The CMSC Voyagers are open to students who have finished sixth grade and adults. Compete the following steps to apply.
Step One. Read the Following:
Founded in 1990, the Voyager Club is the heart of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center (CMSC). Whether you are a fan of space science, astronomy, or science fiction, there is a place for you here. Membership is divided into two levels:
The Purpose of Volunteering
As a volunteer, your primary goal is to create an unforgettable experience for our patrons. While volunteering at the Space Center is incredibly fun, it is also a responsibility. Our mission is to serve the patrons; they aren't here for our entertainment. We look for dedicated individuals who are ready to work hard to keep the "magic" alive for every visitor.
Age Requirements
To apply, you must have completed the 6th grade (there is no upper age limit!). Pro Tip: If you haven’t flown many missions as a patron yet, you might want to wait a bit before volunteering. Once you see how the "magic" works behind the scenes, the experience of being a passenger changes forever!
Costs and Requirements
Once your application is accepted and you’ve completed your training, there is a $20 fee. This covers your official volunteer T-shirt, lanyard, and administrative costs, and is due at your first scheduled shift.
Founded in 1990, the Voyager Club is the heart of the Christa McAuliffe Space Center (CMSC). Whether you are a fan of space science, astronomy, or science fiction, there is a place for you here. Membership is divided into two levels:
- Explorers: Members who want to be part of the club community but do not work in the simulators.
- Volunteers: Members who go behind the scenes to help run our simulator missions.
The Purpose of Volunteering
As a volunteer, your primary goal is to create an unforgettable experience for our patrons. While volunteering at the Space Center is incredibly fun, it is also a responsibility. Our mission is to serve the patrons; they aren't here for our entertainment. We look for dedicated individuals who are ready to work hard to keep the "magic" alive for every visitor.
Age Requirements
To apply, you must have completed the 6th grade (there is no upper age limit!). Pro Tip: If you haven’t flown many missions as a patron yet, you might want to wait a bit before volunteering. Once you see how the "magic" works behind the scenes, the experience of being a passenger changes forever!
Costs and Requirements
Once your application is accepted and you’ve completed your training, there is a $20 fee. This covers your official volunteer T-shirt, lanyard, and administrative costs, and is due at your first scheduled shift.
- Transportation: Volunteers are responsible for their own travel to and from the Space Center.
- Background Checks: In accordance with district policy, all volunteers aged 18 and older must pass a mandated background check.
Step Two:
This step is for parents of minors applying to join the Voyager Club. Please read the parent letter using the link below.
This step is for parents of minors applying to join the Voyager Club. Please read the parent letter using the link below.
Step Three:
Two mission observations at the Space Center are required as part of the application process. Mission observations take place in the simulator control rooms. You will see the staff and volunteers in action running our simulated space missions. Observations give applicants the opportunity to see if volunteering is something you really want to do. Please fill out the application using the link below. Please contact Mr. Williamson if the link isn't working. [email protected]
Two mission observations at the Space Center are required as part of the application process. Mission observations take place in the simulator control rooms. You will see the staff and volunteers in action running our simulated space missions. Observations give applicants the opportunity to see if volunteering is something you really want to do. Please fill out the application using the link below. Please contact Mr. Williamson if the link isn't working. [email protected]
Step Four. Read the Code of Conduct Before your First Mission Observation
The Code of Conduct explains the commitment all volunteers make to the Space Center.
To make sure everyone has a great experience at the Space Center (CMSC), all volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines. Being a volunteer means representing our core values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
We want to keep our community safe and transparent. Please follow these communication rules:
If a volunteer breaks these rules, a staff member will notify the Director and the student's parent/guardian. Depending on the situation, consequences may include:
The Code of Conduct explains the commitment all volunteers make to the Space Center.
To make sure everyone has a great experience at the Space Center (CMSC), all volunteers are expected to follow these guidelines. Being a volunteer means representing our core values: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship.
- Be Respectful: Treat all staff, youth leaders, and fellow volunteers with kindness.
- Follow the Rules: Obey all CMSC and Alpine School District policies.
- Dress the Part: Follow the Dress & Appearance guidelines for all events.
- Use Proper Language: Keep your communication professional and appropriate.
- Protect the Space Center: Treat the facility and all equipment with care.
- Be Reliable: Be honest, show up on time, and honor your commitments.
- Stay Safe: Weapons, threats, physical force, or overly affectionate/sexual behavior are strictly prohibited.
We want to keep our community safe and transparent. Please follow these communication rules:
- Keep it Public: Use public forums (like Google Classroom) for questions. Avoid private messaging or one-on-one texting between adults and students.
- Socializing with Staff and Volunteers: Adult staff are forbidden to socialize with minors as per school district policy unless it is an Space Center organized event. If anyone asks to meet you privately outside of the Space Center, report it to Mr. Porter or Mr. Williamson immediately.
- Digital Tools: You must be reachable via email and Google Classroom. With parent permission, you may join our Discord for real-time updates (this is optional).
- See Something, Say Something: If you witness bullying, see signs of someone struggling (like suicidal thoughts), or experience any form of abuse, tell Mr. Porter, Mr. Williamson or a staff member right away.
- Note to Parents: While we use tools like Discord and Google Classroom, we cannot monitor every private message. We encourage you to set clear digital boundaries with your student.
If a volunteer breaks these rules, a staff member will notify the Director and the student's parent/guardian. Depending on the situation, consequences may include:
- A formal meeting with parents and staff.
- Being sent home early from a shift.
- Suspension or restriction from future CMSC events.
- Ending your membership with the Voyager Club.
- Paying for any property damage.
- Involved law enforcement (for serious legal violations).
Now the wait......
Please give the Space Center a few weeks to review your application and arrange your first mission observation. Please contact Mr. Williamson ([email protected]) if you don't receive a mission observation invitation within two weeks of filling out the application.
Please give the Space Center a few weeks to review your application and arrange your first mission observation. Please contact Mr. Williamson ([email protected]) if you don't receive a mission observation invitation within two weeks of filling out the application.
What Can You Do While You Are Waiting?
Read the Following Information and Get a Head Start on the Requirements to Join and Volunteer.
Volunteer & Staff Responsibilities
Grades Come First
Your education is more important than volunteering! To stay active in the simulation rooms, you must:
Communication & Scheduling
We hold monthly Voyager Club meetings, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 8:00–10:00 AM. While not required, we highly recommend attending to level up your skills and hang out with the team.
Uniform & Appearance
We want our crew to look professional. Please follow these dress code rules:
Our costumes and props are expensive! Help us take care of them:
The control room is where the "magic" happens. To keep things running smoothly:
If you are unable to meet these responsibilities, you will be moved to the Explorer Group. You can still attend monthly meetings and trainings, but you won't be scheduled for flights. To move back to the Volunteer Group, you will need to contact Mr. Williamson.
Read the Following Information and Get a Head Start on the Requirements to Join and Volunteer.
Volunteer & Staff Responsibilities
Grades Come First
Your education is more important than volunteering! To stay active in the simulation rooms, you must:
- Maintain a “B” average overall.
- Have no grades lower than a “C-” on your report card.
Communication & Scheduling
- Check Your Tech: Check your email and Google Classroom regularly for updates.
- Sign Up: Use our Volunteer App to sign up for flights and camps.
- Transportation: Always get permission from a parent/guardian and ensure you have a ride before signing up for a shift.
- Monthly Minimum: You are expected to volunteer at least 5 hours per month. Voyager Club monthly meeting give you two hours. Attending classes and workshops also count as hours. Some volunteers do their hours at home working on Space Center related projects.
- Leave of Absence: If you can’t volunteer for a while (due to sports, school, or family), just email Mr. Williamson at [email protected] to let him know.
- Be Early: Arrive at least 10 minutes before your shift starts.
- Pick-Up: Ensure your ride is at the Center no later than 20 minutes after your shift ends. Our managers must stay until you are picked up, so please be respectful of their time!
We hold monthly Voyager Club meetings, usually on the last Saturday of the month from 8:00–10:00 AM. While not required, we highly recommend attending to level up your skills and hang out with the team.
Uniform & Appearance
We want our crew to look professional. Please follow these dress code rules:
- Shirt: Official CMSC volunteer shirt (clean and tucked in).
- Pants: Solid dark blue or black pants (no shorts, capris, or tight-fitting leggings).
- Shoes: Closed-toe shoes (dark colors are best).
- Personal Items: Cell phones must be turned off and kept in a staff locker. No gum is allowed.
Our costumes and props are expensive! Help us take care of them:
- Ask First: If you aren’t sure if you can use a prop or costume, ask a staff member.
- Clean Up: Put items back exactly where you found them and in good condition.
- Report Damage: If something breaks, don't hide it—tell a staff member immediately so we can fix it.
The control room is where the "magic" happens. To keep things running smoothly:
- Whisper: Keep conversations quiet so the Flight Director can hear the crew.
- Be a Student: Use your time to watch and learn how the missions work.
- No Food/Drink: Keep snacks and drinks out of the control rooms.
If you are unable to meet these responsibilities, you will be moved to the Explorer Group. You can still attend monthly meetings and trainings, but you won't be scheduled for flights. To move back to the Volunteer Group, you will need to contact Mr. Williamson.
Advancing at the CMSC
As you volunteer, you will develop incredible skills in acting, technology, and teamwork. Many of our professional staff started as student volunteers just like you! Because our staff has years of experience, it is important to follow their directions to ensure every mission is a success. Your safety and comfort are our priority: If a staff member asks you to do something you aren't comfortable with, please tell them. If you still feel uneasy, contact Mr. Porter or Mr. Williamson immediately.
Roles at the Space Center
Earning Your "Passes"
To give our patrons the best experience, we train volunteers for specific roles—like controlling ship computers, leading landing parties, or acting. When you master a skill, you earn a Pass.
Earning a pass follows a three-step process:
Once you earn a Pass, directors will rely on you to fill that role. Be proud of your expertise and ready to jump into action!
Recording Your Progress
When you complete a requirement, the Flight or Set Director will record your Partial or Full Pass. To celebrate your hard work, you can earn Ship Pins for your service as you advance.
As you volunteer, you will develop incredible skills in acting, technology, and teamwork. Many of our professional staff started as student volunteers just like you! Because our staff has years of experience, it is important to follow their directions to ensure every mission is a success. Your safety and comfort are our priority: If a staff member asks you to do something you aren't comfortable with, please tell them. If you still feel uneasy, contact Mr. Porter or Mr. Williamson immediately.
Roles at the Space Center
- Volunteers: The heart of our program! Volunteers work after-school flights, weekends, and summer camps.
- Internship Volunteers: Senior volunteers who are in the Space Center's Staff Training Program.
- Paid Staff: Supervisors and Flight Directors employed by the Alpine School District.
- Supervisors: Staff members who work in the larger ships, Magellan and Cassini. The ships are so large they require two or three staff per mission.
- Flight Director: The staff member who directs the missions in the simulators. They are the ones holding the microphone.
- Mr. Porter (Director): The Director of the CMSC and a certified teacher. He is in charge of everything at the Center. Contact him at [email protected].
Earning Your "Passes"
To give our patrons the best experience, we train volunteers for specific roles—like controlling ship computers, leading landing parties, or acting. When you master a skill, you earn a Pass.
Earning a pass follows a three-step process:
- Learning: This is your "observation" phase. You will watch missions (2.5 or 5 hours) to learn the controls, storylines, and acting parts. Every position has specific requirements you must master.
- Partial Pass: You can attempt your first "Pass" after observing a position at least twice. A "Partial" means you’ve successfully completed 1 of the 2 required attempts. Most testing happens during 5-hour missions. Focus on mastering one pass at a time!
- The Pass: Earning a full Pass represents hours of hard work. It shows Flight Directors that you are an expert and ready to run that position during a live mission.
Once you earn a Pass, directors will rely on you to fill that role. Be proud of your expertise and ready to jump into action!
Recording Your Progress
When you complete a requirement, the Flight or Set Director will record your Partial or Full Pass. To celebrate your hard work, you can earn Ship Pins for your service as you advance.
Ship Pins/Patches
Each ship has multiple passes that can be earned. Once all of the passes are earned for a particular ship you are eligible to receive your ship specific pin or patch. This represents that if called upon you would be able to help out in almost any situation for that simulator with your many hours of experience.
Awards & Honors Night
Many hours and years are put into volunteering at the Space Center. We want to recognize your efforts, if only in a small way. Around every other month an Honors Night is held. This is our opportunity to make announcements, do some training, and mostly bestow upon our volunteers and staff the various honors they have earned.
Years of Service
These are earned based on the number of continuous years you have been an active volunteer of the program. The only exception is the apprentice patch. The Apprentice patch can be earned after completing either 100 hours or 2 years of service. You’ll find the volunteer slogan, “Intrepidos Nisus” which translates to, “undaunted efforts.” This slogan reflects the amazing efforts of our volunteers as they develop new skills that benefit the many different patrons that participate in our program
Hours of Service Ranks
Every hour spent in the simulators is later logged into our database. Many scholarships or resumes have spots for listing how you have served your community. Many applicants might be able to put down 20-50 hours of service. Our volunteers snicker at such numbers as many end up putting in hundreds of hours or more.
Each ship has multiple passes that can be earned. Once all of the passes are earned for a particular ship you are eligible to receive your ship specific pin or patch. This represents that if called upon you would be able to help out in almost any situation for that simulator with your many hours of experience.
Awards & Honors Night
Many hours and years are put into volunteering at the Space Center. We want to recognize your efforts, if only in a small way. Around every other month an Honors Night is held. This is our opportunity to make announcements, do some training, and mostly bestow upon our volunteers and staff the various honors they have earned.
Years of Service
These are earned based on the number of continuous years you have been an active volunteer of the program. The only exception is the apprentice patch. The Apprentice patch can be earned after completing either 100 hours or 2 years of service. You’ll find the volunteer slogan, “Intrepidos Nisus” which translates to, “undaunted efforts.” This slogan reflects the amazing efforts of our volunteers as they develop new skills that benefit the many different patrons that participate in our program
Hours of Service Ranks
Every hour spent in the simulators is later logged into our database. Many scholarships or resumes have spots for listing how you have served your community. Many applicants might be able to put down 20-50 hours of service. Our volunteers snicker at such numbers as many end up putting in hundreds of hours or more.
