Scott Wiltbank Retires From The Space Center - His Long Reign As the Dominator of Camp Surveys is Over! The Imaginarium Theater

 

Scott was one of those "special" young volunteers when he started with us in 2013. His enthuasium for the Space Center knew no bounds. I say special because volunteers like this are sooo eager to get involved and make a contribution that they can, at times, become ever so -  and slightly - annoying :) But over time, Scott weathered nicely in the ships, and under the loving care of great supervisor and flight directors blossomed into one of the Space Center's greatest!  

I had the unfortunate experience of going against Scott head to head for top flight director during a summer camp season a few years ago when I flew the Cassini.  I remember Scott coming into the Cassini Control Room and kindly offering me the opportunity to admit he was the best and bow to his Flight Director superiority PUBLICLY to avoid the sure to come embarrassment of seeing him sweep the award at the August Honor's Night.  I refused, and suffered the embarrassment PUBLICLY.  

There was a very evident way Scott achieved so much, so quickly in his rise to greatness as a teen. It was a quality that helped him over the finish line in the two simulators he excelled in. Scott was an excellent kisser upper to the Set Directors. (OK, I will admit there was some talent in the offering as well...)

A couple years ago I wrote the following as an open message to members of the Voyager Club's volunteering group regarding Scott's example.  "The current Voyager Club members should take note and follow Scott's example when looking for a Phoenix Pass.  Pay homage, laught at all his jokes, (stupid or not), hold the door for him, warm his flight director's chair, and repeatedly tell him that he is the best flight director ever.  If you're readlly brace and willing to risk the wrath of Jon Parker, tell Scott he is a better flight director than the Almight Jon. It will earn you a Phoenix pass, but if word gets back to Jon, that phoenix pass will be your last...."  

The Space Center community said Goodbye to Scott last Friday. He did one final Day Camp and the private mission afterwards, said his final "goodbyes" to his long time friends and associates, left his badge on Mr. Porter's desk and walk off into the parking lot one last time as an employee.  

Scott has pre-warned us that the Space Center hasn't seen the last of him. He will return when he hears the Siren's Call beckoning to return to the source of his inspiration to help staff, when needed, with his special skills and experience.  We will look forward to those visits. Until then, on you go Scott. The world is waiting for you and there is much you have to do to make it a better place.

A Video Tribute to Scott: His Last Mission and Scott Thought the Years From Humble Black Shirt to Set Director and "God of Flight Directing" (self proclaimed)

   

Imaginarium Theater

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Jack H., the First Level I (Supervisor) Graduate from the Space Center's Simulations Internship Program: A Space Center Milemarker. New Doctor ID Badge. The Week at SpaceLandia (Photos and Video). The Imaginarium Theater

Jack with Tabitha and Mitch, his Simulations Internship Instructors and Connor, his Training Mentor

Jack H. Becomes the First Space Center Volunteer to Graduate from the Simulations Internship Program, Level 1: Supervisors

by Tabitha Long Ricks

     We are super excited to announce that Jack has officially earned all his passes and is the next volunteer to enter the staff force as a full fledged Magellan Supervisor!!

     He has worked hard and it shows! There isn't a supervisor or flight director out there who  wouldn't want to fly with him - including Alex. He'd love Jack as a Galileo supervisor. 

     Jack started volunteering at the beginning of 2023 after attending a mission and the rest is history. Jack can rally and integrate with all shapes and sizes of crews. He can explain just about anything to anyone. And Jack provides reliable, constant support in any team he's working on. I'm pretty sure he gets a sore elbow from repeatedly reaching for the phone in his sleep, ready to respond as Water Pumping. 

     Be sure to let Jack know how good Supervisor Blue looks on him the next time you see him in his collard shirt, making the Space Center a better place!

Well done and congratulations Jack!

 

Congratulations Jack. This is Really a Big Deal. One of those Space Center Milemarkers from Which We Measure Success  

     At the beginning of the last year, Mr. Porter gave Tabitha Ricks and Mitch Foot the assignment of creating a formal way to train all future Space Center staff:  Supervisors and Flight Directors. This type of formal, research based training complete, with full curriculum has never been done at the Space Center. 

      After months of research and preparation, the first set of interns were admitted into the Simulations Internship Program in the Fall of 2024.  They attended "Bootcamp" Monday afternoons after school for formal classroom training with Tabitha and Mitch.  Their field work and applications work was done in the simulators under mentor flight directors.  Several Space Center volunteers are currently working through their assignments and field work.  What makes Jack's accomplishment noteworthy is that he is the first to graduate from the Internship and accept a staff position at the Space Center.  Needless to say, the first of many more to come. 

      Connor Larsen was Jack's mentor. They worked many many hours together in the Magellan, over several months, getting Jack ready for his final reviews for graduation.

Jack and Connor
 

     An intern and mentor develop a strong bond. Connor set the gold standard for mentorship providing instruction and and example of how to properly guide an intern from classroom to the practical day to day operations in the simulator.  And now with Jack graduated, Connor will move on to work with a new intern and start the process all over again.  

Jack and Connor on his Graduation Flight. Connor as FD. Jack as Supervisor

     I know how proud Tabitha and Mitch are over Jack's accomplishment. It hasn't been easy. The Simulations Internship Program is tough and requires hard work, many hours, and a commitment to the Space Center's demand for excellence in all our programs.  

      I had a chance to congratulate Jack myself on Saturday.  I found him alone, in the Magellan Control Room, working on building his own music tracks, among other things, as he continues is formal training with the Simulation Internship Program working towards his Level II endorsement as a Flight Director.  It is amazing how far he's gone since he first stated as a Voyager Club member in 2023.  I actually remember the day he came in for his first observation.  During my orientation, I remember how excited Jack was to be there and how motivated he was to get going.  

Jack shortly after becoming a Voyager Club volunteer. 2023

Jack showing his first Voyager Club Rank and ID badge

Jack all ready to head out in an acting role

     Over the last few years, Jack has been a great help to me as both a co-president of the Space Center's Voyager Club and the club's Blender instructor.  He currently leads the Alpha Animation Team made up of Jack (Instructor), Bruce, Bryce, and Jaxon.  He's working to prepare them to become Stageworks Journeyman.  

     

     Finally, what can I say about James Porter, Tabitha and Mitch except that the Space Center couldn't have better leadership?  Because of their work and vision, the Simulations Internship Program will play a major role in giving the Space Center's guests the best experience possible.  

     And when all is said and done, we come back to the Space Center's ultimate mission of creating a spacefaring civilization.  Hundreds of thousands of people have experienced the Space Center over its nearly 35 years.  How many of them were inspired to dream big and consider what the great astonomer Carl Sagan said, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known".  Who knows, perhaps that person who will make one of those discoveries will be attending the Space Center this week, or next, or the one after that........and will credit that spark of wonder to this magical place in Pleasant Grove, Utah

Mr. Williamson 

A New Doctor ID Badge

    Chris A., is one of the outstanding Voyager Volunteers at the Space Center. He had a great idea a few weeks ago. He was putting on a doctor's coat, saw me working in the Staff Room, and walked over to propose an idea for those volunteers playing the ship's doctors in the simulators.  "Mr. Williamson, would it be possible for us to have our own Doctor's ID badges for when we play a ship's Doctor?"

        Well Chris, your idea has become a reality.  

      This is the generic first version of the badge.  There may be modifications.  The volunteers can earn a personalized badge with their doctor's character name once they complete the Voyager Club Acting Department's Doctor Training workshops (there are 2 of them). Tyler Weight will be the instructor.  The first of two classes will be held July 26 during the montly Voyager Club meeting.  

This Week in SpaceLandia.  The Space Center's Week in Photos along with Photos from the Past

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The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

A Bit of Everything in Today's Weekend Blog Post. A Klingon Cellist Plays on the Odyssey. My Week's Travels Through Spacelandia (Videos and Pictures from the Centers for the Week) Update on Lakeview Academy Co

Recent Interesting Characters I've Encountered in my Travels Through the SpaceLandia

Cameron,The Klingon Cellist

     This is Cameron, the Klingon Imperial Court Cellist. I stumbled across him in my travels this week.  I found him preparing to announce the arrival of Prince Keldar aboard the Odyssey.  He grunted his approval of my filming his practice upon the condition that I only show his good side.  

     Once satisfied that his performance would satisfy the Prince, Cameron reported for duty to the Odyssey.  His performance on the Odyssey, including the arrival of the Prince, is in this video below.  

My Week in Spacelandia.  July 7, 2025

     Thank you to those who take pictures and share them either with me or on the various Discord channels.  Let's keep them coming so those who are not with us can enjoy the spirit of the Space Centers.  

Lakeview Academy (Located inSaratoga Springs) Construction Update on Two New Starships and a Space Station

Lakeview Academy is officially one month into the expansion! Things started slow since school was still in session, but a surprising amount still managed to get done! Large areas were dug up and flattened, meaning the big stuff can start happening as the summer goes into full swing!

From the Archives.  Voyager Club Volunteering Requirements.... 1990-2013

In the Voyager's Crew Quarters.  2007

From the Space Center's Old Website on Volunteering....

You may apply to become a volunteer if you meet the following qualifications:

1.  You are out of elementary school.

2.  You've done at least one Overnight Camp or Super Saturday.

3.  You have no grades below a C (a C- disqualifies you).

4.  You live close enough to work at least once a month on after school missions (Monday - Thursday).

5.  You're a hard worker and willing to do even boring things once in awhile.

6.  You get along well with people.

7.  You MUST have regular health insurance, or school accident insurance.  Catastrophic Insurance only does not meet the insurance requirement.  Information on School Accident Insurance can be found at your school or at the Space Center. 

If you meet those qualifications please send a reply email and an application will be sent to you

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The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience

The 2025 Spring Honor's Night at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Imaginairum Theater

     Thursday evening, May 29, 2025,  was Honor's Night at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Honor's Night is where we celebrate the accomplishments and hard work of our volunteers and staff.  Mr. Porter opened the event with a hearty welcome to all gathered. Then, with a bit of finesse and Porter humor, transitioned the welcome into a brief yet moving review of the purpose of Honor's Nights.  Sitting in the audience and nodding their heads in agreement were older Space Center veterans who remembered their Honor's Night all those years ago.  They remembered the time long ago when it was their moment in the spotlight. With younger legs and heartier hearts, they sprinted to the front of the original Space Center's Discovery Room to receive their first Honors from Set and Flight Directors who have long since disappeared into Space Center lore. 

Ah, good times and good memories. 

     Mr. Porter kept the evening moving along at a good pace and started with the usual reminders.

1. Dress appropriately so our visitors know you work here and not someone from the street looking for a warm meal, a hand out, and a bed for the night. 

2. Take a shower and use deodorant because you stink if you don't and our control rooms are small.   "A word of advice," he said to the younger volunteers, "If you're sitting in a control room and you notice people's eyes watering up as they slide their chairs in a direction opposite from where you're sitting - it may be because you stink." 

Those receiving their Magellan Pass Off Pin

    Mr. Porter was proud to introduce Benson as the Magellan's new Padawan at Honor's Night.  Benson endured much for this opportunity to stand in front of the congregation with the wise and powerful Director to receive this small metallic Magellan pin to be proudly worn on his lanyard

Those receiving the Cassini Pin

     Hyrum , Jonathan S., and Max R., received the Cassini Pin from Mr. Porter.  Does something seem strange about this picture?  If you guessed Hyrum, you are correct. Hyrum is a Cassini flight director - and Set Director.  Hyrum is like that. He likes to do some things in reverse order.  

Those receiving the Phoenix Pin

     You'll see Benson quite a few times in this post.  He earned several honors.  Amberlynn presented the Phoenix Pin to Eli E., and Benson F.   I included three photos of the actual congratulations.  Please notice Benson's excitement at earning the pin. Eli was thrilled, Benson seemed unmoved. He is about the earn the title "Mr. Excitement" if he isn't careful.

Those receiving the Odyssey Pin

     Next came the Odyssey's turn.  Lindsey popped right up and filled the dome with excitment as Eli was introduced. Congratulations Eli on receiving your Odyssey Pin. You are happy and Lindsey is over the moon!  

     That was it for ship pins.  I expect we will see several more at the Fall Honor's Night in September.

Those receiving the Apprentice Starfighter Patch

     Volunteer for at least 100 hours at the Christa McAuliffe Space Center and you're welcomed into the Apprentice Starfighter Flight Group.  Look at these great young volunteers.  You're looking at the next generation of Supervisors and Flight Directors.  Who knows, there may even be a future Space Center Director in this group. Mr. Porter got his start the same way, as a young volunteer way back when..... 

     Congratulations to Mark, Jonathan, Alyssa, Logan, Benson, Carter, Levi, and Eli

Those receiving the Defender of the Universe Patch

        To become a Defender of the Universe, you must volunteer for a minimum of 1000 hours.

Mr. Porter awarded the Defender patches to Amberlynn and Anya.  Congratulations!

Those receiving the Journeyman Patch

     Julie Culver received the Journeyman Award and patch from Mr. Porter for her five years of dedicated service to the Space Center. Julie is a Navigator in the Space Center's planetarium. Congratulations Julie!

Honoring Audrey Henriksen for 10 Years of Service to the Space Center

     Audrey Henriksen started as a young volunteer way back when, and through hard work and dedicated talent to the Space Center's mission, has made a significant contribution to the Space Center's success.  She works as a supervisor in the Magellan and a Phoenix Flight Director.  She also has the challenging task of maintaining the Space Center's costume department.   It is one of those jobs that when done right, nobody really notices because everything is in its proper place and clean.  And if the job isn't done right - everyone notices. Audrey does it right.  Thank you Audrey and congratulations on Ten Years to the Space Center

Honoring Megan Warner with the Founder's Award

      The Founder Award is given to people who made major contributions to the Space Center over many years.  Megan Warner is such a person and was awarded the Founder's Award at Honor's Night. She has dedicated nearly 20  remarkable years to space education in Utah County.  In her various roles as a volunteer, supervisor, staff member, and space center director, she inspired tens of thousands.

     Megan started just like most of you, as a young black shirt volunteer.  From there it was up up and gone!  She has held nearly every title the Space Center’s has to give, including one’s I had to make up for her, like Goddess of the Universe, or..... 

Commander of Imagination

Director of Cosmic Curiosity

Galactic Guidance Counselor

Supreme Chancellor of Wonder

Simulator Whisperer

At times, Coordinator of Volunteer torture

Correctional Chief for Incorrigible staff

Chaos Wrangler

She with the Weeping shoulder

AstroNerd in Chief

     Megan’s journey through her Space Center career has been nothing short of stellar. She is the only individual who has worked at every Space Center School in Utah—except Lakeview. That alone speaks volumes about her dedication, her expertise, and her deep belief in what we do. 

     For two decades, Megan has shared her passion for space with students by sparking curiosity, nurturing imagination, and igniting ambition in all who have passed through our doors. She has shown us what it means to live our motto—"Creating a SpaceFaring Civilization"—not just as words on a wall, but as a daily, living mission.

     The Space Center’s unique philosophy—the Discipline of Wonder—is the engine that powers our journey, and Megan has embraced it. She doesn’t just teach; she inspires. She doesn’t just manage; she leads with heart. Her ability to make space magical and the future tangible has left an mark on countless young people. She has given the vision to dream big and explore further.

     One thing I will always be grateful to Megan for is how she worked tirelessly to reopen the Space Center after our massive shut down and reopening from August 2012 to February 2013.  She took command of the Space Center when I retired in June 2013 and directed and championed the program until June of 2014. She was the heart and spirit of the program and for that, we all owe her a debt of gratitude.  

      Megan, Thank you for 20 years of passion and perseverance. On behalf of everyone you've worked with and inspired let me tell you how grateful we are. You are a star in every sense of the word.

     Here’s to you, Megan Warner—the heart of our mission, a bright star in our constellation, and a true explorer of wonder.

The Space Center's Rank Advancement Program 2000 - 2013.  

With today's post being about Honor's, I thought it may be of interest to today's staff and volunteers to read about the Space Center's rank advancement program from the year 2000 to 2013.  Here is the breakdown for advancement levels, what you had to do to get the rank, and the perks of each rank.  

Advancements: 

1 Shuttle Patch is earned for every 150 points earned and 6 hours in a Voyager Academy Class, Super Space Saturday, or Naval Academy.

Pioneer:
• Entry Level Volunteer Organization. 1 Mission Observation in 4 of the 5 simulators.

Voyager: 
• Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Seniority Points and 2 Shuttle Patches.
•Center Director will make the final decision based on openings in the Voyager Society.

Ranger: 
•Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. (10 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)  Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Recommendation from your Set Director.  Complete pass off of 2 simulators.  Egroup Club Points and 4 Shuttle Patches earned. Mr. Williamson will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 1 Bar 
• $12.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. (15 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
•Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
•Complete pass offs from 3 of the 5 simulators. Earning total of 6 Shuttle Advancement Patches earned. Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 2 Bars 

• $20.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(20 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
•Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.  Complete pass offs from 3 of the 5 simulators. Earning 8 Shuttle Advancement Patches. Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings. 

Ranger: 3 Bars 
• $28.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(25 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Set Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from 4 of the 5 simulators. Earning 10 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 4 Bars
• $36.00 gratuity per overnight mission. Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(30 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Flight Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from 4 of 5 simulators.
• Earning 12 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. 
• Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

Ranger: 5 Bars
• Time Card. 
• At least 16 years old. 
• Outstanding performance with the customers at the Space Center. 
(35 camper care points: A. Lord of the Votes. B. Flight Director recognition.)
• Outstanding work performance and work habits in the simulators.
• Complete pass offs from all simulators.
• Earning 14 Shuttle Advancement Patches.
• Seniority Points. 
• Center Director will make the final decision based on job openings.

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