What and Why?

gt0163c · Post by **gt0163c** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 11:44 am

Landon, when I was younger, I was a lot like you. Not homeschooled, but just didn't really fit in with kids my age. I never had a lot of friends, mostly because I wasn't into what everyone else was. My interests laid more in science, space flight, technology, history rather than the latest in popular culture, music, etc.
The first time I went to camp (the junior high program, it was called Level I at the time. It's just Space Academy now.), it was a good time. I knew no one going in and got along pretty well with everyone. The experience was great. The people were good.
When I went back when I was in high school (Level II, now Advanced Space Academy), I had an amazing time. The program was great, but so were the people. There were so many people who were a lot like me. We didn't fit in out in the "real world", but at camp, we were among others who understood us, who had the same interests and had a lot of the same goals. It was an amazing time.

Now, I'm looking forward to heading back for the adult ASA program. I want the experience for camp again, but I'm also looking forward to the people that I will meet.

As for duct tape, I agree that it's a good thing to bring. I found it useful each time I was at camp and plan on taking some with me when I got in September. I also recommend a good pocket knife/tool (leatherman/gerber/buck tool), a flashlight and some string or cord. These things might not come in handy, but, then again, they you may run into a situation where they will be invaluable. (Of course, I'm the type of people who normally has a small kit with these type of things and a few other random bits, with me most of the time. Can't count the number of times this stuff has come in handy.)

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:54 pm

That was almost like reading about myself, of course it was more in the Aviation/Miltary field. If you have a real passion for the field for which you are attending the camp for(in your case, Space Camp ir Academy), then you'll find some great friends who will have many of the same passions as you. I cant remember if I said before, I still frequently talk to people that I Went to camo with back in 2003.

SpaceCanada · Post by **SpaceCanada** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:02 am

I don't know if they would let you use a multi-tool knife (Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army, etc.) at Space Camp. Adult camp maybe (because adults can get away with a lot more) but probably not for the youth camps.

gt0163c · Post by **gt0163c** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:08 am

SpaceCanada wrote:I don't know if they would let you use a multi-tool knife (Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army, etc.) at Space Camp. Adult camp maybe (because adults can get away with a lot more) but probably not for the youth camps.

Yeah, as I was typing that I was kinda wondering. When I went to SA and ASA in the late '80's/early '90's, everyone had at least a small Swiss Army Knife. But I also carried a small pocket knife all through junior high and high school (and in public school no less) with no problems. Don't think most schools would allow that now.

Anyone know the current rules on pocket knives?

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:18 pm

I do, I assume the rules are the same from AC to SC/ASA. There are NO pocket knives/weapons parafenilia allowed to camp. If you arrive with them, you may give them to the PM to hold onto and they will be returned at the end of your stay, but if they find you with them after they give you a chance to turn them in, your immediately decamped.

I mean I assume if thats the rule at AC, its the same if not more strict at SC/ASA

gt0163c · Post by **gt0163c** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 7:44 am

DARGH! Okay, I understand the reasons behind the rule (and the rules at all of the various places that restrict pocket knives), but it also frustrates me. In so many ways, it's just trading the appearance of security for the inconvenience of many, many people. Pocket knives aren't weapons - they're tools, and useful ones at that.
Grrr...Argh....okay, I'll stop now before I really get started with the appearance of security rant.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 8:09 pm

Well I mean its not like they go through your stuff looking for switchblades and crack pipes. I mean its all on the honor system, though I dont know what kind of moron would bring a crack pipe on premesis, the other trainees would beat the crap outta you. and they probably wouldnt get decamped either. They would be heroes

DanM · Post by **DanM** » Sun May 27, 2007 3:59 pm

SpaceCanada wrote:
I'll second that... While there may be a few 'Kevin Donaldson' type kids (SpaceCamp the movie)

I had a few

DanM · Post by **DanM** » Sun May 27, 2007 4:01 pm

Guess what, I found a use for the duct tape! I fixed a pen that fell down!

des · Post by **des** » Sun May 27, 2007 10:26 pm

I didn't bring duct tape to the Adult academy, but I was on the flight deck so i probably wouldn't need it. We didn't tape our counselor to the chair or anything. LOL!

As for the anomolies, yes, that much is the same. It is how the operate in the astronaut corp. They create anomolies to recreate what just might happen in space. In ours, I still remember we lost an engine and had to do an abort to orbit. I am not sure if this has ever happened in NASA. I'm sure those not on the flight deck have different sorts of anomolies, but I don't recall these. We had some minor ones, maybe some pressure gauges or something... I'm guessing they all have a major one and a minor one or two.

I don't think anyone is pulling your leg re duct tape though. This is a geeky bunch, and we all love our duct tape. I use it all the time, and have never used it for ducts!! (or ducks)

---des

landon wrote:They better not tie me down to anything if I go... lol. As to these "Anomolies", it seems to me from what Im reading that the whole EDM is filled with nothing but these, which to me would get kind of boring and "Unreal" after a while... I mean, in real life, there isn't going to be THAT many anomolies in such a short time period... Unless NASA totally looses touch and just lets it all go.

I can see maybe 2 or 3 anomolies the whole time (even thats a bit extreme)...

Personally, rather than fill up the missions with Anomolies, they should just make the missions themselves more interesting. At least thats they way I see it, because if the missions where REALLY super interesting, there wouldn't be any time for a ton of Anomolies....

I can see maybe the shuttle loosing radio contact once, some kind of engine failure once and maybe a home sick austronaut going nuts, but anything more would just be to much, for the shuttle anyway.

I'm guessing the Adult Academy is like this too? I mean for kids it one thing, but I cant see a bunch of adults putting out an imaginary fire on the space station ...Maybe thats just me....

Hotdog · Post by **Hotdog** » Mon May 28, 2007 9:24 am

i remember using duct tape when i had to put out a fire on the shuttle. most of my crew was out on EVA, and i needed a way to "lock" the airlock so that they couldn't come inside while the fire was burning in the cabin. duct taping the door shut and locking them inside the airlock saved their lives!

DanM · Post by **DanM** » Wed May 30, 2007 4:59 pm

I drew a picture of an evil counselor (bubbles) as a joke, even though I don't know anything about her. I drew a counselor in front of a team in the rocket park. The counselor said that she was bubbles, then she took someones shoe, then someone taped bubbles to a chair, so that's why you need duct tape. But I know nobody can have bubbles because she interns at disney world.

Mercergl · Post by **Mercergl** » Sat Jun 16, 2007 5:22 pm

SpaceCanada wrote:I don't know if they would let you use a multi-tool knife (Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army, etc.) at Space Camp. Adult camp maybe (because adults can get away with a lot more) but probably not for the youth camps.

Just try and get it through Airport Security and find out whether or not they're allowed

gt0163c · Post by **gt0163c** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 6:19 am

Mercergl wrote:
SpaceCanada wrote:I don't know if they would let you use a multi-tool knife (Leatherman, Gerber, Swiss Army, etc.) at Space Camp. Adult camp maybe (because adults can get away with a lot more) but probably not for the youth camps.
Just try and get it through Airport Security and find out whether or not they're allowed

That's what checked luggage is for. Never had a problem with pocket tools/knives in my checked bags.

rkolker · Post by **rkolker** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:46 pm

Not only should you bring it to Space Camp, you should carry it with you at all times in your life! Okay, maybe that's not practical, but depending on your age, keeping some in your car, in your backpack, or wherever will get you out of lots of situations.

I've always found a small (Maglite sized) flashlight is useful on sims, because not every corner of the shuttle/station is well lit.

rkolker · Post by **rkolker** » Mon Jun 18, 2007 2:49 pm

des wrote:. In ours, I still remember we lost an engine and had to do an abort to orbit. I am not sure if this has ever happened in NASA.

It has, on one of the early shuttle missions.

What and Why?

Duct (Duck, Gaffer's) Tape