Special to the
Opelika Observer
By Brittney Kimber
Three, two, one…..blast off! Alabama 4-H members, get ready to head to space camp.
Alabama 4-H is partnering with the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to host the 4-H Pathfinder program at Space Camp. The camp is March 20 through 22 in Huntsville and open to 4-H youth across the state and country.
“I am incredibly excited about this opportunity for our young people,” said Tony Cook, Alabama Extension 4-H specialist. “It is going to be a great experience for young people in 4-H to learn about space and to also potentially network with other 4-H members from around the country.”
About Camp
4-H Pathfinder participants will learn about space exploration through hands-on learning experiences. Campers will build a model rocket, train like an astronaut, complete a simulated space mission and much more.
The camp fee is $299, which includes lodging, meals, materials, program costs, a T-shirt and also a full schedule of space camp activities. Visit the 4-H Pathfinder website for camp details and registration information.
About 4-H Science and Technology
The 4-H Pathfinder program at Space Camp is only one aspect of Alabama 4-H’s science and technology programming. Computer science, rocketry, robotics and more are other popular programs among young people in 4-H.
Last year, more than 12,000 youth participated in the National Youth Science Day activity. Additionally, 6,500 youth explored the world using Google Expedition Virtual Reality kits. More than 5,800 were engaged in rocketry activities, and another 2,400 young people engaged in coding with Chromebook computers and computational thinking through CS Unplugged Activities (computer science activities without devices or the internet).
In these types of engagement, young people in 4-H are practicing problem solving, critical thinking, communication and innovation to improve computer literacy and develop twenty-first century skills to become more college and career ready.
Visit the Alabama 4-H website for more information about science and technology programs.