Daily Schedule

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

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coolgal
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Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

I'm going to camp (Advanced Space Academy Mission Specialist) in about 2 weeks. I was wondering what the daily schedule is like. Here's a few specifics:
1. How long do you have to get ready in the morning (could I wake up early to take a shower and get ready?)
2. Are the shuttle sims difficult? Well I know they'll be difficult but I mean really difficult.
3. Do we get to see IMAX movies, if so how many. Are they good?
4. How many water activities do we do and do we get to get changed and stuff afterwords?
5. Are most people there from around the Alabama Tennessee area?
6. Do you get any free time during the day?
7. Anything I should pack not on the packing list?
8. Any other tips or things to tell me about Space Camp?
I'm SO excited, I love learning about outer space and NASA! I'm sure this will be a great week!
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gt0163c
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by gt0163c »

It's been a while since I've been to camp, so others might be able to give more specifics. But, in general, yes you'll have time to get ready in the morning, including time for a shower if you prefer to shower in the morning. If you want to wake up earlier, that shouldn't be a problem...just don't disturb your roommates. If you plan on waking up earlier, it might not be a bad idea to take a flashlight or headlamp, just so you're not bumping around in the dark (no windows so the rooms are really, really dark without the overhead lights). For water activities, there will be places and time to get changed afterwards, no worries there.

The Shuttle Sims are difficult but not impossible. When things go wrong (and they will go wrong), take a deep breath, try not to freak out, try to keep others from freaking out, think things through, remember what you've learned, work together and you and your team will figure it out.

Every time I've been to camp, there have been people from all over the US and a few from other countries. Expect to get to know people from all over. That's part of the fun of going to camp.

For packing stuff, warm PJs and/or an extra blanket (the Hab can get really cold) are a good idea. If you're a light sleeper/not used to sleeping in the same room as other people, ear plugs can be helpful (you can get foam ones in some travel sections of big box stores but they're likely to be cheaper at places like Home Depot...check near the safety glasses). If you get cold easily, a sweat shirt or jacket might not be a bad idea as some of the classrooms can be chilly at times. A flashlight or headlamp if you like to read at night or plan on getting up early is helpful. And keep it with you for missions. It's useful if there's ever a power outage. Make sure you have a backpack or bag to carry your gear around, a water bottle (it will be hot outside), your camera, a notebook and pencil/pen, sunscreen. Duct tape is never a bad idea. Maybe some snacks and gum to share. And, of course, never leave home without your towel.

But, above all, have fun! And take pictures! And then come back here and share your stories so we can all live vicariously through your trip.
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by SpaceCanada »

YAY! You are going to have a wonderful time at Space Camp!

GT had a pretty good answer, so I have very little to add... You will get a little free time, but not much. If you like card games, be sure to bring a few decks of cards, as they are a great way to bond with your team mates and come in handy when waiting in queues for movies or sims or those spare five minutes waiting for others to get changed. That reminds me that I need to add some to my packing list for October.

As for movies - it's been way too long since I've been to Space Camp to know which movies they are showing the kids. There will probably be a space themed film. If you haven't seen the space IMAX films, you are in for a treat. They are always well done, at least the space geek in me thinks so.

In the sims, remember to keep your cool. They are, after all, just simulations! Have fun and remember that teamwork is key to success.

Water time is ALWAYS fun. As you are going in high season, you probably won't go to the lake, so swimming may be limited to SCUBA/snorkel time at the UAT only. Again, it's been too long since I've been there to know for certain.

Every time I've been to Space Camp my team mates have been from all over America and the world. I'm from Canada, so there was always at least one person (me) from out of the country, but we had people from England, Australia, and Belgium there too. After checking my rosters, I never had someone from Alabama on my team.

Lastly, I'll echo GT in saying HAVE FUN and come back to tell us about your trip. We love hearing what missions they are doing and how things are changing. Perhaps you may return with some advice for those of us who are going later this year! Have a great trip. :)
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

Thanks for the responses guys. I learned a lot. I'm really looking forward t going!
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by laurenk715 »

Hey Coolgal!I am also a first timer so I can't answer any of your questions. I saw that you are going to camp in two weeks and I was wondering if you are going the week of July 28 - August 2. I am going those same days and am also in the same track as you. I am super excited and love everything that has to do with space!!!!! I thought it would be really nice to already meet someone going the same time as me. :D :D
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

Aw, sorry laurenk715, I'm going July 20-26, that would have been cool to meet someone already.I'm sure we'll both have fun anyway! :D
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by laurenk715 »

Yes I'm sure that we will both have fun. I honestly can't wait until I get to go. I've been counting down for months now!! :D
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

100% me too. :D
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by street »

Hi girls! You're going to have a great time at ASA!
Answers to your questions:
1. How long do you have to get ready in the morning (could I wake up early to take a shower and get ready?) You'll have between 30 and 45 minutes to get ready in the mornings and 30 minutes at night. Contrary to others advice, you cannot get up early to take a shower. You need to stay in your bunk/room until the wake up counselor knocks on your door. A flashlight is still a good thing for things like going to the bathroom after lights out.
2. Are the shuttle sims difficult? Well I know they'll be difficult but I mean really difficult. The sims are complicated, but you'll be trained on your position and duties. You'll have a great time!
3. Do we get to see IMAX movies, if so how many. Are they good? You'll see a couple of IMAX movies during your week. We have a new called 'Hidden Universe' that is really cool.
4. How many water activities do we do and do we get to get changed and stuff afterwords? The only water activity will be SCUBA, if you are a Mission Specialist.
5. Are most people there from around the Alabama Tennessee area? Actually, no! If you are coming July 20-26 you'll be attending the week of International Space Camp. There will be kids literally from all over the world! This week we have kids from England, New Zealand, China and Taiwan. That's not unusual in the summer.
6. Do you get any free time during the day? Not really. The most 'down' time you get is at meals.
7. Anything I should pack not on the packing list? Everyone will tell you duct tape, but really, that's a bit of a joke. The packing list is pretty comprehensive. Pay attention to the information about what sort of clothes to bring. Don't bring those itty-bitty short shorts or spaghetti strapped tops. You'll be sent back upstairs for more modest clothing. Trust me, you'll be more comfortable. Be sure to bring sneakers, as there are simulators you cannot do if
8. Any other tips or things to tell me about Space Camp? It's going to be a unique experience that you'll never forget!
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

Wow, thanks. I have to admit I'm a little worried about only having 30 minutes to get ready. Especially since I don't want to have people waiting on me or vice versa for the showers. I guess I'll have to adjust, haha. :)
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by coolgal »

When you said there will be people from around the world for international camp is that a specific group or is that in general? Will my group have all of those kids?
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by Hotdog »

Street or Vincent can give you a better answer, but I think they try to group the international kids together as best they can, especially if they're from a country that is not predominately English-speaking. But it is possible you might have someone from England or Australia on your team. Expect a diverse group! One of the greatest parts of Space Camp is meeting people from everywhere.
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Re: Daily Schedule

Post by street »

I just spoke to the woman who teams the kids and the internationals are mixed through all of the AA teams. You'll get to meet folks from all over the world!

30 minutes is a quick get ready time, but you'll get the hang of it. You can shower either at night or in the morning. Most people prefer to shower at night, so you might find showering in the morning is better! Parents and kids question this every week, but the kids always find a way to make it work and be downstairs for morning assembly on time. It's all about time management. Remember too, when doing your hair and make up that 100 degree weather has a way of destroying all that hard work before you've barely gotten to the cafeteria for breakfast! Do the minimum. Pull your hair back in a ponytail (better for the simulators anyway) and don't worry about much more than mascara and lip gloss for makeup. You'll be more comfortable and have more fun if you're not worried about that sort of thing.
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