Monday, August 18, 2008
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone for making this week at Busch Gardens and Space Camp a huge success! Thank you to all of our students for their great behavior and cooperation. The Busch Gardens staff told us our group was the best group all summer! Thank you to our parents for their continued support and encouragement. You are doing a great job with your kids! Your support really showed in them. Thank you to our principals and teachers for all of the support you continually show and all of the work you do everyday for these children. Thanks to our sponsors: United for providing our travel accomodations, V Tech and National City for donating toys and backpacks for the plane ride, and to HSBC for supporting the Time Out Program. We also want to give a BIG thank you to Busch Gardens and Space Camp for being so accomodating and fun. We had a great time and we'll see you next year!
Day 6: August 14, 2008
Young Explorers
Even though they had their closing ceremonies Wednesday night, Busch Gardens arranged activities to keep the Young Explorers busy before their flight back to Chicago. In the morning, they participated in an Enrichment activity where they made food for the Aldabra Tortoises. After making the food, they were actually able to feed it to the tortoises in Nairobi. Next they took a tour of the animal hospital at Busch Gardens to see where they treat sick and injured 
animals. After the tour, they were able to ride the dual roller coaster Gwazi one last time, and then it was off to the Edge of Africa. Here they fed meercats and cichlid fish before heading back to Nairobi to meet up with Zooventures. They watched the Zooventures CCC presentations before heading out for lunch at the Desert Grill. During lunch they got to see a musical show of American music from the 1950s until present day. After the show, the Young Explorers got one last chance to shop and then it was back to Mzinga Lodge to pack up before heading out to the airport. They said their goodbyes to the counselors and headed back to Chicago. The Young Explorers had a great week, and they really learned a lot. Maybe someday some of them will come back to work at Busch Gardens and care for some of the animals there!
animals. After the tour, they were able to ride the dual roller coaster Gwazi one last time, and then it was off to the Edge of Africa. Here they fed meercats and cichlid fish before heading back to Nairobi to meet up with Zooventures. They watched the Zooventures CCC presentations before heading out for lunch at the Desert Grill. During lunch they got to see a musical show of American music from the 1950s until present day. After the show, the Young Explorers got one last chance to shop and then it was back to Mzinga Lodge to pack up before heading out to the airport. They said their goodbyes to the counselors and headed back to Chicago. The Young Explorers had a great week, and they really learned a lot. Maybe someday some of them will come back to work at Busch Gardens and care for some of the animals there! Zooventures
Day 6 was a big day for Zooventures too. They started off the day with an early breakfast, and then loaded up o
n the truck for a Sunrise Safari. Next they went over to the Edge of Africa to see hippos, lions, and hyenas. After seeing the African animals, it was time to give the CCC presentations they had been working on all week. During the presentations, they brought up environmental and current issues we face with animal habitats. After the presentations, they headed over to the Desert Grill to eat with the Young Explorers. After lunch, everyone went shopping. Then it was back to Mzinga Lodge to finish packing before going to the airport. After a short weather delay, we were on our way back to Chicago. The Zooventures kids had a great week as well. I can't wait to see what they'll do in the future.
n the truck for a Sunrise Safari. Next they went over to the Edge of Africa to see hippos, lions, and hyenas. After seeing the African animals, it was time to give the CCC presentations they had been working on all week. During the presentations, they brought up environmental and current issues we face with animal habitats. After the presentations, they headed over to the Desert Grill to eat with the Young Explorers. After lunch, everyone went shopping. Then it was back to Mzinga Lodge to finish packing before going to the airport. After a short weather delay, we were on our way back to Chicago. The Zooventures kids had a great week as well. I can't wait to see what they'll do in the future.Day 5: August 13, 2008
Young Explorers
On Day 5, the Young Explorers woke up early at Tiger Lodge and started out on their Australia/Asia themed day. After packing up, they participated in a "Tiger Tug" and then headed out to Lory Landing and toured the Bird Gardens. Here they saw Dragons, the Aviary, and the Flamingo Pond. After viewing the beautiful birds, they went over to Zagora Cafe in Morocco for breakfast.
Day 5 was field trip day for Zooventures. After an early breakfast, they loaded up and headed out to the Florida Aquarium. There they got an up close view of the penguins and a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. They got to see what some of the animals eat and how it's prepared along with a backstage look at the Coral Reef tank and the shark tank. They got to touch some stingrays in the Touch Tank too! After the tour, it was time for lunch.
After eating, Zooventures loaded up and headed over to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). There they saw an IMAX Sea Movie and then explored the museum before heading back to Mzinga Lodge. Then they headed over to Nairobi for a Mammal Encounter and then dinner at Zagora Cafe. After dinner they had Animalympics on the Gwazi Lawn. Next they met up with the Young Explorers at the 4D theater for Ice Age. After the movie it was time for bed at Mzinga Lodge.
On Day 5, the Young Explorers woke up early at Tiger Lodge and started out on their Australia/Asia themed day. After packing up, they participated in a "Tiger Tug" and then headed out to Lory Landing and toured the Bird Gardens. Here they saw Dragons, the Aviary, and the Flamingo Pond. After viewing the beautiful birds, they went over to Zagora Cafe in Morocco for breakfast. Next on the schedule was an exploration of Jambo Junction and then an Australian/Asian Encounter at Nairobi. After getting to see Australian and Asian animals up close and personal, it was time for lunch at the Desert Grill. Next they got to participate in an Enrichment Project, where they made food for animals in the park. The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring Busch Gardens, and they finally got to ride the Kumba roller coaster! Next it was back to Mzinga Lodge to pack up for departure, and then they at dinner and had closing ceremonies at the Orang Cafe. After eating cake and having fun, they got to explore Timbuktu and went to a movie at the 4D theater. There they watched Ice Age before heading back to Mzinga Lodge for bed.
Zooventures
Day 5 was field trip day for Zooventures. After an early breakfast, they loaded up and headed out to the Florida Aquarium. There they got an up close view of the penguins and a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. They got to see what some of the animals eat and how it's prepared along with a backstage look at the Coral Reef tank and the shark tank. They got to touch some stingrays in the Touch Tank too! After the tour, it was time for lunch.
After eating, Zooventures loaded up and headed over to the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). There they saw an IMAX Sea Movie and then explored the museum before heading back to Mzinga Lodge. Then they headed over to Nairobi for a Mammal Encounter and then dinner at Zagora Cafe. After dinner they had Animalympics on the Gwazi Lawn. Next they met up with the Young Explorers at the 4D theater for Ice Age. After the movie it was time for bed at Mzinga Lodge. Day 4: August 12, 2008
Young Explorers
Day 4 was another busy one for our campers. After an early rise and breakfast, they loaded up in the vans and headed to downtown Tampa and the Florida Aquarium. Once they arrived, they began preparing for a swim with the fishes! During the swim, the Young Explorers got to snuba dive in the 50,000 gallon Coral Reef tank. Snuba diving is a combination of snorkling and scuba diving, letting the diver breathe under water with an oxygen tank but only at the surface of the water. The campers had a great time looking at the 2300 fish and eels in the reef tank as we watched from below.
After drying off and changing, the campers were able to see penguins up close in a penguin show, and then it was time for lunch outside. After refueling, the campers headed out on their own for a scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. They learned about everything from otters and swamps to seahorses and home aquarium fish. Did you know that eels open and close their mouths in order to breathe? It might make them look scary, but it is actually what keeps them alive. They had a great time exploring the Florida Aquarium and learning a lot about the world's aquatic life.
Day 4 was another busy one for our campers. After an early rise and breakfast, they loaded up in the vans and headed to downtown Tampa and the Florida Aquarium. Once they arrived, they began preparing for a swim with the fishes! During the swim, the Young Explorers got to snuba dive in the 50,000 gallon Coral Reef tank. Snuba diving is a combination of snorkling and scuba diving, letting the diver breathe under water with an oxygen tank but only at the surface of the water. The campers had a great time looking at the 2300 fish and eels in the reef tank as we watched from below. After drying off and changing, the campers were able to see penguins up close in a penguin show, and then it was time for lunch outside. After refueling, the campers headed out on their own for a scavenger hunt throughout the aquarium. They learned about everything from otters and swamps to seahorses and home aquarium fish. Did you know that eels open and close their mouths in order to breathe? It might make them look scary, but it is actually what keeps them alive. They had a great time exploring the Florida Aquarium and learning a lot about the world's aquatic life. 
From the aquarium, the Young Explorers headed back to Mzinga Lodge to pack up for their overnight stay at Tiger Lodge. They ate dinner at the Zagora Cafe and headed over to Nairobi for a Jungle Encounter. After the encounter, they explored Jungala and then headed over to Tiger Lodge for the night where they got to sleep next to the Busch Gardens tigers!
Zooventures
Today was also a big day for Zooventures. They started the day off with a good breakfast, and then they set to work on their CCC projects. They spent the morning collecting information and participating in an internet chat. Next it was back to Mzinga Lodge to change clothes and get ready for Adventure Island.
Upon arriving at the water park, they ate lunch at Mango Joe's. Although rain threatened to ruin the fun, it only lasted a few minutes, and then it was back to fun in the water! They spent the entire afternoon riding the Calypso Coaster, Key West Rapids, and other great rides. After all the fun, it was time for dinner at the Desert Grill and then it was back to the Busch Gardens park for Summer Nights. There they experienced the thrills of the Kumba roller coaster before heading back to Mzinga Lodge for the night.
Day 3: August 11, 2008
Young Explorers
Day 3 was another busy day for our Young Explorers. Today's them
e was the Americas. They started with an early breakfast, and then it was off to do a Backyard Habitat Project. After that, the campers had an encounter with some American animals, where they got to see some animals from this continent up close. After the encounter, it was off to Adventure Island Water Park! They spent most of the afternoon there, riding the Rip Tide, Aruba Tuba, and other great water rides.
After a quick shower and change, the Young Explorers headed out to take a group photo, and then to the Marrakesh Theater for the "Rock a Do Wop" show. After the show, they headed over to the Clydesdale Hamlet where they got to visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. After seeing the horses, it was time for dinner at the fancy Crown Colony restaurant.
After dinner, the Young Explorers got to experience a few more of the Busch Gardens roller coasters. They experienced the Montu, one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world! After the Montu, they tested out the Gwazi roller coaster. This ride is named after a fabled lion with a tiger's head, and is actually two distinct coasters intertwined! After a full day of fun, the Young Explorers were tired, so it was time to rest for another day of fun.
Zooventures
The theme for Zooventures on Day 3 was Birds. They woke up and had an early breakfast, and then it was off to the Bird Gardens and Lory Landing. Zooventures also took a tour of Bird Gardens where they got to see Dragons, Flamingos, and the aviary. After seeing the birds, Zooventures also participated in the Backyard Habitat project. Next it was time for a Native Encounter and a Bird Game. After the game, they took a group photo, and got to experience the dual roller coaster, Gwazi. Next up was lunch at the Zagora Cafe.
After a short rest for lunch, Zooventures headed to Nairobi for a Bird Encounter. The campers got to feed and pet birds up close, and Tichina was covered in them at one point! After fun with the birds, it was time for some fun on the water rides. Zooventures went to the Splash Zone, rode on the Log Flume, and experienced the watery plunge of the Tidal Wave. After some refreshing fun, it was time for a quick shower and then dinner at the Smokehouse.
After dinner, it was off to Jungala where Zooventures could experience the Treetop Trails, soar through they sky on the Jungle Flyers, or ride on the Wild Surge. On their way out of the park, Zooventures got to take a walk through Tiger Lodge and see the Bengal and White tigers. After a full day of fun in the park, Zooventures headed back to Mzinga Lodge to work on their CCC Project and get ready for bed.
Day 3 was another busy day for our Young Explorers. Today's them
e was the Americas. They started with an early breakfast, and then it was off to do a Backyard Habitat Project. After that, the campers had an encounter with some American animals, where they got to see some animals from this continent up close. After the encounter, it was off to Adventure Island Water Park! They spent most of the afternoon there, riding the Rip Tide, Aruba Tuba, and other great water rides.After a quick shower and change, the Young Explorers headed out to take a group photo, and then to the Marrakesh Theater for the "Rock a Do Wop" show. After the show, they headed over to the Clydesdale Hamlet where they got to visit the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. After seeing the horses, it was time for dinner at the fancy Crown Colony restaurant.
After dinner, the Young Explorers got to experience a few more of the Busch Gardens roller coasters. They experienced the Montu, one of the tallest and longest inverted roller coasters in the world! After the Montu, they tested out the Gwazi roller coaster. This ride is named after a fabled lion with a tiger's head, and is actually two distinct coasters intertwined! After a full day of fun, the Young Explorers were tired, so it was time to rest for another day of fun.
Zooventures
The theme for Zooventures on Day 3 was Birds. They woke up and had an early breakfast, and then it was off to the Bird Gardens and Lory Landing. Zooventures also took a tour of Bird Gardens where they got to see Dragons, Flamingos, and the aviary. After seeing the birds, Zooventures also participated in the Backyard Habitat project. Next it was time for a Native Encounter and a Bird Game. After the game, they took a group photo, and got to experience the dual roller coaster, Gwazi. Next up was lunch at the Zagora Cafe.
After a short rest for lunch, Zooventures headed to Nairobi for a Bird Encounter. The campers got to feed and pet birds up close, and Tichina was covered in them at one point! After fun with the birds, it was time for some fun on the water rides. Zooventures went to the Splash Zone, rode on the Log Flume, and experienced the watery plunge of the Tidal Wave. After some refreshing fun, it was time for a quick shower and then dinner at the Smokehouse.
After dinner, it was off to Jungala where Zooventures could experience the Treetop Trails, soar through they sky on the Jungle Flyers, or ride on the Wild Surge. On their way out of the park, Zooventures got to take a walk through Tiger Lodge and see the Bengal and White tigers. After a full day of fun in the park, Zooventures headed back to Mzinga Lodge to work on their CCC Project and get ready for bed.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Day 2: August 10, 2008
Young Explorers (ages 9-10):
Day 2 sta
rted early for our Young Explorers. They woke up early for a Sunrise Safari. Here they got a VIP look at the animals of Busch Gardens, and they even got to feed some giraffes! After that they went to the Edge of Africa for a look at the hippos and a scavenger hunt. Next they got to see the Katonga show, a Broadway style musical at the park. Then they were off to see the Gorillas and Chimpanzees for some "Apetivity." They learned about what these animals eat and about some of their behaviors. Did you know chimps aren't considered monkeys? They're actually a part of the great ape family. One way to tell: they don't have any tails.
rted early for our Young Explorers. They woke up early for a Sunrise Safari. Here they got a VIP look at the animals of Busch Gardens, and they even got to feed some giraffes! After that they went to the Edge of Africa for a look at the hippos and a scavenger hunt. Next they got to see the Katonga show, a Broadway style musical at the park. Then they were off to see the Gorillas and Chimpanzees for some "Apetivity." They learned about what these animals eat and about some of their behaviors. Did you know chimps aren't considered monkeys? They're actually a part of the great ape family. One way to tell: they don't have any tails. After seeing the chimps, the Young Explorers met the Zooventures at Zagora cafe in 
Morocco for some lunch. Next up was an Africa Encounter in Nairobi. Here they got to see a lemur and other African animals up close. The rest of the day, they got to explore the park and go on all the water rides. It was a great way to cool off in the Florida heat! After getting soaking wet and riding the Sheikra, it was time for dinner. They ate at the Smokehouse and then took a train back to Nairobi and then to the Mzinga Lodge. That night, the Young Explorers worked on an enrichment project, preparing food for some of the Busch Gardens animals. Then it was laundry and shower time, then lights out!
Morocco for some lunch. Next up was an Africa Encounter in Nairobi. Here they got to see a lemur and other African animals up close. The rest of the day, they got to explore the park and go on all the water rides. It was a great way to cool off in the Florida heat! After getting soaking wet and riding the Sheikra, it was time for dinner. They ate at the Smokehouse and then took a train back to Nairobi and then to the Mzinga Lodge. That night, the Young Explorers worked on an enrichment project, preparing food for some of the Busch Gardens animals. Then it was laundry and shower time, then lights out!Zooventures (ages 12-13):
Day 2 was an early one for the Zooventures too. After breakfast, they headed over to Nairobi to feed the Aldabra Tortoises breakfast. Then it was off to the Curiosity Caverns. After that they went for a tour of Jambo Junction. Next they went to an Alligator Talk. They learned about what alligators eat and some of the ways the Busch Gardens staff cares for the animals. The alligators eat up to 2 lbs of meat in one feeding, but they only need to eat twice a week! Next they had a Reptile Encounter in Nairobi where they got to see snakes and other reptiles up close. After petting a snake, it was time for lunch at the Zagora Cafe with the Young Explorers.
After lunch, the
Zooventures went to the Myombe Reserve to take a look at the gorillas and chimps too. Then they got an introduction to their CCC project. Next up they saw Katonga and rode the Montu roller coaster. After some fun in the park, it was time for dinner at the Crown Colony restaurant. Then it was back to Mzinga to work on their projects. As a part of the project groups had to design a PSA presentation to raise awareness about animals and their habitats and the harm humans can do to them. After a long day, it was time for showers and lights out.
Zooventures went to the Myombe Reserve to take a look at the gorillas and chimps too. Then they got an introduction to their CCC project. Next up they saw Katonga and rode the Montu roller coaster. After some fun in the park, it was time for dinner at the Crown Colony restaurant. Then it was back to Mzinga to work on their projects. As a part of the project groups had to design a PSA presentation to raise awareness about animals and their habitats and the harm humans can do to them. After a long day, it was time for showers and lights out. Day 1: Off to Busch Gardens!! August 9, 2008
After getting back from Space Camp, Pam West and I had a few days to rest, and then we were off to Busch Gardens Adventure Camp with 12 other Time Out Essay Contest Winners.
We met bright and early Saturday morning at O'Hare Airport. Once again, thanks to Michael Jackson and his team from United, we checked in and got through security smoothly and quickly. We had a quick two hour flight to Tampa, where we met up with our counselors, Gabe and Ryan. After getting our baggage, we headed off to Busch Gardens for camp check-in. The campers were all very excited to start on their Busch Gardens Adventure.
After checking in at camp, they went off to the Opening Ceremonies where they played games, sang songs, and had a good time. They got to get a taste of African foods here too. After the ceremonies, it was pizza time and off to the park for the Zooventures kids (ages 11-13) where they got to experience the Sheikra Roller Coaster. The Sheikra is the United States' first dive coaster, plunging over 200 feet at a 90 degree angle! The Zooventures also experienced the Kumba Roller Coaster as well as other water rides around the park.
The Young Explorers headed back to Mzinga Lodge after dinner (the dorms) to do crafts and play games. Later that evening, they had their first Global Encounter with animals up close at the Nairobi Center.
After a long day, our campers were tired, so it was off to showers and bed. They had a lot more fun in store for them!
We met bright and early Saturday morning at O'Hare Airport. Once again, thanks to Michael Jackson and his team from United, we checked in and got through security smoothly and quickly. We had a quick two hour flight to Tampa, where we met up with our counselors, Gabe and Ryan. After getting our baggage, we headed off to Busch Gardens for camp check-in. The campers were all very excited to start on their Busch Gardens Adventure.
After checking in at camp, they went off to the Opening Ceremonies where they played games, sang songs, and had a good time. They got to get a taste of African foods here too. After the ceremonies, it was pizza time and off to the park for the Zooventures kids (ages 11-13) where they got to experience the Sheikra Roller Coaster. The Sheikra is the United States' first dive coaster, plunging over 200 feet at a 90 degree angle! The Zooventures also experienced the Kumba Roller Coaster as well as other water rides around the park.
The Young Explorers headed back to Mzinga Lodge after dinner (the dorms) to do crafts and play games. Later that evening, they had their first Global Encounter with animals up close at the Nairobi Center.
After a long day, our campers were tired, so it was off to showers and bed. They had a lot more fun in store for them!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Day 5: August 1, 2008
Time to graduate! Friday morning the students officially graduated from Space Camp in a beautiful ceremony. They even got to meet a real-life astronaut. Dr. Franklin Musgrave spoke at the ceremony. He was a Mission Specialist, and he has flown 6 times in space! He told the students to reach for their dreams, and never let anyone tell them they cannot achieve them. He is a farm boy himself, and he has gone on to great things.
After listening to Dr. Musgrave, the students received their certificates and officially became Space Camp Graduates. We were so proud of their accomplishments throughout the week. They did a great job!
After graduating, we had a plane to catch, so it was off to the airport! The students made it through another long day in two different airports. They were patient, and they listened well, which made for a smooth trip home. We arrived back in Chicago ahead of schedule, and the campers were reunited with their parents. Welcome home!Day 4: July 31, 2008
The last full day at Space Camp started with a long Robotics session. This was the students' last chance to finish their robots for the competition in the afternoon. After Robotics, they went to lunch and then on to the gift shop! This was what most of the campers had been looking forward to all week.After they had spent all of their money, the campers went on the try out the 1/6th gravity chair. This chair simulates what it feels like to walk on the moon. The students tried to jump, run, and move side to side with only 1/6th of their weight. It was more difficult than they thought it would be!
After walking on the moon, it was time for the big Robotics competition. Although a team from another group won, the JJF students had a great time testing out their creations.
At night, the campers competed in the Space Bowl trivia game and later went on a scavenger hunt in the Space and Rocket Center Museum. After that it was time to pack up and go to bed!
Day 3: July 30, 2008
Day 3 started with a launch...literally. At 9am, the students launched the rockets they constructed earlier in the week. Jenna's rocket went the farthest, but many of the other campers watched as their rockets flew across the street and above the trees!
That night the students got to train like real astronauts on the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) Simulator. This chair is exactly what astronauts train on when preparing for missions. With controls, the students could turn the chair sideways while hovering across the floor!
After the launch the campers had another Robotics section and then went off to lunch. In the afternoon they got to see a 3-D movie about the surface of the sun. We were worried about the rain, but it stayed away long enough for the campers to swim! They played games and raced in the Space and Rocket Center lake.
That night the students got to train like real astronauts on the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit) Simulator. This chair is exactly what astronauts train on when preparing for missions. With controls, the students could turn the chair sideways while hovering across the floor!After the MMU, it was off to bed to rest for Thursday.
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