My Space Camp Journal

Sept 22, 2001—This morning, I woke up to Mindi turning on the light. Then, Vicky guided me to the cafeteria. I enjoyed the unusual way of getting my food because I have never done it before. Then I went on the Mars ride which is a simulator that takes you to Mars. I really loved it and I went on it twice. At first, it was freaky, but then it turned out to be fun. It leaned you side to side and it made you feel like you were going down hills. Then, I went to the gift shop and bought a few souvenirs. Then, I went to the Imax theatre and watched a movie about a journey to space. I really liked the movie because it was one of those movies that you could figure out what was going on. I also went to the museum to look at stuff. One of the things that I looked at was a model of a person who was found after a hurricane. Then, we attended a lecture on the rules of camp. We all got into teams and my leaders were Mindi and Keri. I also met some friends called Melissa, Tiffany, Deepjot, Vicky and Tristin.

Sept. 23, 2001—Today, we trained for our discovery mission which had a script and you would read it like a play. I was capsule communicator and Deepjot was flight director. On our mission, we are going to send some people in a simulator. A simulator is not a ride, it’s like one, but you have many buttons to push and you get sent out on missions like you’re going into space. Then, this afternoon, I went on a rock climb. That night, I learned about space history. I also learned about space suits and the different parts of it.

Sept. 24, 2001—Today, I went on our mission. After that, we went on that 1/6^th gravity chair where it gave you an experience that seemed like you were moving in zero gravity. It was not freaky. I really had lots of fun when I was on it. Then, we learned “Why is there space?” and we learned and felt about different things that you would use to live in space such as a dust buster and a special space pen.

After dinner, I went to the museum and Mindi talked more about space history. Then, we went into a capsule. After that, we went on the Mars ride again three times. Then, I chattered with Deepjot while other people climbed on that wall. I didn’t want to take the risk again.

Sept. 25, 2001—Today, I went on the man maneuvered unit simulator. It had joysticks on both sides and you could move them in different directions. Then, we went to the rocket park and Keri told us all about rockets.

So after lunch, we went to the rocket building and built rockets from a rocket kit. Then, we went to train for our mission but I didn’t like my position this time because we had to do a lot of stuff.

Sept. 26, 2001—Today, we went on our mission Endeavor. My job was freaky and hard. I had to wear a space suit and I had to fix some stuff and move in a chair which kept moving. Then, we went swimming and I stayed back with the counselors and Vicky and Deepjot walked and chattered together. Then, we learned about the three planets. I learned that Mercury is the closet planet to the sun and its 950 degrees hot. I also learned that Venus is the second closest to the sun and it is 1000 degrees hot. I learned that water is the most important element on earth and it is the only planet that has life. I also learned that Mars will be a future planet for humans to live on in twenty years or so. Then, I learned how the people went to the bathroom in space.

Sept. 27, 2001—Today we launched our rockets. Mine went the furthest but I still got it back in one piece. At Aviation Challenge I learned all about planes. I was burning hot and I didn’t really pay attention. But it was fun. The person took us around and gave us a tour of the Aviation Challenge site. Then, we went to the graduation ceremony. After that, we went to the dance and I danced with Deepjot, Mrs. Nahal and Vicky. Then, I went to bed and tried not to think of the next day when it would be time to go home.

Sept. 28, 2001—I really didn’t want to leave space camp. I wished so so hard that today would be a dream. I really, really hoped to go back next year. Then, I walked my last walk with Vicky to the cafeteria. We hung around together and waited to catch our flight. On the plane, I felt so miserable. Even though I enjoyed the take-offs I tried to avoid thinking of my destination. But before I knew it, we’d reached home. I sadly got my suitcase and Mrs. Nahal and I went to meet my parents.

By Charmaine Co

Submitted by her Vision Teacher, Harvinder Nahal, when Charmaine was in Grade 7 in Richmond, BC.