Blasting off to Space Camp

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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.

Then, the 15 new counselors had to learn the flight deck of the shuttle, so that we could teach that to the campers as they come to camp. There are five shuttles, and each has a space station and mission control in order to conduct missions. Finally, we had to be certified on all of the simulators. There are five simulators: The MAT (Multi-Axis Trainer), MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit), 1/6th gravity chair, and the 5 Degrees of Freedom Chair. The five degrees are forward and backward, side-to-side, roll, pitch and yaw.

After two weeks, I received my wings, and I am an official Space Camp counselor. I am looking forward to the summer, and I am up to the challenge of working with 15 campers per team. It is amazing that up to 50-some teams are here at once. I am looking forward to the experience that I will be getting since I am an education major.

Also, it is just interesting to learn the Southern language. For example, they call a shopping cart “a Buggy,” and the burner on a stove is “an eye”. Most importantly are southern hospitality and the formality of “Yes, Ma’am” and “Yes Sir.”

I am looking forward to the experience, and I am excited. Goodbye y’all for now from Huntsville, Alabama.

Trivia question: What is the name of the new space program after the shuttle?

Answer: Constellation.

Corwin can be reached by e-mail at cmcorwi@ilstu.edu.