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A Week of Galactic All-Nighters: How to Pitch Tents and Rockets, Simultaneously

Once upon a time, in the far-off land of California, a band of eighty starry-eyed cadets decided the best way to spend their summer vacation was by launching into the cosmos—figuratively speaking, of course, due to budget constraints. These brave souls were inducted into the prestigious Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education STEM Academy, a realm of science fiction fans and mathletes, promising an up-close look at the inner workings of aerospace wizardry.

Among these celestial voyagers, twenty-seven served as staff, marking their territory at Edwards Air Force Base, while forty-four wise adult members were graciously designed extras in this cosmic episode. The screenplay, or syllabus if you will, was directed by CAP cadets, under the watchful eye of aerospace education officers spanning a whopping eight groups. It’s a miracle no one collided midair with the amount of staff involvement.

A standout crowd favorite was the initiation into the cult of Kerbal Space Program. This virtual concoction of spaceflight simulation was led by none other than Cadet 2nd Lt. Andrew Ong and Cadet Maj. Nathan Mancebo, who orchestrated this digital odyssey. Under their command, cadets crafted imaginary rockets, flung them into the virtual yonder, and occasionally managed a non-explosive landing—cue the symphony orchestra for the triumphal return.

Courses on Robotics, Engineering, Astronomy, and Programming required cadets to channel their inner MacGyver, leveraging CAP’s STEM Kits. These were essentially the Space Force equivalent of every art teacher’s “supply closet,” bursting with potential and mildly outdated materials. Behind-the-scenes escapades into the Benefield Anechoic Facility (or simply, the Echo Chamber of Doom) and Mojave Air and Space Port were orchestrated, immersing cadets in groundbreaking aerospace methodology. Maj. Adam Staley played tour guide, probably practicing for his post-retirement gig.

By week’s end, cadets had rubbed shoulders with real-life rocket scientists, engineers, and aerospace enthusiasts, all while believing — with pure-hearted zeal — that they, too, were up next for a Mars mission. Meanwhile, the cadets attended a stargazing class, attempting to spot celestial bodies with the dramatic flair typically reserved for Hollywood premieres.

Arguably the pièce de résistance was the bridge-building contest. Cadet 2nd Lt. Levi Dginguerian officiated over this structural slugfest, assuming his position as Chief Architect of Mayhem. His team employed tactics reminiscent of the finest sitcom ensemble, demonstrating teamwork that would put choir groups to shame. With bated breath, bridges were tested, and dreams were either vindicated or flatly crushed in what was likely the week’s most contentious event.

Cadet Col. Cody Layne, mascot and cadet commander par excellence, best summed up the ethos of the camp, dubbing it an “epic thrill ride of STEM-tacular proportions” or something along those lines. His role was the crowning moment in his blockbuster eight-year feature film titled “My Life as a Proud Aerospace Nerd.”

Throughout this annum mirabilis, cadets’ ears were graced by voices more distinguished than a Wikipedia list. These luminaries painted grandiose mental portraits of futures filled with intergalactic adventures—or at least slightly less dull office environments at SpaceX or Virgin Galactic.

The week closed with enough tales and lessons carried back to their earthly abodes to last until the next summer—or until their parents urged a shift in extracurricular activities.

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