Space Camp

Inspiring Young Minds

In Huntsville, Alabama, there is a Space Camp for the purpose of inspiring young people to adopt a role model from the space program and attach a dream to that role model. This is achieved by having students experience training in simulators, similar to the one's astronauts' use. The cost is about $200 per day. They have scholarships for young people who are achievers in the classroom. Herein lies the problem for exposing street gang remembers to positive role models.

Bob Webb as commander of space shuttle simulator. Joan Webb at mission control simulator.

1. Exposure requires money. Middle class and above can afford to expose their children to positive role models. Lower class cannot afford this type of program, yet they are the one's who need it and can benefit the most.
2. Opportunity goes to those who are achievers in the academic world. Straight "F" students are never considered, yet, hands-on opportunity may be the spark that motivates a failing student to be an achiever.
3. The present system cannot give failing students opportunity, because that would be rewarding failure. Yet, the failure label is based on academic talent, which is measured, not on one's learning personality.
4. The reason academic achievers are first to be offered hands-on learning opportunity is because of limited resources. This difficult problem that has to be addressed.

• NASA is planning to send man back to the moon and possibly to Mars. A vision like this could inspire our youth to seek positive goals, but many need encouragement to believe in themselves.
• Space Camp website

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