If you weren’t at the Voyager Club’s December meeting (held stylishly late on January 2, 2025—fashionably procrastinating, just like the best of us), then buckle up, because you missed an *epic* space-faring adventure. This wasn’t just any meeting; it was an away mission to the Lion’s Gate Space Center at Lakeview Academy in Saratoga Springs, home to the legendary Apollo and Artemis starship simulators. And let me tell you, those ships are the amazing simulators—sleek, fast, and best of all, they have ladders :)
Mission Kickoff: Space Bingo The day started at 10:00 AM with the high-stakes Bingo. Yes, you heard that right—Voyager of all ages huddled over their cards, muttering prayers to Fortuna, Goddess of Fortune. It was the kind of intense pre-game warmup that only seasoned Voyagers could handle. Meeting Maddness At 10:30, Jack H., one of our club's co-presidents, called the meeting to order. After thanking the Lion’s Gate crew for hosting us, Jack turned the meeting over to me. I gave a few announcements, then introduced the Voyager Club's Acting Department Head, Tyler Weight. Tyler's mission that day was to teach the club how to channel their inner Hollywood stars while playing out our deep-space missions. Tyler’s lesson was all about using acting scripts to both enhance, prepare and act out character driven simulator scenes. Because let’s be real—if you’re going to be a space alien, you’d better look and sound the part. Fake it till you make it… Trivia Next up was trivia, hosted by Jonathan Eden, a Lion’s Gate Flight Director, who somehow managed to turn a game of space trivia into a cross between a history lesson and a comedy show. Club members split into teams, scarfing down their sack lunches while debating the finer points of space-center lore. The winning team earned first dibs on starship positions, making it a highly contested trivia game. No pressure, right? The Raffle Before splitting into crews, Mr. Williamson held the traditional Voyager Club raffle. Members crossed their fingers as they handed over their name tags (aka rank cards) as tickets. The prizes? Pure awesomeness. From charging stations to intergalactic swag (Marvin the Martian head gear), winners left with a few treasures. Mission Impossible: Starship Showdown Once the prizes were claimed, it was time to gear up for the real fun. Members divided into two crews: one for the Apollo and one for the Artemis. Jack captained the Artemis while Thomas, the club’s other co-president, took command of the Apollo. Captain Kirk himself (aka Daniel Kirkpatrick, Lion’s Gate Space Center Director) briefed both crews on their missions: venture into criminal-infested space to rescue a secret agent and recover a stolen Earth weapon. No big deal, right? Just another Tuesday in space. Both crews dove into their missions with all the bravery and flair of a blockbuster sci-fi movie. As the mission progressed, the Voyagers learned that both the Christa McAuliffe and Lion's Gate Space Center's were similar and different in how they approached and operated the simulators. It was obvious that the Lion's Gates Center was a descendant of the Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center from the terminology used and basic mission structure. The Lion's Gate differs from the Christa McAuliffe Center by pioneered new avenues in space center operation because their primary mission is to provide in school field trips to Lakeview Academy's 1000 students in K - 9th grade. They also use Dream Flight Adventure controls instead of Thorium and they have their own science fiction universe. As for our crew's performance.....Spoiler alert: both crews totally crushed it, completing their objectives and earning universal (pun intended) applause. The Aftermath By the end of the day, everyone agreed—Lion’s Gate Space Center is absolutely stellar. From the top-notch simulators to the friendly and talented staff, the experience was unforgettable. Today's experience was the first of a two part exchange. The Lion's Gate Center hosted us, and in return, we will host them at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center for a return mission. So, if you’re not part of the Voyager Club yet, what are you waiting for? We’ve got simulators, space missions, trivia, and Bingo (yes, Bingo). Whether you dream of piloting a starship, acting out dramatic space sagas, or just hanging out with the coolest club in the galaxy, we’ve got room for you. Until next time, keep looking up and dreaming big. Ad Astra! Mr. Williamson Enjoy this Video of the Voyager Club's Mission Aboard the Starship's Apollo and Artemis. My Favorite Part.. When the Ship goes to Warp. Also, You Don't Want to Miss Jack and Thomas's Moving Blast Off Speeches to their Crews.The Imaginarium Theater.
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AuthorMy name is Victor Williamson. I founded the Christa McAuliffe Space Center in 1990. I current teach 6th grade at Renaissance Academy and am the Space Center Outreach Coordinator (I take care of the volunteers). You can reach me by email: [email protected] Archives
October 2024
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