As we are slowly approaching the summer season, families are in search of high quality education camps with trusted care for their children.
Space Camp Turkey offers a top notch space education with 19 years of experience. One of three space camps in the world, Space Camp Turkey has hosted around 250,000 children from over 60 countries since the year 2000. Space Camp Turkey is considered to be the ideal place for a child to discover the universe, learn about space missions, and experience the fascinating world of astronautics in a very unique way. After collecting years’ worth of camper and alumni feedback, the camp has published a list that summarizes the 5 main reasons why a parent should send their child to Space Camp Turkey. According to Space Camp Turkey’s space addicted staff, they are not just another ordinary camp experience, they are so much more. Here are the reasons:
1. INVESTMENT IN YOUR CHILD’S FUTURE
Who wouldn’t want to invest in their child’s future? If your child has a long term interest in space or is dreaming about becoming an engineer, scientist, pilot, etc., then Space Camp Turkey will provide an excellent opportunity for an outside-the-classroom experience and hands-on training in an inspiring and unique setting.
Space and technology related presentations by the Space Camp Turkey staff may help your child find their career path. Even the stories and photographs of the astronauts we have hosted over the years can be an important influence on your child. Earlier this year, a Space Camp Turkey graduate had sent us a testimonial about how Space Camp Turkey has inspired him to become a pilot. You may read it below.
“In 2002, I attended Space Camp Turkey's International Summer Camp. I made new friendships with my teammates coming from different countries. I participated in activities such as designing a Mars colony or an International Space Station. I can say it was my dream because it was about space and aviation. Then we had a space shuttle mission. In fact, I was assigned to the shuttle commander position on that mission. This was my first time inside a cockpit. Together with my friends, we had a successful mission as a team. I still remember those days and when I think about it, I get goose bumps. It was a very enjoyable activity and the impact it had on me was huge. I realized my life changed after I graduated from Space Camp Turkey. I have decided to change all my goals to become a Pilot and I have reached my goal! I am currently working as a second pilot for a major airline. I'm so happy. I thank the Space Camp Turkey family for their contributions.”
Ufuk YÜCEL – Airline Pilot
On the left: Ufuk Yücel saluting as the Space Shuttle Commander during the Space Station Mission at Space Camp Turkey. On the right: He poses as the second pilot of a major airline.
2. ESSENTIAL LIFE SKILLS
The term ‘life skills’ is mostly used for any of the skills required to deal effectively with the challenges of life. There is no definitive list of life skills but certain skills may be more important for your child’s future. This is the point where Space Camp Turkey really shines.
The Essential Life Skills such as problem solving, time management, and leadership all come into play during the activities that take place at Space Camp Turkey. Problem solving is a task that is greatly encouraged throughout the programs. Around every corner, creative solutions need to be presented in order to succeed in space shuttle mission, rocket building, and other areas. Because of the way our activities are designed, the time management skills of your child will greatly mature. The campers learn and understand the difference between urgent and important which helps them in prioritizing their time and their workload.
Space Camp Turkey will not be the last place your child will improve certain life skills but it will definitely be one of the most effective. Don’t be surprised if your child starts pursuing more leadership opportunities after graduating from Space Camp Turkey.
Campers carefully following the mission script and the screens located at the mission control center.
3. TEAMWORK
One of the most important lessons kids can learn, one that will continue to benefit them their entire lives is how to work with others as a part of a team. Teamwork is important not only in childhood, but it also plays an important role in helping them succeed as adults.
From the first minute your child enters Space Camp Turkey to the last minute before departing, he or she will be a part of a very special team. The teamwork spirit among the team members will increase from one activity to another whether they are constructing a hot air balloon, simulating a space shuttle mission, or creating a mission patch together.
A successful day at Space Camp Turkey involves lots of teamwork and it is something that we value very much. Teamwork teaches kids important skills and life lessons, but like any other skill, having a good teacher or coach is a critical aspect of the process. Our counselors do their best to make sure campers learn how to work together as a team.
Campers working together to agree on a Mission Patch design before the drawing process.
4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
We live in an age of technology and science, which shape our daily lives. The scientists and engineers that are a part of ongoing space missions are actually the true leaders of the world we live in. The space age inventions and technologies that we use in our daily lives are far too many to count but just to give you an idea, let us name a few; Camera Phones, Memory Foam, Wireless Headsets, Scratch Resistant Lenses, Freeze Dried Food, Baby Formula etc.
At Space Camp Turkey, we share the latest developments regarding space missions and technology with the students in hopes of encouraging them to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related subjects. Your child will experience the thrill of riding the Astronaut Training Simulators designed by NASA. This is an ideal opportunity for children of all ages to experience ‘hands on’ space training and to live the life of an astronaut.
Sometimes a student can’t grasp a concept while sitting through a dull physics lesson. However, when a student sees the real world applications that have been utilized by rocket scientists, for example, algebraic equations suddenly become fun and easy. State-of-the-art simulations of space missions at Space Camp Turkey inspire students to pursue more challenging math and science classes.
Two campers experiencing weightlessness just like the astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
5. CONFIDENCE THROUGH SELF-AWARENESS
It is extremely important for kids to realize how they see themselves may be different from how others see them. Kids who have self-awareness are more able to recognize their strengths as well as their weaknesses. Activities like Space Shuttle Mission and Rocketry will test your child’s limits and help gain confidence.
Besides the activities, there is also the contribution of Space Camp Turkey counselors. These adult role models can boost each camper’s self-confidence by cheering them on, placing them in a leadership role, or just chatting about their interests.
Even though your child may have traveled to different locations with you, this may be the first overnight experience where everyone is considered a new friend. The safe and secure environment of Space Camp Turkey, as well as the constant communication between the Space Camp Turkey staff and your child is something that you will deeply appreciate. The experience of having responsibilities and achieving them, meeting counselors, preparing for the new day, etc. is a great opportunity for personal growth.
Campers chilling out at the dormitories and preparing to go to sleep after a jam-packed day full of activities.
We are honored to have hosted around 250,000 children from over 60 countries around the world since the year 2000. An American parent, Mrs. Diane McGrane, was kind enough to share her experience after bringing her kids to Space Camp Turkey back in 2018. Here is an excerpt from her interview with a local newspaper.
This camp has been a life changing experience for my children. My daughter said, “I didn’t know much about other countries and wasn’t interested in them, but now I have friends from Bulgaria, England, Turkey and Ukraine, and I want to visit their countries as well”. Most importantly, she realized that they are people just like us, and that they can get along very easily when they are working for a common goal. Working in a space center and building life on Mars has enormously changed my children’s vision. My daughter, who did not have much interest in science, is now more curious about science.
People’s attitude is unbelievable. They are incredibly kind. In fact, yesterday we had to pay in US dollars since we were out of Turkish liras, and we left the shop. After a while, the shop owner ran after us to return 2 Liras from the exchange difference. Your history, your culture, and food are incredible.
Izmir is safer than Los Angeles. I fell in love with Izmir and I’m very glad I didn’t miss this opportunity.
Mrs. Diane McGrane
