Kiwi girls’ countdown to International Space Camp

Toby Hendy from Katikati College and Lisa Craw from Otago Girls’ High School were selected by the Royal Society of NZ to attend the USA International Space Camp.

During their time at ISC, Toby and Lisa will be joined by over 150 like-minded students from 23 different countries. 

They will be immersed in a programme that is designed to promote space science and exploration. Some of the activities will include hands-on astronaut training, as well as learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. 

The trainees are also involved in leadership training and will experience scuba diving and actual weightlessness in the space simulator.

Toby says she has “a huge interest in the field of science and believes that the study of astronomy and space are very important to humanity”. 

She is a member of the Tauranga Astronomy Club and saved up her money so she could buy her own telescope to star gaze.

Lisa says, “I’ve an endless curiosity and interest in all aspects of science, particularly mathematics and physics and I enjoy being a member of the Dunedin Astronomical Society.” 

Both students will be supported by the Talented School Students Travel Award which is funded by the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Toby and Lisa are among 33 students in Y12 and 13 who have been selected by the Royal Society of NZ to attend international science and technology events around the world.

Other students will be attending the Biofutures forum in Brisbane, the London International Youth Science Forum, the Professor Harry Messels Science School, Sydney; the Youth ANZAAS conference in Brisbane, and the 4th APEC Youth Science Forum in Thailand.