Air & Space Magazine – HabFiles Update

Air & Space Magazine - June-July 1992 - ThumbnailI’ve updated the HabFiles section of the site with an article from the June/July 1992 issue of Smithsonian Air & Space Magazine!

It’s a pretty good article, rife with pictures and mentions of early 1990s Space Camp.

All campers in the eight-day version, “U.S. Space Academy Level II,” cap off their experience with a 12-hour simulated shuttle mission…”

And yet, other things seem not quite so early 1990s Space Camp:

As I was leaving the training center, I ran into Tony Vitelli and congratulated him on completing the mission. Vitelli nodded his head once and stuck up his thumb.

Do enjoy this one!

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HabForum Addition – New Special Rank: Counselor

I thought it would be a good idea to add a special rank to easily identify members of the HabForum who are currently or have in the past had the delightful distinction and honor of being counselors at Space Camp and Aviation Challenge.

This will make it easy for anyone with questions for counselors find someone to talk to, as well as distinguish their comments on the board as coming from the perspective of having worked at Space Camp.

They’ll be easy to spot, because instead of the usual ranks like Junior Camper, Camper, etc., they’ll have “Counselor” with a pair of gold counselor wings which look like HabForum Counselor Wings

To this end, when you register in the HabForum and you have worked at Space Camp before, please let me know so that I can apply this special rank to you here. If you have been a counselor and already have an account and you see that the change has not been made to your account, please let me know. If you see that someone’s account who you know was a counselor has not been updated, please also let me know.

I do hope this addition is a welcome one.

eBay Auction: Christa McAuliffe and Space Camp

I don’t often mention eBay auctions here, mostly because I want to acquire things as cheaply as possible!

But there is quite an exceptional auction right now. It is from the collection of Gary Beadel, a teacher who was an one of the alternates for the ill-fated 51L.

Among the items are an old Space Camp flight suit (they all attended Space Camp) with the old patches as well as chilling photos taken by Gary on the day of the launch.

The auction has three days left on it, so I suggest you don’t delay to see these remarkable photos. Of course, at $500.00, it might not sell the first time around, so if the auction relists, I’ll be sure to update the link.

Update: The auction didn’t sell, but the pictures are still up. Go take a look!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, everyone!

I hope 2004 was as good for you was it was for me. Of course, that might not be possible! After all, I got to spend a fourth of the year working at Space Camp!

Regardless, here’s to hoping 2005 goes even better for all of us!

To that end, there was an article published in the Huntsville Times a few days ago worth looking at. It gives some insight into the Space Center’s future plans regarding many things, including Space Camp (and possible new programs).

The article is here if you want to read it.

Also, it would seem as if the drive for “Save the Saturn V” license plates is going somewhat well. They’re halfway to the needed 1,000 orders before they can be produced. But they need all of the orders before January 31 or they have to start the process of getting state legislation passed for the plates all over again. If I was a resident of Alabama, I’d certainly be ordering one!

Again, Happy New Year to you all! And especially those at Space Camp right now for Christmas Camp!

It Belongs in the Brochure

I wanted to share with everyone a photo my friend and fellow counselor this summer Stasia took of the ever popular rocket launch!

I for one think they need this photo (or one just like it) in the 2006 brochure (hint, hint).

Regardless, it sure is fun to look at!

Great SC Rocket Launch Photo

AC 8-Day Christmas Camp Cancelled

AC Logo with a Santa HatIt would appear that Aviation Challenge 8-day Christmas camp is going to be/has been cancelled due to attendance being below desired numbers. It’s a shame, to be sure.

Hopefully, those who were signed up will elect/be able to go to 8-day Advanced Academy or the regular Mach III session instead.

HabFiles Update: Space Camp News

Space Camp News - Spring 1988 - ThumbnailTwice in one week?!

Well, what can I say, I’ve made some recent additions to my collection of Space Camp memorabilia and I wanted to share. I’m nice like that!

This is another Space Camp News from Spring of 1988. It’s almost solely dedicated to the opening of the now defunct Space Camp Florida.

It’s a neat read, even if it is sad given that the Florida Space Camp is no more.

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People Magazine Covers Space Camp

People Magazine - Cover - ThumbnailWhen Space Camp was just a little over one year old, People Magazine ran, in their August 8, 1983 edition, a small article on Space Camp!

I’ve posted it here for all to enjoy! Pictures of rocket launch and the 5DF chair, as well as the old “Zero ‘G’ Machine” are in the article as is a description of Space Camp from a camper’s perspective.

I do hope you enjoy it!

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Endeavour is Dead. Long Live Endeavour

The Endeavor shuttle simulator Academy kids have come to know and love is leaving the TCF. But the TCF will not be devoid of an Endeavor orbiter as the current Intrepid simulator will be renamed.

Still, it’s a shame. I spent more time than anyone else there this past summer. It’s a shame to see the old gal go!

Speaking of Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

And, speaking of which, Space Camp Turkey is looking for employees for the 2005 season.

You can find the advert for the job here and a full job description here.

So think about applying for the job. I’m sure they’d love to have you as a member of Space Camp Turkey!

Not to mention:

  1. You get to work at Space Camp
  2. It would be a great opportunity to see more of the world!
  3. You get to work at Space Camp