Parent/Child Camp

Going to camp soon? Have questions about camp? Post them here for those that have gone to answer.

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Parent/Child Camp

Post by Birdman »

I was wondered if anyone has ever attended the parent child space camp or avaition camp?

My son wants to go (he is 7) and I was wondering if you could tell me about, the activites and if you enjoyed it. Since it will cost me over a $1000 to go with airfare and the fee - I want to make sure it is worth it.

Thanks!
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Parent/Child Camps

Post by Conan »

I have been to both the Parent/Child Space Camp and the Pilot/Copilot Aviation Challenge programs more than once. Both are very good programs and I would highly recommend either of them. The Parent/Child Space Camp is similar to the Adult level one camp only less intense. There are two practices in the shuttle simulators and 2 one-hour mission where the parents and children work together on the mission. If the child is the commander, then the "parent" is the pilot. If one is Mission Specialist One, the other is Mission Specialist 2. (I use parentheses around parent because I attended with my nephews and there were several grandparents with grandkids on my teams). There are sessions in the different simulators and a special top-secret project that the kids work on. I attended this program last July. It was my 4th time attending that program.
The Aviation Challenge program, called Pilot/Copilot, is simulated fighter pilot training. There are survival exercises outside and mock battles in some of the best flight simulators around. Water survival is taught at the giant man-made lake and land-survival in the woods. The Escape and Evade exercise is the hightlight. It is a role-playing exercise where you are downed pilots escaping from an enemy prison at night. It involves mudding up your face and crawling through the woods that are being patrolled by the enemy (Counselors with super-soaker water guns) to get to your pick-up zone at a campfire. I last attended this program about 5 years ago.
I enjoyed both programs equally although they are very different. Aviation Challenge may be a little more physically strenuous and more time is spent outdoors. Space Camp is more educational and more time is spent indoors. I would highly recommend either (or both :D )
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Post by Birdman »

Thanks a lot for the info.

They both sound very cool! I will just have to have him decide which one he wants to do more.

He is 7 - so little things will be very cool to him. Does he get to wear an astronaut or pilot outfit?? Ect??
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Post by SpaceCanada »

I am pretty sure the kids all get to wear flight suits during their missions. If not, you can always buy one at the gift shop. It makes a great souvenir and I know a few kids who wore them days on end after they got home.
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Post by monkeynautt »

Those in the orbiter or the ISS wear the orange flight suits.

You should also consider the 4 day program. On select long weekends there is the option to attend the 4 day parent/child. It includes a 3rd mission as well as other added activities. Last summer the 4 day program saw both IMAX films. The kids also got to do a special Mars activity.
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Post by Birdman »

OK - I am an idiot.

My son is turning 7 in April. He is interested in both of the parent/child camps (space and aviation). Which is best for his age???

Any thoughts??? He loves fighter jets and needless to say - pretending he gets to shoot things is something he was excited about, but then I look at the space camp and see all the cool things they get to do - and don't want him to be disappointed. He is elaning toward the aviation camp - but I want to make surethat is best for his age.

Any help would be appreciated.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

You're not an idiot!

Both camps are designed for kids aged 7-12. Space Camp and Aviation Challenge are very good at creating programmes suitable for the advertised ages. I would't worry about that. Sign up for whichever camp your son seems most interested in. You can always come back and do the other camp next year. ;)

And I second the 4-day recommendation. More days = more fun.

Space Camp has more reading, but I think parents can help with that, especially with the youngest kids. Most 7 year-old kids I know in English school can read fairly good by age 7, but kids in Francophone or bilingual schools may not be able to read as much, if any, English at that age.

Space Camp is also prone to sitting still for longer periods of time whilst Aviation Challenge has more outdoor and active activities. This may be something to consider if your son doesn't sit still very well, as some 7 year-olds tend to be. Although, when kids are engaged in something they really enjoy, they can sit still even if they don't do so normally. (That doesn't help you any.)

Whichever camp you choose, you and your son will have fun. I'm sure of that!
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Post by Birdman »

SpaceCanada -

Thanks a lot - that helps me out.

And you're right - he (we) can always come back and do the other one another year.
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Post by Guamrider9 »

Have you taken your kid thru one of the programs yet, birdman? My 8 year old son and I just graduated yesterday from the 4-day parent/child space camp. It was an awesome bonding experience and we both loved it. I'm an enlisted military member so I'm not exactly rich and I understand wanting to "make sure it's worth it." Believe me, it is well worth it. In fact, we had such a great time, I'm already considering taking him back for pilot/co-pilot AC next year.
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Post by SpaceCanada »

That's such a nice story! Thanks for sharing.
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WOW

Post by Birdman »

My son and I went to the pilot/co-pilot aviation challenge! It was amazing! He absolutely loved it (as did Dad).

Thanks for all the advice - it was an amazing experience!
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Post by SpaceCanada »

That is great news! What activities did you do for the weekend?
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Post by chris_radcliff »

Thanks for the information, everyone. I hope to go to Parent/Child Space Camp with my son next year, because he turns 7 soon. (He's been looking forward to it for years!) We'll definitely do the 4-day, because more is better. :)

One question: are the parent/child camps designed for just one parent, or can both go?
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Post by SpaceCanada »

Chris!! P-Deck??

Your son is almost seven years old? My, how time flies.

Any-who, parent-child used to have the option of one or two parents with one child, but I don't know if they still do that. I don't see it mentioned anywhere on their website either, so it would be best to call the camp and find out.
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P-Deck!

Post by chris_radcliff »

Yep, it's P-Deck. And yes, it's already been SIX YEARS. Can you believe it?!?

I still wear my Space Camp jumpsuit at every opportunity; those things are sturdy! (photo) (It has a few more patches these days, too.) The geeklet will be super excited about getting one of his own next year.

I already requested an information packet about the P/C camps, and I'll call the camp and talk to someone as the time gets closer. Thanks!
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Post by SpaceCanada »

No , I never believe it's been six years until I stop and think about everything I've done since then. I'm considering returning soon with my husband for the 8-day camp again.

Haha, geeklet - perfect nickname for your wee one.

FYI - I know someonw who makes patches now too, should your team (or anyone) decide to make them.

And let us know what the allowable parent-child ratio is now. I'm sure other parents on the forum would like to know. (And me, should I take my little cousin one year.)
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Post by chris_radcliff »

I'll definitely update the forum with the information I get. This has already been more informative than the official site. :)

As for patches, I've had some made by Ideal Patch out of Florida, the same folks who made our 8-day patch. Really solid quality, and they can do all sorts of crazy things, including both glow-in-the-dark and UV-sensitive threads.
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Post by Vincent »

Two parents can most certainly go with one child.
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Post by bnaivar »

My wife and I made the unofficial patches for the first Alumni camp.
Outstanding Trainee Award-Adult Space Academy Sept. '90
Best Mission-Parent & Child Space Camp
Right Stuff Award-Adult Space Academy
Most Enthusiastic-Adult Space Academy
Best Mission-Adult Alumni Weekend June '08
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Post by chris_radcliff »

Thanks, Vincent! That's good to know.

Now to figure out when we'll go next year...
~ Chris
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Parent/Child 2013
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