array of answers: Firefighters, police officers, doctors, veterinarians, teachers, actors, and professional athletes. One additional profession common to the aforementioned question is becoming an astronaut. There is one summer camp that can help make this dream profession come true, which is the United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. In an effort to help your dreams become reality, the Community Foundation annually awards the Lucille M. Wright Air Museum “Space Camp” Scholarship. 

 

The “Space Camp” Scholarship is not just for young adults but for anyone who has a strong understanding and love of outer space and science. Specifically, to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be at least in 4^th grade through adults, have at least a ‘B’ average in math and science, have an understanding of the solar system, and have an interest in space travel, aeronautics, and science. In addition to an application form, applicants are required to submit a typed, one-page essay, outlining why you wish to attend Space Camp, your personal interests and hobbies, extracurricular activities, and other information relative to your goals. 

 

The experiences you will have at Space Camp will last a lifetime and can provide you with momentum and knowledge needed to pursue a potential career path related to aeronautics or space travel. Also, the hands-on approach of the Camp allows for a week of fun and excitement. Some of the many activities that occur during the five-day program include: Simulated shuttle and moonwalk missions, rocket building and launches, scientific experiments, and lectures on the history and future of space exploration.

 

Those who have attended Space Camp with the help of this scholarship are never disappointed. Just this past summer, a father and son duo attended the camp together. Steve and Marcus Johnston of Fredonia were the 2005 recipients of the Space Camp Scholarship. As a teacher of physics and earth science with a private pilot’s license, Steve was a perfect fit for the scholarship. Additionally, his son, Marcus, displayed a knowledge and love of space, astronomy, airplanes, and flying, which was key to his receiving an award as well.

 

The atmosphere and experiences of Space Camp left a great impression upon Steve and Marcus. Steve was in an adult program with 50 other teachers from around the country and world that were divided into teams of 15. Throughout the week, these teams participated in many activities and heard many interesting lectures. Steve recounts a 2-hour simulated space shuttle mission as a key highlight: “The shuttle simulator walked our team through all phases of a shuttle mission from pre-launch, to orbit, to docking with the space station and a space walk, to ultimately landing back on earth. It was a very realistic and exciting experience,” said Steve.

 

While Marcus was involved in similar activities, his highlight from the camp was much different from his father’s: “All of the activities and lectures were fun, exciting, and interesting, but my highlight was meeting new friends from all over the country and world. To this day, I have kept in touch with all of those people I shared these experiences with,” stated Marcus. 

 

Whether it is space shuttle simulations, interesting lectures, or meeting new friends, Space Camp has much to offer. If you are interested in applying for the Space Camp Scholarship, contact the Community Foundation at 661-3390 or download the application at www.crcfonline.org. The deadline for application is October 15^th. Don’t miss this opportunity to reach for the stars!