SpaceCanada wrote:With the low attendance at the last few adult weeklong camps, I wouldn't expect to see an adult alumni camp come available any time soon.
I agree. My feeling is that attendance is low due to the changes made to keep prices down, i.e., fewer and shorter missions plus shorter "weeklong" camps. (BTW, that's my interpretation of why sim time is down and camps are shorter.) It also maybe low because the generation raised on space is aging. There's other things to occupy us and our money. However, I feel that if you keep things more challenging, you'll get the serious repeat customer. That is a double edged sword, like any good sword. Higher prices mean fewer people, especially if previous camp attendance is a requirement which shrinks your potential market further. BTW, I see that the ASA Elite is $2,149. How many would pay that for an 8 day, 7 night camp, i.e., what the "weeklong" camps used to be? I would, depending on the activities.
My feeling is that adult camps are the redheaded stepchild. Sandy Magnus should be in the Hall of Fame as the first camper in space yet she attended as an adult. The story that USSRC wants to tell is how it inspire kids in STEM.
P.S. HURRAH!!! Was able to post without being tossed out and losing what I wrote... One small step for man
P.P.S. Spoke too soon
got tossed out repeatedly while editing
"I wanted to be humble, never arrogant, which is a trait astronauts despise." Mike Massimino