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"Since teamwork is emphasized, we got the chance to learn positive ways to work with others who may not share our values, opinions, or beliefs. Learning to work with others who are unlike us in any way to achieve a common goal is an invaluable lesson that will carry over into adult life." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Iowa
"Teamwork, social skills, and the increase if positive self-image are evident consequences." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Nebraska
"It has boosted their self-confidence and broadened their ideas about what they can do in life." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, West Virginia
"The kids learn the importance of working together as a team, which is required by the mission exercises. They also learn the importance of helping each other out, throughout the course of the week. Few programs can boast recreational, educational, and socialization benefits as can Space Camp." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Massachusetts
"I recommend this program for all children. Hands-on learning I feel is the best. It is more than educational, it is a overall experience." - Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"I had not seem some of my students work so hard with some of them not realizing just how much they were learning." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Indiana
"Jesse is now trying to be more independent and gaining the self-esteem to trust his decisions without checking with an adult before every move. I know sometimes its hard to believe that one week at a camp could achieve this, but it was being with other students with visual impairments that helped him become aware of his abilities, to meet new friends on his own, and to try to accept, or at least tolerate, those differences in each of us. It also greatly helped that adaptations were made that allowed each student to participate with his/her appropriate reading medium. Like fully sighted children they were expected to participate to the best of their abilities and they rarely heard the words, "you cant", which some students with visual impairments hear daily." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Iowa
They are less fearful and more gregarious. They are not nearly afraid of being themselves in front of others." - Parent of a Montana Camper
"By leaps and bounds. She is more self-assured, confident, and her leadership skills have increased." - American mother of Russian exchange student
"The week made Ednun realize what can be achieved when you work and play with students who have the same problems that he has, and which, with hard work, can be overcome. Nothing is impossible." - Chaperone of student from England
"I have become more mature and also conscious about my future." - SCI-VIS attendee, South Carolina
"I could see first hand what I teach kids fits into the world outside of school." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Nebraska
"It has helped feeling more independent and getting along and working with other students." - SCI-VIS Camper, West Virginia
"One student came back a different person. She is very proud of her accomplishments, is more outgoing, and feels much better about herself." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Michigan
"I am more confident in approaching new people and new interested in trying new activities." - SCI-VIS Camper, Maine
"It also gave him a chance to be with other blind and visually impaired children." - Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"He is much more open in talking with other students that he doesnt know and is now writing back and forth with others. My kids have experienced a lot of personal growth, meeting people, staying away from home, air travel. Everything is positive. It is something that they will be able to carry with them throughout their lives." - Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"I have always thought of my students as ordinary, everyday kids who just happen to be visually impaired. Now I think that a lot of them are quite extraordinary." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Indiana
"Yes, they have learned to be more independent, how to compete with others that have more vision, how to compete as a group when others have less sight, how to help people with handicaps worse than their own" - Parent of Space Camp children, West Virginia
"I feel like I can accomplish more." - SCI-VIS attendee, West Virginia
"Yes, I have become much more comfortable in leadership roles. In addition, I am more comfortable speaking in front of groups." - SCI-VIS attendee, Florida
"I noticed that I have become more mature and self-confident?" - SCI-VIS attendee, Iowa
"Their confidence, self-image, and self-esteem are dramatically changed for the better." - Parent of a Montana Camper
"Both (science and math) grades have improved." - Parent of Aviation Challenge Camper, Missouri
"Math and science have never interested me more since Space Camp." - SCI-VIS attendee, Mississippi
"It has made me more independent and more assertive. Ive gained a lot of self-confidence." - Advanced Academy Camper, Nebraska
"Math and science go from being a book and lab abstraction to that of having purpose in a very real sense." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Nebraska
"Grades have improved and he is more interested." - Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"I am now in college studying to be an Aerospace Engineer thanks to Space Camp." - SCI-VIS 93-96 Alumnus, West Virginia
"Because of Space Camp both of my daughters are more interested in math and science." - Parent of Space Camp children, West Virginia
"&.it has really made me see the need to concentrate on my math." - SCI-VIS attendee, Florida
"The students realize there are many more opportunities in the space program than just becoming an astronaut and this has opened more career options." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Oklahoma
"I find myself wanting to learn more about the Space Program and how astronauts train." - SCI-VIS attendee, Iowa
"Michael loved the experience. His father worked on and flew simulators in the Air Force so for Michael to do this was great. He feels he knows a part of his Dad a little bit better." - Parent of Aviation Challenge Camper, Missouri
"This is one of the highlights in this young girls life" - American "mother" of Russian exchange student
"It was the best week of my life" - SCI-VIS attendee, England
"It was a wonderful experience. Ill always cherish the friendships I made and the unique experiences. Ill never forget them. My vision had changed prior to Huntsville so I was not able to read print or Braille. The staff and team chaperones helped to make my experience as fulfilling as everyone else." - Advanced Academy Camper, Nebraska
"We learned so much and had fun doing it. He hasnt stopped talking about it yet. He had so much fun with friends &.." - Parent of a Missouri Camper
"Children who have visual impairments need to have a hands-on approach to learning because of the lack of visual experiences and Space Camp provides more experiences in one week than many schools can possibly provide in a years time." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Nebraska
"The counselors really taught us a lot and believed in us. I did so many things I never thought I could do. Thanks again for a great experience." - SCI-VIS Camper, Michigan
"I think Space Camp is the kind of experience that grows within the student as time passes on. By this I mean, as students return to their schools, talk with other students, teachers, friends, etc., the experience (which at times can be somewhat tedious to some students) takes on a whole new level of appreciation. Students will draw in the positive experience throughout their lives." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Massachusetts
"Self-esteem has improved greatly. We have not one complaint!" - Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"I found it beneficial to see the students out of a classroom setting. I was able to see how they really function, cope, and deal with the everyday, mundane things. What a wonderful, self-esteem building opportunity this program offers to visually impaired students." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Indiana
"Space Camp was the best thing that ever happened to me. I only hope that other visually impaired children can experience the great things Space Camp has to offer. It is such a wonderful program. It has really changed my life." - SCI-VIS 93-96 Alumnus, West Virginia
"The excitement when they get ready to go. The excitement when they come back, because of what they saw and learned. The knowledge that they come back with; explaining a mission, the equipment they used. We have the NASA channel now! I enjoyed watching the Discovery lift-off with my sixth grader. She was so excited because she knew the different steps of the launch." - Parent of Space Camp children, West Virginia
"This is a wonderful and unique experience for visually impaired person." - Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Oklahoma
"Space Camp has so many benefits for visually impaired students. I saw students put into situations that led them to make decisions and exercise their choice making skills. The dynamics of the "mission" forced students to work with one another for individual and group success. The result was a camaraderie amongst the team members and an interdependence on one another.
The scientist who was visually impaired added a taste of the "real world" to the week. His guest lecture and the question and answer period which followed was an exercise in opening eyes to the campers future, for their question had a general theme: can I compete with my visual impairment? His honest answers and his example was inspiring and left little doubt that, yes, they could compete and succeed at whatever endeavor they chose.
I was impressed? Very much so! Great growth and learning by the campers: academically, socially, and in the use of daily living skills make me a proponent of Space Camp for the Visually Impaired." - The Council of Schools for the Blind (COSB), 1997 Outstanding Teacher of the Year
"I made a lot of life long friends." - SCI-VIS attendee, Iowa
"I love working as a team; it showed me what is was going to be like in the job market that involves teamwork."- -SCI-VIS attendee, Kentucky
"The part of his trip that I felt the best about was when James told me of a boy that he helped all week. The boy was paralyzed from the waist down ? James pushed him in the wheelchair and thought nothing of it.
At the end of the week when we picked James up he told us if his new best friend. He told us about the great "team" he was on ?
The benefits of working on a team will help James not only at school, but they will last a lifetime. It will benefit those kids when they enter the work force later in life, working in the community, on committees, in business, and at home."
Parent of a Space Camper, Illinois
"Going to this camp is what turned math around for Kyle and caused him to go back with real dedication and take Algebra over; where once he failed by 2 points and now is making A?s and B?s.
He has a lot more self-confidence and assertiveness; a feeling he can achieve anything he really puts his mind to.
[Space] Camp has made a tremendous difference in Kyle?s life. It has introduced him to new people and exciting challenges. It has given him a real sense of accomplishment. Thanks so much for having the compassion and interest in young people and giving them the opportunity to see that there are caring people in the world and helping them see there is a special place in society for them. Parents can tell them daily but nothing does it as well as the opportunity for success that Space Camp provides. Again thanks from me, a parent, for restoring my faith in my fellow man, and thanks from Kyle for giving him a taste of personal insight into the sighted world that he is denied so much of the time. You are truly a wonderful, unselfish. caring, and giving, great organization."
Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Texas
"[Space Camp] increased my knowledge of a life with a handicap and I feel closer to people with a handicap than I did before Space Camp."
Sighted Academy Camper, Australia
"Beyond the educational gains, this was probably the first time both of the students were able to feel a worthwhile team member, with a sense of purpose, and not feel that they were ?dragging the chain? due to often being undervalued because of their blindness.
I feel there is not another theme or experience that could be replicated elsewhere to achieve the same goals."
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Australia
"?..he said he could go right back. He loves having responsibilities and being in charge. Space Camp was so much fun for him that he didn?t mind at all getting up early. We have not heard one negative thing about camp in the three different trips that the boys have done. Keep up the good work."
Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Maine
"Many visually impaired students are known to be very egocentric and it seems that during Space Camp they have to think about the other people on their team. By the end of the week they have become much more concerned about others.
The kids learned the importance of reading in a real world experience, which can be difficult when working with visually impaired children who have access to technology that reads to them.
Here?.high expectations lead to high performance."
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Nebraska
"My students learned so much! They originally had science interest but Space Camp really changed their attitudes toward the importance.
I was so impressed with everything, especially the counselors. They were so good with the kids, and patient! It was incredible to be able to see these kids get to do things they would probably never get a chance to do if it weren?t for SCI-VIS!
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Texas
"Lectures can be fun, SURPRISE!
I learned to work with people. I was really bad at that before, now it?s a breeze.
The friends I made last year are my best and closest friends. The friends I made this year, I?m sure will mean just as much to me."
Advanced Academy Student, Nebraska
"We were really impressed with Aviation Challenge!!!!! John has more self -confidence and yet another field of knowledge. There is no way he would get these opportunities anywhere else, what a blessing!! I was also impressed with the counselors, these kids
always seem to touch peoples hearts and this was no exception. It was really neat to see all the kids with the smiles that told how much they had accomplished and how much fun they had had.
We borrowed money this year and I?m not sure if we can swing next year. We really appreciate all your hard work. This program is one the most worthwhile programs we have been involved in, it is so well put together."
Parent of Aviation Challenge, MACH II student, Kansas
"Thank you for an exquisite week. This is one week that never will I forget. The lasting friends that I have made and the memories that have been created are enough to last a lifetime. I was seriously thinking of not attending this week because there were so many school-related activities that I would miss, but if I had not gone this year I don't think that I could ever have forgiven myself. This week has meant more to me than anything ever."
Advanced Academy Student, Texas
"Thank you so much!!!! PJ had a wonderful week. He can't stop talking. This is the first time PJ has really been around other children who are visually impaired. Living in a small town like we do, PJ attends public school and has never had an opportunity to bond with children who experience the same vision challenges he does. He has made so many new friends!! He wants to attend again next year!! My father was able to see first-hand how the program was run. He could not get over the program. He went on and on about how organized the program was, and the wonderful counselors that were there. He is a hard man to impress!
One short week has changed him forever. I?ve never seen him so happy! His science teacher can?t get over how much PJ learned from camp.
PJ is always told in school that he can't do this and can't do that! For the first time he really felt like he could do any and everything. This is just what he needed. His confidence and self-esteem were really built this last week.
Words can not express what a wonderful time he had!"
Parent of an Academy Camper, Wisconsin
"My expectations for my student are higher now. I don?t tolerate some of the stuff I did before! Hardest week I?ve ever worked and I loved every minute!"
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Oregon
"Space Camp was the greatest experience in my 27 years of teaching. It was an educational experience the students will never forget. I am only sorry I hadn?t done it earlier.
Everyone became more independent. The kids reached levels of interest and growth that I never expected."
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Ohio
"I have never met a student returning from Space Camp who hasn?t reported having a positive experience."
Principal, Indiana School for the Blind
"It was one of the greatest experiences of my life."
Space Camper, Missouri
"I learned so much more about my student in one week compared to 1 ? years of working with him in the classroom -- observing him as he used his vision in various situations, interacting and working with counselors, peers, and students."
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Georgia
"Here students with visual impairments are given the necessary tools to explore new frontiers and acquire exciting knowledge. They learn to think positively about themselves and to appreciate the spirit of optimism, which is so very vital in this "life adventure. Here they learn that there are no barriers and that they can achieve whatever they set their minds to do.
I think it is worth saying that everyone grows in some way at Space Camp. There were some individuals who changed in ways that were unimaginable from the onset. Improved social skills and increased confidence topped the list in my books.
Having spent nearly twenty years in the field of special education?.I can say this is one of the richest learning experiences that I have ever participated in. This program deserves full support of the entire Nation or uhhh, perhaps the entire?Universe ?Bravo!!!!
Teacher of a deaf-blind Academy Student, Georgia
"Space Camp represents the ultimate integrated thematic instruction. This is a perfect example of how well it can be done. We learned about science, math, engineering, and how they all intertwined together. Most importantly, we learned how to get along with each other and work as a team to get the job done!"
1998 Council of Schools for the Blind?s Teacher of the Year
"Our 13-year old daughter called home from twice from Space Camp in the most excited voice I have ever heard from her. And now, nearly a month later; her enthusiasm has barely faded.
Thank you for sponsoring a truly phenomenal program for students who are visually impaired. Apparently, you and the outstanding Space Camp staff did all the right things. She did not have one complaint ? truly a tribute to you from a young teenager!
Most of all thank you for helping to boost her self-esteem. Though she is blind, she now knows more about her vast capabilities-from traveling without her parents across several states by jet, operating switches on a Braille control panel during the simulated flight, to flying a real plane. In space vernacular, what a blast for all of us!"
Parent of an Academy Camper, Michigan
"Overall, I think everything was absolutely positively great! I had such a great time. They (counselors) made me laugh and they made me learn. I get a lot of energy from thinking about it because it was so exciting!"
Space Academy Camper, Michigan
"Space Camp was the best camp that I have been to, which says a lot ( 22 Leadership camps for the blind, 4 Summer sessions for the blind, 6 Daredevil camps, and Air Force Boot Camp). I have never felt so close to those people there at the camp and I really felt like a family with my team. It has brought me in a new vision in Aeronautics and how we view space today. I loved my counselor, Marcia, who helped each of us realize what we can accomplish when we work together. Sir, when it was time to go, I had tears in my eyes truthfully, I did not want to go. You have really made my dreams come true, and I may not ever work for NASA or anything to do with space, but I will always remember this camp and what went on during the week.
Next is that if you could in any way make it happen, I would so love to go again. I want to sooooo badly. You don't know how much Advance Space Academy has changed myself for the better. I really can't expressed what it has meant to me
Thank You for a life well changed.
Advanced Academy Camper, Texas
"My student has always had difficulty speaking in public, particularly large numbers of people. He has already spoken to his year level, other year levels (science classes) and, in fact, to the whole school."
Teacher of the Visually Impaired, Victoria, Australia
"Space Camp shows that there is a practical use of the subjects and not just something you have to learn."
Space Academy Camper, South Carolina
"Space Camp is one of the best times Ben has had in his life. When he came back to Australia we met him at the Sydney Airport. He emerged from customs wearing his flight suit, his "Right Stuff" medal around his neck, and a smile from ear to ear. He was so enthusiastic about the camp ? the first thing he said was "I think I'll go next year and do Aviation Challenge."
Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Sydney, Australia
"It was a worthwhile educational experience. I learned more in that one week than I thought I could handle. At first I thought I would forget most of it, but the way it was taught, it has been easy to remember. Now I am studying space in science class, and what I learned is keeping me one step ahead of my classmates.
"For all of my life I was the only kid I knew who had "bad" eyes. At Space Camp I was able to compare stories, joke, talk and "see" how others adapted to their unique disabilities. In one week I became better friends with the kids in my group than in most of my life with other kids my age."
Academy Camper, Indiana
"I have nothing but positive comments concerning Space Camp. This experience created an independence and self-worth in her abilities to be able "to do" and not "can't do". Thank you for giving my child an educational experience that has helped in her desire to want to learn."
Parent, Academy Camper, West Virginia
"I think that I definitely found that not everything cool is closed to people with visual impairments. The thing I like best was being able to spend the week and work with other kids who also have visual impairments, as well as learning all about the space program at the same time. This was definitely one of the best times of my life, unquestionably."
Academy Camper, British Columbia, Canada
"Every time I looked around at the sea of young faces, I saw mountains of smiles. These usually followed some difficult task that the group had been asked to complete. There were always individuals who were completely mortified with the prospect of having to do something they believed they couldn't do. But with some kind words of encouragement, some cheering and razzing from counselors and chaperones, and by watching another visually impaired buddy succeed, most kids tried the task and were totally surprised and excited because they succeeded beyond their own expectations. When the next challenge came along they had so much more self-confidence to try."
Chaperone, British Columbia, Canada
"This was my third year at Space Camp and it is the greatest place in the world. All the counselors at camp are very positive and happy people. They have all made a major impact on my life."
Advanced Academy Camper, South Carolina
"Was it worthwhile? Invaluable! Educational! Extraordinary! Phenomenal!
My son comments almost every day that he wishes he were still at Space Camp. Our family joke is that he would go every week if he could, and we can just picture the counselors at Space Camp saying, "Hey are you here again? You were here last week." And there's Anthony with "A BIG GRIN FROM EAR TO EAR"! We thank you for a wonderful experience."
Parent of a Space Academy Student, Massachusetts
"This trip was the first time my son has gone on and on about something. It really made an impact on him. Stories about Space Camp are still coming out and he's already talking about hopefully being able to attend next year."
Parent of a Space Camp Camper
"This trip changed his whole attitude about daily life. Things earlier that were overwhelming now were not too much of a challenge. Talking to other people there makes me realize that he is in his element there and that I have never seen him so happy. Going to the second camp boosted his self-confidence even further. It has made him more independent and willing to try new things and situations. He even stands more poised and confident. It is so important for kids to meet others with the same problems. Being able to share ideas or to about problems with daily life and to know that you're not alone out there, there are others just like you."
Parent of a Space Academy Student, British Columbia, Canada
"I love being kept busy all of the time."
Space Academy Camper, Missouri
"Each time he goes he comes back with more confidence, knowledge, and more of a sense of self-worth. We love Space Camp!"
Parent of an Advanced Academy Camper, Kansas
"It truly was an amazing and very memorable experience. We enjoyed learning from our Texas friends how to say "y'all". We also think James, our counselor, had to be the of the best "way cool"."
Chaperone, Ontario Team, Canada
"Thank you for another tremendous educational experience to add to Jim's experiential encyclopedia "it is priceless"."
Parent of a Space Academy Camper, California
"I'm so impressed with the counselors."
Chaperone, West Virginia
"I thought it was awesome and I would recommend it to anyone."
Advanced Academy Camper, Yukon Territory, Canada