Reach for the Stars Mini Space Camp
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
by Diane Rockall
Twenty-four enthusiastic young people, primarily between the ages of three and six, attended “Reach for the Stars,” a mini-space camp at Stockbridge Branch of the Capital Area District Libraries, Wednesday, Aug. 7. The camp completed the summer reading program for that age group.
Story lady, aka Samantha Huber, burned up some stored energy with the song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” She then read Our Stars by Ann Rockwell. The children’s book describes several constellations, the planets and our seasonal night skies. The reading was frequently interrupted with questions and discussions.
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
When the book was completed, the group watched a short video of the launch, several years ago, of the Discovery Space Shuttle. Following came more discussion in which Story Lady revealed that she had once watched a space ship launch while working for NASA in Florida. Employees were allowed to watch from a site seven miles from lift off, she explained. Only spouses of the astronauts and the President of the United States were allowed closer, she said, and the noise from lift-off shook the glass window of the building she was required to watch from. Once again, the engaged children expressed many questions and comments.
Next, the camp moved to three activities. Huber led some young ones in space camp exercises. Others enjoyed the opportunity to lace quarter moon or star cards, and a third group colored pre-made rocket ships and attached them to straws, so the they could launch their space crafts with their own breaths.
All of this occurred in a 45-minute mini space camp. As participants were leaving they were given the opportunity to pose for a space camp photo.
One last event will wrap up the Summer Reading Program. The last of the series of Activities in the Park with Colleen Redfield, which will be held Friday, Aug. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
Photo Credit: Diane Rockall
