Checking in...

The kids were so excited about swimming that last night they told us to wake them up early at 6 am. When we went in to wake them up they weren't ready to wake up.  Go figure!  We all head over to the restaurant to have one last decent meal until it was cafeteria food all week.  After breakfast, the kids went swimming again.

Entrance of Space Camp

11 o'clock, we headed over to the space camp.  The kids were very excited to start their day.  Not much has happened today because we were still waiting on other schools to arrive.  We got the kids checked in their habitat "dorm room" and waited on other school.  While we were waiting, the kids rode a ride that allows you see what it's like to "ride to Mars".  Then we headed over to the rock climbing area.  They all went for the most challenge side of rock climbing.  All made it through levels 10 and 11, LJ III was the only one that made it through level 12.  It was really hard because there are lesser things to grab on to pull yourself up and barely any place to put your feet on.

Mars Ride

Jaime climbing

LJ III climbing

Cassie climbing

Ethan climbing

After that we headed over to lunch.  Lunch was very basic, ham or turkey sandwich.  Still while waiting for the other schools, the kids got a chance to ride G-force and Space Shot.  G-force ride gives the kids an idea what it feels like when the space shuttle takes off, how the speed just pushes you back.  This ride just spins round and round.  It is almost like the Router ride at Kennywood.  The same concept with Space Shot on what it feels like at take-off.  Space Shot just goes straight up in the air.

G-Force

Space Shot

Then it was time to watch the movie, "Smile As Big As The Moon", this movie talked about how Special Needs kids were able to get into space camp (shortly after that the deaf program was developed).  After the movie, the kids broke off into their groups and met their team leader.  The teachers were also assigned to groups.  So I will try my best to get everyone in the picture.   I don't have any of our kids in my group.

After dinner, we broke away from the kids. Us teachers had a teacher's meeting while the team leaders introduced the kids around space camp.  For advanced academy (LJ III and Jaime's group), they start their scuba training today and will continue that all day tomorrow.  For Earhart, (Cassie and Ethan's group) they most got the tour tonight.

Tomorrow the real stuff begins.  Everyday the kids keep a journal about their day.  I am really looking forward reading all about it.

Off to Huntsville, Alabama!

Hello everyone!!

Even though space camp doesn't officially start until tomorrow a lot has happened today!  First off the Pittsburgh group met at 10 am at the airport.  We boarded just fine.  Our plane was delayed just a little bit but it wasn't too bad.  Jaime and Cassie are first time fliers.  At first they were very nervous, asking what every sound was and what every movement they felt but shortly after they got over it.  They were really fascinated about what was going on out the window and how weird the bathrooms are on the plane.  They loved flying.  Ethan is an experienced flier, in fact, he fell asleep on the plane.  I forgot to snap a picture of him sleeping!!  Next time.
PITTSBURGH AIRPORT

We arrived in Atlanta at 1:20 pm, we met up with LJ III at his gate.  LJ III came in from Philadephia.  After meeting up with him, we all headed over to our next location and grabbed some lunch at the food court.  When it was time, we boarded our next flight.  On the side note, David and I are very proactive about the kids taking care of themselves, for example, we asked them to find our gates, where to pick up our bags, where to go to get our bus, and how to order food for themselves.  All the kids did an outstanding job!
MET LJ III

The flight from Atlanta to Huntsville was very short.  Less than 1 hour.  The kids were a little confused because they saw on their ticket that we take off from Atlanta at 3:15 pm and arrive Huntsville at 3:16 pm.  They were stuck on how it's possible for the plane to get there in 1 minute. We explained that Huntsville is an hour behind from our time, they thought it was pretty cool. 

Anyway, after getting off the plane in Huntsville, we hit a minor setback.  Our transportation never showed up.  Don't worry, Erin, our Space Camp advisor (who's in Pittsburgh) and our personal hero has saved the day!  She called space camp for us and they came and got us.  We were only set back an hour.  After arriving space camp, we headed down the check in area where the kids got their bracelets.  After they were done, we made a stop over to the Sick Bay area to get everything check in. 

WAITING FOR BUS

Finally we were able to head back to the hotel.  As soon as we arrived and not a minute later, the kids got their swimsuits on and went swimming.  They had a blast.  We even met the Scranton students and staff.  All the kids loved the indoor/outdoor swimming pool.  They all swam for about an hour and half.  Don't worry, they told us to wake them up at 6 am tomorrow morning so that they can do some more swimming before they head off to space camp.  By the way, the weather is beautiful down here, 80 degrees and sunny!


 OUTDOOR POOL

 INDOOR POOL

I will post pictures tomorrow, I am currently using the hotel's computer and there isn't any way for me to transfer the pictures, once I arrive the space camp tomorrow, I will have access to the internet with my laptop.  From there I can upload the pictures.  Until then, stay tune!  Good night everyone!!