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If you have a question that is not answered below, please E-mail or call us. After helping you, we'll add the information to the FAQ below. Thanks.

NEW... How many coupons can I use to save money?
Answer:   You can use several coupons on one registration form. For example a $20 Affiliate Discount Coupon for the first week at camp then a $20 Multiple Week Discount for the second week.  Note: Our Discount Policy is that after March 15th, the maximum discount for any week is $20. Click here to get a $20 Discount Coupon (Look on bottom of flyer).

NEW… How can I earn money to use to pay for my camp week(s)  or just earn cash? 
Answer:  Become a SVA Affiliate... promote our camp by giving a camp flyer to friends, classmates and whoever you want and earn $20 for each new participant. Click here to learn more about the SVA Affiliate program.

Q1: How old is the camp and who started it?
A: Space Voyage Simulations was created by Dr. Palmere in 1987 in Houston, TX. The first Space Voyage Academy summer was in 1991.  The program has had the highest fidelity of any space based camp in the world, with Doc consulting with camps in Germany, Canada and the US.  Doc's focus on meeting the needs of every child, inspiring and motivating students is nationally recognized.

Q2: Are there discounts available?
A: Yes. See the registration information page for Early Bird discounts, sibling and multiple week discounts.

Q3: Do you have a map to help us with driving directions?
A: Use  MapQuest.com or GPS device.
Address: Summit Ridge Middle School, 11809 West Coal Mine Ave., Littleton, CO 80127.

Q4: Is there a Program Orientation Guide?
A: Yes, a Program Orientation Guide (POG) will be available on the web site. The POG includes everything you need to know to get ready for SVA.

Q5: How do students and parents rate SVA?
A: "Great!"... "Terrific !!"... "Five stars." ... "Better than any camp I've gone to." ..."When can I do this again?"… "The instructors are great!" "Doc knows how to make learning fun."… "Eleven on a ten point scale."  Many students return from one summer to another.

Q6: What is the instructor to student ratio?
A: We plan on having a 1:8 staff to child ratio at Space Voyage Academy. We strive for a 1:6 ratio, and sometimes have a 1:4.

Q7: How are the students grouped?
A: Students self-select the group they wish to work with. Some groups have 4 students, others 3. Grouping is along the lines of age and ability, with consideration given to grouping students on the same level together.   

Q8: Is Space Voyage Academy for all kids?
A: Space Voyage Academy is an immersion program for motivated students who have interest in space. Students from all backgrounds and learning styles do well at the academy.  We have worked with many children with special needs.

Q9: Can I complete more than one Astronaut Cadet level in one week?
A:  All Pathfinder levels, Astronaut Cadet Level 1 and Level 2, and all Alpha Cadet programs are designed to be completed in one week. Astronaut Cadet Levels 3, 4 and  5 typically take longer. Cadets can continue their Level from one SVA week to another or from this summer to next summer.

Q10: How can I become an Instructor  at SVA?
A: Any student who has completed Cadet Level 4 is eligible to apply to be a Student Instructor Apprentice (SIA).  For more information visit the Summer Job Opportunity section of our web site or contact us. If you are planning on being an SIA this summer, let us know.

Q11: Are car pool lists updated to include last minute sign-ups?
A: Yes, we will update the information and E-mail it to those requesting car pool information. We use E-mail exclusively. Car pool lists are given only to those requesting car pool information on the registration form. If you need help, please E-mail us. We encourage you to share information about the SVA camp with your friends to guarantee car-pool help to and from the camp.

Q12. What time does SVA start and end each day?
A:  You can arrive as early as 7:30 am and depart by 3:50 pm. Camps starts at 8:00 am sharp. The final briefing of the day occurs at 3:20 pm with the formal program day ending at 3:30 pm. Parents are welcome to attend the 3:20 pm Final Briefing. From 3:30 pm until 3:50 pm students are supervised and can use "play hard" and all areas of the pavilion. Please make arrangements for prompt pick up no later than 3:50 pm since we have to be out of the building by 4:00 pm each day. Parents needing to drop off earlier than 7:30 am should call to make arrangements.

Q13: Can my child attend all summer?
A: We try to limit the number of weeks a student can attend in one summer. Summer is a time to explore many interests. Exceptions can be made for students...If you have questions, please contact us.

Q14: How big is the Space Voyage pavilion?
How much equipment do you use there?
A: Our pavilion is approximately 5,800 square feet, with access to restrooms. We create an environment that looks just like a space center. We'll set up 20 flight decks, a briefing area, play hard area, orbital construction pod grid (30 x 50 ft.), art center, space library, camp store, 8-12 lab pack activities each day, a video production set, inventors workshop and a puppet theatre.  SVA has hundreds of hand-on, minds on activities; so we're ready for a fun day every day!!
Other Questions?  Call us at 303-985-3143, or check the FAQ section of our web site.

Q15:  Why don't you offer online Registration?
A: Online registration would add $20 per participant.  Dr. Palmere is proud to be the only camp in the nation that has not raised the base price of the camp fee ($299) for the past four years.  With our discount coupons, we know SVA is a great value for most families.

Q16: Why don't you take credit cards?
A:  Like online fees, credit card fees would add $20 per transaction.  If you would like to pay using PayPal, please E-mail Dr. Palmere at:
dr-palmere@spacevoyage.com

Q17: Where did the new Alpha Cadet programs come from?
A: SVA has offered informal "Alpha" programs for many years.  These Alpha programs have generally been used when a Astronaut Cadet is stalled in Level 3 or Level 4.  We expect these to continue.

The formal Alpha Cadet programs were inspired by activities done by staff and older cadets last summer. The Inventor/Designer program uses parts of Dr. Palmere's Inventors' Showcase School Seminar and the R&D model used at SVA to design, build and certify lab activites packs at Space Voyage Academy.  The Historian/Video Journalism Alpha Cadet program grew out of the videography the Instructors have been working on for several years. We were empowered by the Pitchman five-minute video's that each Crews made last summer to sell their Edible Space Stations.  Making those video's was hugely popular last summer.  The Modern Artist program is based on the art techniques learned in creating Mission Crew Patches and wall murals. Last summer we created 50+ unique Mission Crew Patches. In addition, our work in perfecting 5 x 5 computer generated teaching posters and large wall mural composites helped us figure out how a Modern Artist thinks and works. Last summer we celebrated "The 40th Anniversary of Apollo 11" with a 8x11 inch composite picture that we enlarged to 7 x 8 feet. Another huge success and for many a genuine "wow" and "aha" experience. Finally, the Instructor Group now has expertise in the use of Continuous Ink Systems (CIS) and advanced printing technologies.  All three of these Alpha Cadet programs promise to be a lot of fun and  a natural fit to support the other programs at the Academy.

Q18:  Do you have a table that shows all the programs and when they are available.
A: All programs are available in all weeks.  Below is a Quick Reference of the 2010
     programs.