Bracken Funk Giving a Mission Briefing to the Crew of the First Summer Space Camp 2026
The summer space camp season for The Space Place at Renaissance Academy kicked off on June 9, 2026, with a Day Camp. Day Camps at the Space Place are run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 - 9:00 PM.
Bracken Funk is the director of the Space Place. He also teaches middle school PE at Renaissance during the school year. Renaissance Academy has two starships with only one, the USS Voyager, functioning at the moment. The Voyager is the largest starship simulator in the network of simulators that surrounds Utah Lake. The other starships are at the following locations:
• The Christa McAuliffe Space Center: 6 Starships
• Discovery Space Center at American Heritage School: 2 Starships
• The Lions Gate Space Center at Lakeview Academy: 4 Starships and a space station.
• Telos Academy: 1 Starship
With one starship, Day Camps at The Space Place only take 12 students per camp. Keeping the numbers low ensures every camper has a unique, hands-on experience with the ship and the storyline.
Megan is briefing the volunteers about the camp and mission
Megan Warner is Bracken's right-hand assistant. She both flight directs and supervises the Voyager - in addition to her administrative position at The Christa McAuliffe Space Center. Megan has space on her mind most of the day :)
Henry was the other supervisor for the first camp
It was a fun camp, but of course, there were some difficulties. The crew was on the younger side, so operating the simulator was a challenge, but they managed to pull it off in the end. With the first camp under their belt, The Space Place is ready for a great summer in space.
A video of the Starship Voyager as the crew boards (then a tour of the ship and the control room)
Meet Eli, The Space Center's Newest Flight Director
Eli is receiving his Navy Blues (FD shirt) from the Phoenix Simulator's Senior Flight Director, Jordan Smith
Eli is the latest graduate of The Space Center's Internship Program. Tabitha Ricks is the Space Center's Administrative Lead for the program.
Tabitha wrote the following announcement in the Space Center's Discord
Some of you may have noticed that Eli has been wearing a new shirt today. He has joined the ranks of Flight Director, and you can find him in his native environment in the Phoenix! Eli has managed this accomplishment in 8 months of training!
Because of his unique schooling schedule, he was able to train during field trips and so has a familiarity with both the Magellan and the Phoenix. It's impressive to see Eli take a first swing at an unfamiliar story thanks to his training experience. His first stab is often as polished as many an FD's third pass. Between Eli's instinct for storytelling, friendly demeanor, and love of learning, the Phoenix has gained a mighty flight director.
Well done and congratulations to Eli!!
Tabitha Ricks
Eli, the New Voice of the Starship Phoenix
I've personally seen Eli at work, FD training, and volunteering, but what really impresses me is how well he works with the Space Center's youngest campers, our 3 to 9-year-olds who come to the Center for our academic programs. He is awesome with the younglings. He gets right down on their level and interacts like a real pro.
Congratulations, Eli, on your accomplishment!
Mr. Williamson
All the Cassini's Flight Directors (Past and Present) Gather for a 30 Second Reunion
Yesterday, by some miracle of stellar alignment, fate brought all the Cassini's flight directors, both past and present, together at the Space Center for one brief moment.
Here we all are, from left to right: Mr. Williamson, Rachel, Hyrum, Ian, Jon, and Ellie
What a great gaggle of creative brain power all crammed into that tiny space. I'm surprised we didn't short out the Cassini's electrical systems just by standing in such close proximity to the controls!
Meet the People Behind Mission.io. The Great Casey Voeks and Skyler Carr
Skyler and Casey at Mission.io Headquarters in Provo
You've heard all about them, now you get to see them at work at Mission.io's world headquarters in Provo, Utah. Two weeks ago, Casey was in Utah to conduct several training sessions for Utah teachers. I caught up with both of them at the Mission.io headquarters. We talked about old times at The Space Center and their days at Stonegate, Canyon Grove Academy, and Lakeridge Academy. We talked about the future of Mission.io and their fantastic plans. It is soooo good to see their successes! What we started at our little space center in Pleasant Grove has inspired many people to do great things.
Mission.io's mission is simple: make the best immersive educational programs on the market, then world domination! All in two simple steps, right? By the way, Casey and family are moving back to Utah in August. Don't be surprised if you see him wandering the hallways of your nearest simulator.
Imaginarium Theater
The Week's Best Videos From Around the World, Edited for a Gentler Audience
