TheBlindJournalist: Living With Retinitis Pigmentosa Documentary

TheBlindJournalist: Space Camp

“One small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.”

These were the famous words Neil Armstrong said when he stepped onto the moon. That leap is simply now a flight to America.

To go to space is a dream many people have. But with the many years of vigorous training and commitment involved, along with the financial setbacks, this dream cannot be a reality.

However, a space camp which has been running in Huntsville, Alabama for the past 32 years aims to give this very opportunity to aspiring astronauts.

The camp was set up by Dr. Wernher von Braun in 1982. The opportunity allows individuals to experience the real-life jobs of astronauts through simulators. The camp which runs for 49 weeks out of the year aims to teach attendees the preparations astronauts make before going into space and undertake various roles over the duration of the camp. Roles include manning mission control, constructing and launching your own rocket, designing your own space patch and climbing the simulated Mars climbing wall.

Although the camp was originally designed for young children to improve their Maths and Science skills as well as improve on their teamwork; it also has camps for adults and families.

Andrew Rechenberg, Senior Systems Engineer at Sherman Financial Group, who attended the adult space camp said:

“Adult Space Academy was one of the most rewarding things I have done for myself in my adult life.  Most people I've spoken to about it have said something to the effect of "I always wanted to go to Space Camp as a kid."  After they say those words I tell them about my experiences and make sure they know that they can still go as an adult.

It actually FELT like I was a kid again.”

There are also camps especially for those who are blind\visually impaired or have other special needs.

Dan Oates, who is the coordinator for Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students Said in an interview over email:

“As a result of Dr. Wernher Von Braun touring the U. S. Space & Rocket Centre in 1982.  He saw a need for children to attend a camp, similar to soccer camp, band camp, etc., where they could learn about science. This is why he created the camp.”

To date Space Camp has had over 650,000 graduates with 6 of those graduates actually going on to become astronauts.

Jennifer Linchy, who attended the camp in October, said:

“Ever since I was a child and I saw the movie "Space Camp" it was my dream to go and it initiated my interest in the sky above. I gave up on my dream to go to space when I was older but the Adult Space Camp allowed me to make my lifelong dream a reality. I am now moonstruck and I am counting the days until I can return again”.

Dan Oates, furthered:

“Space Camp is not for amateurs.  While there are many independent companies looking at flying civilians into space, the industry isn’t ready to take that step yet. For interested individuals who wish to go on camp. Simply go to http://www.spacecamp.com and register.”

Brian Simmons, from Illinois, who also attended said:

“I've always had an interest in space and Adult Space Camp brought together a group of sixteen people like me and taught us about teamwork, leadership and most importantly, building friendships”.

To go on the Adult Space Academy camp for three days it would cost $500, and for 4 days it is $600. The camp is open to anyone from any country but a good level of English is needed to fully participate in the program.

Extended Comments

Jennifer Linchy furthered:

“Last year I liked Space Camp's Facebook page. They posted about their adult programs and I had commented that it was on my bucket list and I dreamed of going”.

Andrew Rechenberg furthered:

“Living on the Space Camp campus makes you experience the same wonder and awe you felt when you thought about being an astronaut as a child. That feeling alone is worth the price of admission.

If you can take 3-5 days away from your "regular" life, you won't regret spending them like an astronaut at Adult Space Academy”.

listen to ‘TheBlindJournalist: Space Camp Story Teaser ’ on audioBoom

TheBlindJournalist: Inventor of Vimto To Be Remembered

The cordial, Vimto is a much loved drink across the world. But did you know the inventor was from Blackburn? John Noel Nichols is to be remembered by a plaque which will be placed outside his house on Adelaide Terrace. 

In this post you will find an audio interview with Ray Smith from Blackburn Local History Society and a Piece To Camera from myself outside the house of John Noel Nichols.