Space Pilots Club celebrating over 50 years!

Who would have thought that a new Youth Club, started-up on a cool August night in 1965 would have outlasted so many others. Yet it has. Once it was even forced to cap its membership at 130, with a ‘waiting list’ of 200!

Yet, this is the record of the “Space Pilots Club” Toowoomba. Its fame rode on the back of first “Sputnik” then “Apollo” space missions, but its focus was fixed on the scientific wonder of this marvelous universe and its Maker.

Started by Trevor and Shirley McIvor, the Club was composed of boys (science was not a “girl thing” back then) and, except for Seniors now, it has stayed that way. Boys learnt craft skills (such as modeling and rocketry), with the youngest making simple things with basic tools, to foster eye-hand coordination. They still do.

It was not long before Model-Rocketry [under the umbrella of aero-science] was supplemented by holding four Rocket-launches per year. Annual father-son camps help boys foster bonds [particularly with fathers, from whose ranks the dedicated band of leaders was drawn].

In 2015 “Spacies” celebrated 50 wonderful years with a Rocket Launch on August 15th, followed by a Dinner, with a special church service on 16^th August. All Spacies, Leaders, their families and supporters 1965-2015 were invited to come, celebrate and give Praise. One ex-Spacie came all the way from Adelaide!

Visit the Space Pilots Facebook page:
 https://www.facebook.com/SpacePilotsClub/

About Space Pilots

Space Pilots Club is designed for young boys interested in space, science, technology and sports. The wonders of space, the power of technology, the intrigue of science and the enjoyment of sports, are explored during the weekly meetings. The emphasis is on having fun and learning the biblical perspective within the hobby and science framework. Activities such as model-making, rocketry, science astronomy, games, remote control cars and slot cars, craft and gymnastics are some of the activities shared together on Friday nights.

Several times throughout the year we celebrate rocket launches at a property near Toowoomba (for more details contact Mr Peter Briggs, briggs400@gmail.com), while a time for fathers and sons to bond is the focus of our “Father and Son Camp” held annually. Catering for boys in Year 2 and above, these activities are designed to encourage mate-ship and build character and strength in a team environment within a safe setting.

Seniors club is for High School students (Year 7 and above), boys and girls. It is ecumenical. Activities are “4-square” (social, educational, physical and spiritual). Typically they include well-chosen excursions, skill-learning, educational demonstrations, safety, security, interspersed with quizzes and games, but all with spiritual meaning and aimed toward promoting a commitment to a personal faith in Christ.

When:
Friday nights 6:15–8:15pm (school terms)

Where:
In the ministry complex (Sign-in located in the foyer).

Cost:
$50.00 per school term (due by third week of term)