2019 ASTRONAUT CAMP

Since our beautiful canon burned the previous year, we decided it looked like a moon scape and used it to our advantage! We even found the asteroid that "caused" the fire! We took soil samples in small vials and small bags of "moon" rocks. Of course the youngest was covered in ashes and dirt! The sign of a very thorough young astronaut

When the astronauts arrives to tour NASA, they had to have special clearance because a new space shuttle was being constructed. In the middle of exploring such things as moon sand (handled with gloves), putting a bolt on a washer in water (simulates going outside the module to do repairs) an alarm sounded and  special mission was assigned to them! A meteor had landed and the space shuttle had to be assembled quickly!

All the meals were "space ready" in ouches or vacuum sealed.  Astronauts had the latest 'summer' version of a space suit. and we re-enacted the first moon walk..

after the pictures of space shuttles were colored an cut out, they were tape to a large zip top bag and the bag was attached to a wire with paper clips looped over the wire. A large balloon was blown up but not tied and slipped into the bag. when the astronaut let goof the balloon,, the shuttle 'flew', 

Grandpa taught them to make a paper airplane. I could not believe that some had never made one before!

Of course we had to 'splash down', it was a hot re-entry! The shuttle experienced some technical difficulties and we had to use the emergency escape chute !Cardboard on the stairs and a cushion from a cot. The kids insisted the parent also make the same trip down the stairs when they came.

when the parents came, an alien suddenly appeared an shared 'slime with everyone. We made constellations with toothpicks and marshmallows after star gazing the night before. The parents were given a tour of the shuttle and we had dinner and a piñata. Did you know the moon is filled with candy?