The Young Astronauts Club

Grades 3-6

Renaissance Academy, Lehi 

     The Young Astronauts Club nurtures a passion for space and science fiction in students from grades 3 to 6. The Young Astronauts Club is headquartered at Renaissance Academy in Lehi.  Meeting once a month,  the club provides an engaging platform for young minds to explore the wonders of the universe while discovering how their math and science studies at school apply to the stars.

     At the heart of the experience are our thrilling starship simulator missions. These captivating adventures use the lens of science fiction to fuel students' imaginations and reinforce their knowledge of real-world space exploration. By blending educational concepts with immersive storytelling, these missions ignite a curiosity that leads to a deeper understanding of our cosmos.

     The Young Astronauts Club also inspires students to excel academically. By emphasizing the importance of setting goals and maintaining strong grades, we foster a sense of determination and purpose in every member. We serve as a launchpad for young dreamers, instilling the belief that a love for space can be translated into real-world achievements and lifelong contributions.  For further information, contact Victor Wiliamson.

 VWilliamson@RenAcademy.org

The Voyager Academy

       ​The Voyager Academy is an educational outreach initiative of the  Christa McAuliffe Space Center's (CMSC) Voyager Club.  Offering an exclusive array of classes and workshops for Voyager Club members, the Academy focuses on immersive, experiential learning that allows students to explore their talents through the lens of space exploration.

Our current curriculum is designed to support every facet of the CMSC mission:

• Creative Arts: Drama and Acting classes are tailored for starship simulator missions, teaching students how to bring authenticity and emotional depth to simulated space adventures.

• Technical Innovation: The Coding class empowers students to master industry-standard tools like After Effects, Blender, and Unity, directly enhancing the digital programs used at the Space Center.

• Hands-on Engineering: In the Engineering and Maintenance course, students become "Imagineers"—designing new props for the simulators and learning the vital skills needed to repair and maintain complex equipment.

• Narrative Design: The Writing for Simulations class explores the art of storytelling, training students to craft the captivating narratives that drive our missions.

     Looking ahead, the Voyager Academy is expanding its curriculum to bridge the gap between the sciences and the humanities. By integrating these disciplines, we aim to create dynamic learning experiences that inspire a deep appreciation for both the technical brilliance and the human spirit required to reach the stars.

Volunteering at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center

     Voyager Club members play a vital role in bringing the stars to our community by volunteering at two locations:

• The Christa McAuliffe Space Center (Alpine School District, Pleasant Grove)

• The Space Place at Renaissance Academy (Lehi)

The Mission

     Voyager Volunteers work side-by-side with professional staff to power our starship simulators and planetarium. As a volunteer, you will help produce immersive missions, perform as actors within the simulations, and assist with essential operations in the control rooms.

Membership & Service Requirements

     To maintain the high standards of our programs, all volunteers must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: Open to students in 7th grade and above, and adults.

2. Commitment: Volunteers are expected to contribute a minimum of 5 hours of service per month in the simulators, planetarium, or at home on projects. Volunteers are also expected to attend monthly Club meetings, usually the last Saturday of every month from 8:00 - 10:00 A.M.

3. Academic Requirement: School-age volunteers must submit term report cards with no grades below a C-. 

How to Apply

​     Ready to join the crew? To begin your service, please complete the online Voyager Club membership application using the link at the top of this page.