Dr. Drew Morgan, one of our Troop 452 assistant scoutmasters, wants to talk with our scouts from the International Space Station! Building on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, we want to invite our scouts to participate in a "Troop 452 Space Exploration Camp-In" at Space Center Houston.

Starting in the afternoon of Sunday, 10/13, our scouts will have the opportunity to see movies, study exhibits and engage in activities led by Space Center Houston staff that will lead to the fulfillment of requirements for the Space Exploration merit badge, and partial fulfillment of the Robotics merit badge. We'll build and launch rockets, construct a Mars base, operate a robot, and sleep among some of NASA's historic spacecraft in the Starship Gallery. After breakfast on Monday 10/14(Columbus Day - no school!) we'll take a tram ride onto JSC to view the astronaut training facilities and Mission Control. We'll then return to Space Center Houston for the main event - to participate in a video downlink with Dr. Morgan!

DATES: 5pm Sunday, 10/13 to 12pm Monday, 10/14 (times may change)

COST: $69.95/scout; $59.95/adult; includes supervised overnighter in Starship Gallery, dinner and breakfast, merit badge materials, and a general admission ticket for Monday (10/14). T-shirts and patches may be purchased for an additional fee.

We realize this is an unplanned, costly event, but one that is truly unique and a special treat for our Troop. Please reach out to Mr. Langehennig or me if you would like to discuss other payment options.

IMPORTANT: We recognize that this event is expensive. Scouts DO NOT have to sign up for the camp-in in order to participate in the downlink with Dr. Morgan. Separate instructions will be provided for scouts who wish to just participate in the downlink.

REMINDER: We are at the mercy of NASA's on-orbit operations. Dr. Morgan's schedule may change - we'll just have to be flexible if the dates shift.

FAQ:

I'm a parent, can I come too? 

We would love to have you participate! You can definitely attend the downlink with Dr. Morgan. If you would like to participate in the sleepover as a chaperone, you will need to complete BSA's Youth Protection Training.

Can my scout's siblings attend? 

Sorry, only registered scouts can participate in the overnight.

I know a scout in a different troop that would love to participate in this camp-in. Can they join in? 

Yes! They should contact Carl Dunn (cdunn@spacecenter.org or 281-244-2131) at Space Center Houston to register.

Where can I find additional information about the Scout Overnight program at Space Center Houston?

You can visit their webpage.