NASA Astro Camp at Massillon Rec Center connects youth to space missions, exploration

Steven M. Grazier, Massillon Independent
·1 min read
Amiya Fogg, 12, works Tuesday afternoon on building a replica hydraulic arm during the NASA Astro Camp at the Massillon Recreation Center. The hands-on camp began Monday and runs through Friday at the Rec Center.
Amiya Fogg, 12, works Tuesday afternoon on building a replica hydraulic arm during the NASA Astro Camp at the Massillon Recreation Center. The hands-on camp began Monday and runs through Friday at the Rec Center.

MASSILLON – An "out of this world" summer camp for kids is taking place this week in the city.

Massillon-area youths and aerospace experts are joining forces for a five-day camp, focusing on space exploration, engineering, planetary science and mathematics at the Massillon Recreation Center.

The free NASA Astro Camp started Monday and runs through Friday at the Rec Center, 505 Erie St. N. The event is an interactive, hands-on program.

"All the kids are engaged and seem to really be liking it," said Mary Pribich of Quota International of Massillon, a networking service and friendship organization serving western Stark County, which is primary sponsor of the camp.

Jesselle Linke, 12, left, receives a hand from Boys & Girls Club of Massillon counselor Isiah McCullough on Tuesday, as they work to construct a replica hydraulic arm during a NASA Astro Camp.
Jesselle Linke, 12, left, receives a hand from Boys & Girls Club of Massillon counselor Isiah McCullough on Tuesday, as they work to construct a replica hydraulic arm during a NASA Astro Camp.

The Paul & David Foundation provided $7,000 to help fund the inaugural NASA kids camp, said Pribich, who's hopeful the camp will become an annual summer event.

Overall, 35 youths associated with the Boys & Girls Club of Massillon are participating.

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Alexandra Reynolds, 13, gave the camp a thumbs-up during Tuesday's activities.

"The instruction is pretty easy to understand," she said. "It's something new to do and fun for us."

Tuesday's camp schedule included working with hydroponic test tubes, water filtration and a hydraulic arm. Students built a replica hydraulic arm with guidance from instructors.

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Twelve-year-old Colette Snell works on construting a hydraulic arm model on Tuesday during the NASA Astro Camp at the Massillon Recreation Center.
Twelve-year-old Colette Snell works on construting a hydraulic arm model on Tuesday during the NASA Astro Camp at the Massillon Recreation Center.

A live video stream with an astronaut who's assigned to the International Space Station was to be part of Wednesday's curriculum, Pribich said.

Quota International members and Boys & Girls Club staff are providing assistance to the kids participating in the camp.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon NASA Astro Camp shares technology, science, math with youths