Space Camp Alumni Registration - Post your Responses!

[Vincent]

Like I said in my last post, Space Camp is currently soliciting information on its alumni. I encourage everyone to go let Space Camp what they're up to.

Here

Just in case they don't post everyone's, well, I'm still interested and I'm sure others are too! I've started this thread in the HabForum so you can post your responses!

While I don't think they allot enough space for some answers, here's what I came up with:

What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?

Counselor - 1 Season
Trainee - 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000
Which camp program/s did you participate in? - Space Camp

How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

Though I've always enjoyed computers and engineering activities, going to Space Camp as a child really crystallized my love for Space and really instilled in me the feeling that the pursuit of knowledge need not be stale and boring.

When I later became a counselor, I really refined my abilities to be a team leader and inspire others to work well with each other, and I really honed my presentation skills.

Going to Camp played no small role, I believe, in my getting into one of our nation's top engineering schools, and the added skills gained during the time I spent as a Space Camp counselor absolutely helped me land my first job out of college and are allowing me to do quite well for myself at this job.

I firmly believe all of my time at camp has absolutely shaped the person I've become and I'm much better for it.

Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

I went to camp several consecutive Summers. After a 3 year absence, I returned to attend ASA. On the ride in from the airport, I saw a fully stacked Saturn V, beckoning. I had been gone too long. (There's really not enough room here for a really good story, I think...)

Do you or did you stay in touch with any of your teammates?

Yes

If so, how long?

(I just realized I forgot to put in a number, but I'm still in touch with many of them [though not as many as I would like])

If possible, would you like to see your past teammates and/or counselors again?

Yes

Would you want to go to camp with them again?

Yes

Upon your return home from camp did you complete any projects, presentations, or pursue any special new activities based on your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

I created hab1.com to spread enthusiasm and information to past, present, and future Space Campers. Of course I listed this!

Do you continue to pursue the subject interests that originally brought you to Camp?

Yes

If so, how?

I've gotten back into model rocketry, albeit with more powerful rockets (amongst other things)!

Do you still have your flight suit, Team t-shirt, team photo, wings, etc. from your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

Everything

What have you done with these items if anything?

The photos and diplomas are all framed, the wings all are place on name patches, etc. I have it all

In planning for the 25th anniversary of Space Camp in 2007 we would like to get your feedback on the following questions:
What type of event would likely draw you back to Huntsville next summer (check all that apply):

Alumni reunion
Astronaut appearances
Special adult 3-day alumni program (perhaps a good hab1.com reunion?)
Evening reception

What length of time would be best suited for you and/or your family?

4 or more days (granted, it would probably have to be over 4th of July for me to be able to really stay for a while)

Would a weekend hotel package be of interest to you if you returned for an alumni event?

Yes Though I may just get a counselor to get me the employee rate at the Marriott!

Would you be willing to help in planning for the 25th anniversary celebration or being a regional
Space Camp alumni ambassador?

Yes, in planning for the events
Yes, in being a regional Space Camp alumni ambassador

Would 25th anniversary and alumni merchandise be of interest to you to purchase?

Yes Bring on the merchandise!

[SpaceCanada]

What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?

Trainee - 1998, 1999, 2004
Which camp program/s did you participate in? - Space Camp, Adult

How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

Going to Space Camp helped me confirm my dream to become an astronaut. I tried the engineering route but couldn't handle the University atmosphere. I remembered how many other people work in the space programme and all they do, so I pursued another route - Engineering Design at a technical school.

I still pursue the space 'career' path as much as I can, even if not directly for the space programme. I volunteer my time with NASA Quest, an online question and answer service for students, I volunteer at the local science centre as an advisor for their space exhibits and public programming, and I serve as the space and science advisor for my Girl Guide district.

While I haven't kept my original goal of becoming an astronaut, Space Camp made me realise that every individual, in many different careers, can make a big difference in a project. The voice behind the EVA computer in MOCR is just as valuable to the mission as the Mission Specialist on the shuttle. Teamwork is essential! Wow, That answer didn't make much sense, but it is a bit of a quirky question.

Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

The EDM is always a hilight, especially the 24-hour EDM and the SCUBA EVA. The most inspiring memory though was hearing my team cheer for me when I got the Right Stuff Award. I'll never forget that! I have so many more stories to tell... gah... no room!

Do you or did you stay in touch with any of your teammates?

Yes

If so, how long?

Since 1998

If possible, would you like to see your past teammates and/or counselors again?

Yes

Would you want to go to camp with them again?

Yes

Upon your return home from camp did you complete any projects, presentations, or pursue any special new activities based on your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

I had to make a report for school each time I went. I also made presentations at the science centre.

Do you continue to pursue the subject interests that originally brought you to Camp?

Yes

If so, how?

I am a space science advisor for the science centre. I also indulge in space stuff whenever I can. Once again, not enough room!

Do you still have your flight suit, Team t-shirt, team photo, wings, etc. from your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

Everything

What have you done with these items if anything?

I wear my flight suit and shirt whenever I can. The wings and certificates are proudly on display.

In planning for the 25th anniversary of Space Camp in 2007 we would like to get your feedback on the following questions:
What type of event would likely draw you back to Huntsville next summer (check all that apply):

I would not be able to return to Huntsville for any type of event.
If only I could attend any of these, which I cannot... so sad...

What length of time would be best suited for you and/or your family?

4 or more days That is, if a miracle happened and I would be able to go at all!

Would a weekend hotel package be of interest to you if you returned for an alumni event?

Yes

Would you be willing to help in planning for the 25th anniversary celebration or being a regional
Space Camp alumni ambassador?

Yes, in planning for the events
Yes, in being a regional Space Camp alumni ambassador

Would 25th anniversary and alumni merchandise be of interest to you to purchase?

Yes I'm such a softie for stuff like that. Great memories!

[Boomerang]

What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?

Trainee 91,93,96,98,05

Which camp program/s did you participate in? -

Space Camp Aviation, Challenge, Corporate

How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

It led me into the education field where i now work for a NASA visitor center's education department teaching students about space and science.

Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

Seeing the Saturn 1 as i got close each time. I knew i was there. This was before the Saturn V replica.

Do you or did you stay in touch with any of your teammates?

Yes

If so, how long?

Varried but 8+ years in one teams case

If possible, would you like to see your past teammates and/or counselors again?

Yes

Would you want to go to camp with them again?

Yes (actually already have the ball rolling on getting my team back together for the corresponding alumni weekend.)

Upon your return home from camp did you complete any projects, presentations, or pursue any special new activities based on your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

Started volunteering at a NASA visitor center before being employed there.


Do you continue to pursue the subject interests that originally brought you to Camp?

Yes

If so, how?

Reading, the internet, work, and writting a book on the space race.

Do you still have your flight suit, Team t-shirt, team photo, wings, etc. from your camp experience?

Yes

If so, what?

Everything thats lasted

What have you done with these items if anything?

name tags and wings displayed, flight suit kept for future children pictures protected.

In planning for the 25th anniversary of Space Camp in 2007 we would like to get your feedback on the following questions:
What type of event would likely draw you back to Huntsville next summer (check all that apply):

Yes i would attend


What length of time would be best suited for you and/or your family?


3-4 days


Would a weekend hotel package be of interest to you if you returned for an alumni event?

yes

Would you be willing to help in planning for the 25th anniversary celebration or being a regional
Space Camp alumni ambassador?

Yes, in planning for the events
Yes, in being a regional Space Camp alumni ambassador


Would 25th anniversary and alumni merchandise be of interest to you to purchase?

yes

[tennisrox014]

Quote:
What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?

Trainee - 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Which camp program/s did you participate in? - ASA, AC Mach III

Quote:
How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

Attending camp in Huntsville introduced me to good weather in December, something I certainly didn't experience in good ol' North Dakota, which is why I will be going to Vandy next year.

Quote:
Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

Well, I am a highly competitve person, so right off the bat, I knew I wanted that Top Gun Award. I thought about it all week, but by the time the competition neared that was the last thing on my mind, throughout the week my team had bonded so that I was not just thinking about individual accomplishments. When I won my top gun awards, I considered them more a team effort, than individual glory.

Also, my AC teams have always been amused by the fact that nomex disintegrates when lit on fire, so we have always the jokes about owen wilson running naked through the woods. Imagining the heroic rescue at the end of Behind Enemy Lines is wayyyy funnier with a naked pilot.
Quote:

Do you or did you stay in touch with any of your teammates?

Yes

Quote:
If so, how long?

Since my first trip in 2003

Quote:
If possible, would you like to see your past teammates and/or counselors again?

Yes

Quote:
Would you want to go to camp with them again?

Yes

Quote:
Upon your return home from camp did you complete any projects, presentations, or pursue any special new activities based on your camp experience?

No ( )


Quote:
Do you continue to pursue the subject interests that originally brought you to Camp?

Yes

Quote:
If so, how?

I continue to watch hot men in military movies.

Quote:
Do you still have your flight suit, Team t-shirt, team photo, wings, etc. from your camp experience?

Yes

Quote:
If so, what?

Everything

Quote:
What have you done with these items if anything?

I have a lanyard with all my wings on it, my name tags are somewhere in my room, I wear my t-shirts once in a while.

Quote:
In planning for the 25th anniversary of Space Camp in 2007 we would like to get your feedback on the following questions:
What type of event would likely draw you back to Huntsville next summer (check all that apply):

Any type of event, I relish the opportunity to return whenever I can.

Quote:
What length of time would be best suited for you and/or your family?

A weekend preferably, 3 days.

Quote:
Would a weekend hotel package be of interest to you if you returned for an alumni event?

Yes

Quote:
Would you be willing to help in planning for the 25th anniversary celebration or being a regional
Space Camp alumni ambassador?

I wouldn't have time, I'm in college.

Quote:
Would 25th anniversary and alumni merchandise be of interest to you to purchase?

yeah

[ACluvR]

Quote:
What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?
Trainee 95,96,97,98,99,00,01,02,03,05

Which camp program/s did you participate in? - Space Camp, Space Academy, Mach 2, Mach 3, Adult Space Academy

Quote:
How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

Camp effected my life by friendships I have made... people who have changed me over time.

Quote:
Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

I've been way too many times... running outside and doing pushups wet in the snow at the private pool during X-mas camp rings a bell (and there was an asst sup there I believe).

Do you or did you stay in touch with any of your teammates?

Yep, saw one a couple weekends ago... and will again this weekend... visited many though over time on our own

Quote:
If so, how long?

Since AC 1999 Mach 2

Quote:
If possible, would you like to see your past teammates and/or counselors again?

Yes

Quote:
Would you want to go to camp with them again?

Oh yeah....

Quote:
Upon your return home from camp did you complete any projects, presentations, or pursue any special new activities based on your camp experience?

I wrote a paper once on my summer I hurt my ankle at camp, lol


Quote:
Do you continue to pursue the subject interests that originally brought you to Camp?

Yup

Quote:
If so, how?

I am on an airshow tour this summer, getting my pilot's license... talk to some of my counselors and staff who fly military now and that I'm jealous of, lol

Quote:
Do you still have your flight suit, Team t-shirt, team photo, wings, etc. from your camp experience?

Yep

Quote:
If so, what?

All my pics, my flight suits, team shirts (which I guess we don't do anymore)... everything... tons of stuff and pictures...

Quote:
What have you done with these items if anything?

I scrapbooked my pictures cuz I'm dorky like that... the rest is stored in a box or hung on the wall

Quote:
In planning for the 25th anniversary of Space Camp in 2007 we would like to get your feedback on the following questions:
What type of event would likely draw you back to Huntsville next summer (check all that apply):

Crap... anything, Huntsville is like home to me... but only with camp there

Quote:
What length of time would be best suited for you and/or your family?

A weekend probably

Quote:
Would a weekend hotel package be of interest to you if you returned for an alumni event?

Yep

Quote:
Would you be willing to help in planning for the 25th anniversary celebration or being a regional
Space Camp alumni ambassador?

Nope... I work and go to school

Quote:
Would 25th anniversary and alumni merchandise be of interest to you to purchase?

yep...

WAIT!!! Are they really gonna plan an alumni thing?!?!? That would be so awesome.

[electrawn]

What is your affiliation with Space Camp/Aviation Challenge?

91? 93? 94? Camp, Academy then Aviation Challenge.

How did camp affect your life or career choice (maximum length-1000 characters):

My original post is in their DB is "marketing fluffed." Now for a real story:

The real answer is I was a depressed ADHD problem child, Space Camp gave me a "belonging" and escape from boredom of public school and temporarily awestruck my peers/classmates that I was able to go.

Rather than a path destined possibly for prison, I was corrected on a path with a math and science interest that made me the computer engineer I am today.

Originally I was going to pursue an aviation engineer at emery-riddle. No college money, being away alone from home (IL) in FL and few available careers halted that plan. Next plan was Naval Officer via ROTC. This also fell through - mainly for "Right thing, wrong reason."

For college, unlike most freshman...I had a Major - Computer Science. Right Thing for the Right Reason (Debugging is a fun challenge, not for the big $$$). 9/11 knocked me out of school during my last semester...but I was able to survive.

Now I am a technical director for a company doing computer part asset recovery. I also run a computer consulting firm. Everytime a consulting firm supplies buggy industrial code, I can remind them Nasa's Apollo program landed on the moon with 55kb of mission critical assembly code. Shuts them right up.

Is Space Camp solely responsible for who I am today? Not quite. Did Space Camp "pinball" my life onto a correct path? Most certainly.

Update: I called my mother and she reminded me I had a video of Academy. Woohoo...video to internet time + stills! We still can't remember the exact years I went.

Tell us your favorite, funniest, and/or most inspiring camp memory, tradition, or activity.

Paraphrasing, and certainingly not within the 100 words. Memory hazy, but returning.

(Shuttle light failures all over the consoles.)
Myself as Commander: "Houston, XY Failure light indicator."
Mission Control: "Roger, Begin XY Shutdown"
(Open book to XYZ failure)
(Light board goes crazy)
Commander: "Multiple failures all over the place."
Mission Control: "Copy, Do Xy, then Z, then A."
Commander: "Roger...holding bird together...(Scotty voice) shes coming apart at the seams!"
Simulator Operator: "Sorry about that, we'll have to reset."
...(Software resets back to a save point, fast forwarding mission on monitors.)
Commander: "Appears we have activated some sort of warp drive. Hold on!"
Mission Control Comm: "Roger, Go for warp drive manuever."
(Laughter all over)
Mission Specialist Comm @ Mission Control: "We have astronauts spacewalking!"
Unknown: "Tell them to hold on!"
(snickering)
Mission Specialist Comm @ Mission Control: "Payload bay doors are closed...blah blah jeopardized mission."
Pilot: "We can't open the doors, there are klingons off the starboard bow."
(hysterical laughter)
(scolding and laughter from simulation operators and counselor)

Later...

Mission Control: "Roger, roll manuever for landing"
Pilot: "Beginning landing checklist..."
(Commander/Pilot/MC checklist banter)
Pilot: "Closing Payload Bay Doors..."
Mission Specialist Comm: "Wait! We have Astronauts on EVA! We need to finish the science!"
(We had an O2 tank failure previously, it was no longer showing with the reset, however, the reset screwed us off by 10 minutes.)
Commander: "We have no more time! We need to land this thing now! Tell them to get in here now or find their own way home."
Mission Specialist Comm: (Overheard via the intercom on second comm channel in the EVA area outside the Sim): "Get inside the airlock now, shuttle needs to land!"
(EVA Spec whines to counselor via comms they aren't done)
(Commander/Pilot/MC continue landing checklist banter)
Commander: (turned to EVA comm channel) "Closing payload bay doors in 15 seconds...get in the airlock or find your own ride home!"
(EVA Spec heard via open microphone whining to EVA counselor supervisor)
EVA Counselor (unmiked): Drop what you are doing and get in that airlock now...
EVA Spec: "But we only finished 2 of 6 (of whatever...stick cardboard rock in hole, play with gloves...etc.)" (Extreme perfectionist spoiled brat type, not used to failure - at all.)
EVA Counselor: You want to ride the shuttle reentry on the outside? 3000 Degrees?
(EVA Mission Specialist both fly into airlock together.)
(Pilot closes doors)
Commander (No Comm): Just made it...buckle up quick, reentry in a minute.


(Simulation Computer breaks during S curves)

Commander: "Joystick not working! Pilot, take over!"
Pilot: "What?"
Commander: "Grab the stick or we crash!"
Simulator Operator: "Commander, your control stick should be working."
(I whack the stick left and right while pointing at telemetry on monitor)
(Pilot whacks stick as well, no dice).
...(Time passes, ground approaches)...
Commander: "Houston, Flight Control System failure."
Simulator Operator: (Mumbling) Hold On.
Mission Control: "Roger, Reset Flight Control Computer?."
(Bunch of switch flicking rapidly)
Commander: "No go, Houston."
Landing Ops: (Script reading) Wind 7, clear sky...blah blah...
Commander: "Great, a clear day to die on! Tell my wife I love her."
(laughter, remember we were all about 12 or so.)
(half hearted "fake" screaming from Mission specialists, pilot and commander join in.)
"We're gonna die" "We die with honor." "We'll get schools named after us." (All sorts of bad jokes)

...(Right before we crash....computer resets again)...
Commander: "We are flying again! It's a miracle!"
Pilot: "...Or...are we?"
Simulator Operator says to reset to mission time XYZ

Computer fails again, loss of joystick half mile before landing.
Commander: "Lost the stick again...Pull the drag chute...Pull the chute!"
(Stick stuck to the left...unsticks right above runway.)
(I, as commander, furiously yank the stick all over trying to land the thing...and crash)
Counselor: "That was a very good effort."
Commander: "We died"
Counselor: "(olympic reference) But you get a 9.8 for effort. You hit the runway."
Mission Spec: (off mike, but said loud enough to be heard be everyone at MC via comms) Can we get that on our tombstones?
(Laughter)

(Computer resets again and pilot is given the shot to land...crashes far from the runway.)

A significant amount of the team (especially the perfectionist types on the team) were very whining about failing the mission. Long story short..Our team won the best mission award on the last day for "cool under fire."

The shuttle pin for best mission is on my wall hanging. Too bad it isn't engraved "Worst Mission...Ever"

None of the other questions are really relevant, I'll stop here. Maybe the entire mission is on tape..possible highlight reel coming.

Enjoy.

-Jason Potkanski
Electrawn Consulting

[Boomerang]

Well sadly if your tape is anything like mine it only has a few minutes of mission stuff some from each area the cockpit, eva, mocr, etc

[electrawn]

If I remember right the production fluff is on the front, and raw stuff is on the back.

First though, do I want to locate a VCR, dust it off, and hook it up to my computer.
Second, do I want to look at myself at 12ish? Augh.

-jtp

[Boomerang]

Oh i know watching those videos of your younger self cqan be frightning i know mine certainly was i have 2 tapes one from 91 and one from 93 both are scary when you see me but i still watch them from time to time so many memories.