The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center558

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the Best Day Camp for Teens in Salt Lake City, The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center is a unique program combining space exploration with a simulated, futuristic adventure experience. Two inflatable StarLab Domes/Planetariums allow kids to study the night sky and it's constellations, while five starship simulators give kids the opportunity to serve as crew members on a 24th century starship as it goes on a mission into deep space - think Star Trek.

Space missions begin with a classroom mission briefing. Children then enter the starship simulator where they receive training for their individual posts on the bridge of the ship. After training, the mission begins. Missions differ by starship - sometimes kids are engaging aliens (good or bad), and sometimes they are exploring black holes, nebulas, and other planets.

The experience at The Space Center covers a large variety of disciplines. Kids learn about science, technology, humanities, leadership, team building, music, drama, and social studies.

The Space Center offers day camps, overnighters, classes, and fieldtrips to schools and private parties. The focus group for the programs is ages eight to 14, but adults enjoy the experience as well. Overnight activities are for ages 10 to 14. The 2-1/2 hour private programs are suitable for birthday parties, scout groups, church groups, and family outings; call to reserve a spot. Camp enrollment happens in March and September.