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U.S. Embassy Sends Young Libyan Scientists to NASA Space Camp

 

Ambassador Cretz congratulates Space Camp participants

 

Ambassador Cretz discusses cosmic strategies with Space Camp teachers

 

 

Ambassador Cretz with Mr. Tarek Al-Baghdadi, Director and Producer of the Space Camp documentary that will chronicle the Young Libyan Scientists' journey to Space Camp and beyond

 

 

Ambassador Cretz shares his advice with Space Camp participants enjoying a piece of the Space Camp Cake (see below)

 

Space Camp Documentary Director Tarek Al-Baghdadi interviews a Space Camp cadet prior to take-off

 

The Space Camp Cake - The Food of Choice of Young Astronauts

 

Ambassador Cretz's REmarks to Space Camp Participants

Good afternoon.

I am very pleased to be here today to congratulate you all on your selection for the first ever Space Camp Exchange Program with Libyan youth.  As the first American Ambassador to Libya in 36 years, I have repeatedly said how the Embassy of the United States of America in Libya has embarked on a series of “firsts.”  This time, you all are embarking on a first – the first Libyan young scientists at Space Camp.

As you have probably done your homework, you already know that Space Camp was founded in 1982 to promote the study of math, science, and technology.  The school couples classroom instruction and hands-on activities that teach teamwork, decision-making, and leadership. At the Academy, students learn about the mental, emotional, and physical demands astronauts must face.  Among their experiences, they will explore an Apollo 16 capsule and a Saturn V rocket, and experience the sensation of weightlessness.   U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s daughter Chelsea Clinton is a Space Camp alumna, from the Class of 1993.  Chelsea and other young leaders participated in the prestigious Space Camp program and benefited from the scientific and educational exposure. 

This group is full of future leaders of Libya, and we are proud to be sending you all on this program.  You all - 24 Libyan high school students, 2 teachers, and 3 filmmakers - will make the unprecedented journey from Tripoli to Huntsville, Alabama to participate with U.S. students in a special session of Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center facility. 

This Space Camp program is being conducted under the U.S.-Libya Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.  In recognition of your hard work and the history you are all making, Libyan Ambassador Aujali and Alabama state officials will be attending your graduation at the end of your program.

We are working to bring the Libyan and American people together, to continue the process of communication and open new doors for the first time.  You are representing your country in the United States and we look forward to hearing your views of your experience when you return to Libya.   

Thank you for representing your country, congratulations on making history, and best of luck to you all!