Blasting off to Space Camp

Editor’s note: Caitlyn Corwin, 22, is spending the summer at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. She is a counselor at Space Camp. Throughout the summer, Corwin will be sending letters to the BCR, telling readers of her adventures there. Corwin of Sheffield is a student at Illinois State University.

5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1… BLAST OFF! Now, it is T-7 seconds, and the shuttle has cleared the tower. Houston takes over all communications ...

Hello to everyone from Huntsville, Ala., where it is a privilege to spend the summer working at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center as a Space Camp counselor.

Getting here was not an easy process. I had to do a lengthy online application. Next, I had to post an interview on youtube.com, so the staff would be able to see my personality prior to the phone interview. Finally, there was a telephone interview. A week later, I received a letter in the mail offering me a job as a Space Camp counselor.

I was thrilled when my dad read me the letter over the phone because I was still down at school. It brought tears to my eyes. I knew my dream had come true; I was able to go to Space Camp and work at the largest camp in the world.

On May 12, I headed to Huntsville. The closer I got to Huntsville, I was a little nervous, however, once I saw the huge Saturn V in the middle of Rocket Park, my jaw dropped, and I said, “Dad, I cannot believe I will be working there!”

On my arrival, I went to human resources and got my badge. Almost immediately, I noticed the Southern dialect of the people. Next, I settled into my 10-foot by 10-foot room that I share with my roommate from Mississippi. Once settled in, I was ready for the challenge of orientation.

Orientation is an intense two-week process filled with a series of tests and “teach backs (This is where we learn the material and we say it back to the alumni). I felt like I was taking college exams again! The tests were on the subjects of early space, the space transportation system, the international space station, and the policies and procedures of the center. Next, I had to prep “teach backs” on the Mercury Program, Gemini Program, Rocket Park, early space and the Apollo Program. Once we prepped for those five teach backs, were able to pick one out of a hat and teach it.