GalaxSea: A Stellar Summer Camp Inspiring Future Scientists

Ever heard of a teenager launching a whole summer camp? Like, actually making it happen? Well, meet Brandon Chang, a rising junior at West Ranch High School. This past summer, he took his passion for science and, get this, built a whole week-long camp called GalaxSea, all to get junior high kids jazzed about STEM.

Chang wasn’t messing around. He hosted the first-ever GalaxSea camp at Rancho Pico Junior High School, and lemme tell you, it was a hit! From June 3rd to 7th, fifty-five stoked middle schoolers dove headfirst into a universe of learning.

Funding and Mentorship: From Dream to Reality

Okay, but how did a high school student pull this off? Enter the Dragon Kim Foundation Fellowship Program. They’re all about helping young people make a real difference. Chang snagged a grant for a cool five grand – and that’s not all.

Out of almost six hundred applicants, Chang’s project was chosen as one of just sixty winners! Talk about some serious competition. But the support didn’t stop there. The program hooked Chang up with Brian Lee, an actual aerospace engineer, to mentor him through the whole process. Plus, Chang got to attend these awesome training weekends that focused on, like, leadership skills, communication, and how to manage a project. Talk about an epic glow-up!

Overcoming Challenges and Building the Foundation

Chang’s initial vision? To blow the minds of younger students with mind-blowing educational concepts, stuff they don’t always get in their regular classes. You know, the really cool stuff. But even with a killer idea and a super supportive mentor, pulling this off wasn’t easy.

With Lee’s guidance, Chang got busy crafting a detailed budget (because, you know, spaceships aren’t cheap). He also developed a super engaging curriculum, a workbook to keep those young minds sharp, and even managed the social media side of things to get the word out. And let me tell you, wrangling all those materials and convincing parents this wasn’t just another boring summer school situation? That took some serious effort. But guess what? Chang totally nailed it! The camp launched without a hitch.

A Focus on Space Education and Inclusivity

Now, here’s where GalaxSea really blasts off. Chang noticed a gap – a black hole, if you will – in space education, especially for middle and high schoolers. It’s like everyone’s hyped about space, but the actual learning opportunities? Kinda scarce, especially if you’re not rolling in dough.

Chang wanted to change that. He made sure GalaxSea was all about inclusivity. It didn’t matter if you were the next Elon Musk or just starting to geek out on constellations – everyone was welcome. Chang’s message? Space is for everyone, regardless of your background or bank account.

Curriculum Highlights: From Paper Airplanes to Martian Settlements

Okay, enough with the logistics. Let’s get to the fun stuff – what did the kids actually *do* at GalaxSea? Buckle up, because this is where things get seriously cool.

Monday: Exploring Our Cosmic Backyard

Day one kicked off with a bang, or should we say, a “Big Bang?” Students dove headfirst into the wonders of our solar system, even crafting their own 3D models of planets. Talk about a stellar way to start the week!

Tuesday: Flight, Aerodynamics, and Explosions (the Safe Kind!)

Remember those paper airplanes we used to make in class? Yeah, GalaxSea took that to a whole new level. Students got hands-on with aerodynamics, designing and launching their own paper airplanes. And if that wasn’t enough, they also got to experience the thrill of bottle rocket launches, powered by good ol’ vinegar and baking soda. Science with a side of explosion? Sign us up!

Wednesday: Mission to Mars: The Ultimate Challenge

Wednesday was all about channeling inner astronauts with a simulated mission to Mars. Talk about pressure! This three-part challenge had it all. First up, the classic egg drop, because protecting precious cargo is crucial, even on Earth. Then, things got seriously delicious (and a little sticky) as students built habitable structures using – wait for it – marshmallows and spaghetti! And because even space missions have budgets (who knew?), they also had to manage a mock budget. Talk about a crash course in space exploration!

Thursday: Designing the Future: Moon or Mars?

With their Martian experience still fresh, students shifted gears (or should we say, spacesuits?) to designing settlements on either the Moon or Mars. Teamwork was the name of the game as they assumed different roles, working together to ensure their colony could thrive on a whole other celestial body. Talk about interplanetary collaboration!

Friday: Sharing Discoveries and Celebrating Achievements

All good things must come to an end, but not before a grand finale! Friday was showtime as students presented their projects to a captivated audience of parents, sharing their newfound knowledge and showcasing their impressive creations. It was a celebration of a week filled with learning, laughter, and a whole lot of space exploration.

Positive Impact and Future Prospects: The Sky’s the Limit

Catherine Nicholas, the principal at Rancho Pico Junior High, was blown away by GalaxSea’s impact on the students. “It was incredible to see how engaged and excited they were about learning,” she shared. “Brandon’s passion for science was contagious, and it rubbed off on everyone involved.”

And it wasn’t just about the science. Students walked away from GalaxSea not only with their brains bursting with knowledge but also with a newfound confidence, a network of like-minded friends, and perhaps most importantly, a spark of inspiration to pursue their passions in STEM fields.

Nicholas is already on board for future camps, recognizing the incredible potential GalaxSea has to shape young minds and inspire the next generation of innovators. “Brandon has created something truly special,” she emphasized. “I have no doubt that GalaxSea will continue to grow and have a lasting impact on our students for years to come.”

Conclusion: A Universe of Possibilities

So there you have it – the story of how one high school student, armed with a passion for science and a whole lot of determination, created an out-of-this-world experience for his younger peers. GalaxSea is more than just a summer camp; it’s a testament to the power of dreams, the importance of inclusivity, and the boundless possibilities that await when we dare to reach for the stars.

For more information:

Visit GalaxSea’s website at galaxseaexplorers.org.