1. Space Camp 2012
A commitment for parents and students
May 10 2012
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
I welcome you on board the adventure to send Cashmere students to Space Camp in
2012. I would like to outline some of the expectations and requirements for this trip
organised by Cashmere High School.
The trip will require a ratio of one teacher to approximately 8 students. It will be
possible for parents to go too, but these would have to be additional to any staff
and be self funded.
The costs for the teachers who are giving up their time to coordinate and lead the
trip are paid by the students taking part in the trip.
Money will be paid into a school account on a monthly basis, regardless of
whether families are involved in fund raising or not. The interest that this money
earns is used as much as possible to pay the teacher’s airfares so that the actual
costs to students are minimised. An amount of $300 per month starting in July
2010 will provide $5100 by November 2009. At least $5000 must be with the
school by Nov 2011 to ensure a place on the trip. It is possible to set up an
automatic payment. The money for the actual Space Camp in Alabama has to be
paid 6 months in advance in order to secure the booking, and airfares are required
2 months in advance. Refunds are available on a reducing scale the closer to the
camp date they are requested.
It is very important that families make a firm commitment to the trip as the cost is
dependant on the number of students going. If students pull out a few months
before the event then the costs go up for everybody left. However, I realise that it
is possible for circumstances to change over this time period, and ask that you
inform us as soon as possible if there is a possibility that your child will have to
pull out.
Selection
The maximum number possible on the trip will be 24 students. If more than this wish
to go a selection process will be undertaken. Firstly their form must be in on time, the
student must be aged between 15 and 18 in April 2012, and they must currently be in
good health. Secondly, teachers and Heads of School will be consulted to see if the
student’s behaviour and levels of personal responsibility are deemed appropriate for
such a trip. Thirdly students showing a strong interest in Science and/or Space will be
selected. If the list of students is still above 24 then a ballot will be held and the
remainder put on a waiting list. The first payment of $300 will then secure a place,
along with a certificate of good health which must be signed by both a parent and a
doctor (this is a requirement of the Space Camp programme). Otherwise the next
student on the list will be asked to join the group.
2. Actual Costs
The total cost is approximately $7100. It must be noted that fluctuating exchange rates
and inflation may alter this.
This estimate does not include any spending money, some meals while travelling and
passport applications. It is recommended that spending money be limited to an
amount between $500 and $1000.
Fund raising
If a group of parents wish to organise raising funds then support will be provided by
teachers at the school. However, the ideas and organisation will come from the
parents.
I do hope you are keen to be a part of this adventure, and if so will you fill in the form
below and return it to Mr Tuaine, Mr Wilkenson or Mrs Merchant.
Regards
Bob Tuaine Jenny Merchant Tom Wilkenson
Teachers in charge of Space Camp 2012
http://www.spacecamp.com
http://www.dphs.ocps.net/
http://www.orlandohostels.com/
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/visit/visitor.htm
3. Space Camp 2012
Application Form
We wish our son / daughter to participate in the 2012 Cashmere High School trip to
Space Camp, USA.
Student’s Full Name ________________________________ Form class _____
Date of Birth ___________ Age on April 1st 2012 _________
(Students turning 15 in May are allowed)
Address _____________________________________________________________
Home Phone no. _______________________ E-mail _________________________
Recommendation from a teacher or Head of School:
I support _________________________ in his/her application to go on Space Camp
2012. He/she is a responsible student and will be a worthy ambassador for Cashmere
High School.
Additional comments:
Teacher/HOS __________________ Signed ______________________
Science/Space Interests
Write a few sentences to explain why you would like to go on the Space Camp trip
and detail any clubs/activities/competitions that you have been involved with that
relate to Science or Space. Use the back of the sheet if needed.
Health
This student is in good health and will cope with the Advanced Space Camp
programme.
Parent/s Names ________________________________________________________
Parents Signature/s ___________________________________________________
