Goddard Hosts Summer Camp To Educate and Inspire Explorers

	More than 200 await start of commencement at Goddard Visitor Center.

"We believe you have the right stuff and will be part of the next generation of explorers," said Al Diaz to more than 200 kids graduating from the Galaxy Explorers Summer Camp 2003, held at the Visitor Center on August 15.

The kids gathered from local Maryland, District of Columbia and Virginia communities for a week of summer camp activities designed to educate, entertain and inspire the next generation.

"There is a lot of passion and courage to do the work that we do here," said Diaz. "I thank Nick and Jill Hotz for their passion and courage to bring you all here," said Diaz to the young explorers. "I wish you well in becoming the next generation of galaxy explorers," concluded Diaz.

Earlier in the day astronaut Stephen Oswald had spent time talking to the young explorers about his training and time in space and then answered a number of questions. Osward is a veteran shuttle pilot of several missions and has logged more than 33 days in space.

	Al Diaz speaks to Explorers at commencement.

This is the first year a Galaxy Explorers summer camp has been held at Goddard. In partnership with NASA, The Federation of Galaxy Explorers, is an organization that seeks to inspire and educate kids, grades 3-11, in space related science and engineering.

According the Chairman of the Board, Nicholas Eftimiades, their mission is to educate, guide, and prepare the next generation to accept the challenge of expanding humankind's presence in space.

"We have been very successful thus far," said Nicholas Eftimiades. "There is now a backlog of students and schools wanting to participate in our program," he added. He also thanked all volunteers, who he insists makes the program possible. "They really do know how to inspire as only NASA can," said Eftimiades

During the week of August 11, from 9 am and 3 pm, students were given mission assignments to complete. The teams participated in activities about space environment, rocketry, robotics in space, principles of a telescope, space science fiction writing and space art, including draws and paintings.

The kids were instructed with easy to understand and fun-to-do educational material that provided a hands-on understanding of space science, earth science, engineering, and rocketry.

	Astronaut Stephen Oswald select an explorer to ask the next question.

Another primary theme taught at the camp was Space Citizenship. The concept teaches the role of government, the power of citizens in a democracy, the promise of space expressed in art, writing, history and business. Materials in the workbooks and web site support the instruction and hands-on activities. Awards were presented for the most creative art projects and most outstanding team member for each mission team.

An all-volunteer force that included Goddard employees and contractors, spouses of Goddard employees, and student volunteers led the sessions. During his remarks Eftimiades thanked the volunteers for making the camp possible with their efforts. "When they say to inspire the next generation as only NASA can, I believe it because you have exhibited that here this week," said Eftimiades.

For more information about the Federation of Galaxy Explorer Program check out their web site at http://www.foge.org.