“It gives me great pleasure to write this letter of support of Dr. Mark "Doc" Palmere and the Space Voyage Academy program. Throughout the years, all five of my children have been involved in Space Voyage, each working with Dr. Palmere in varying capacities. My two sons, Justin (22) and Tyler (20), began the program after partaking in a seminar held at their elementary school. They both took to Space Voyage immediately and found the challenge presented by the course to be immediately stimulating and rewarding. While Justin's interest kept him at SVA through Level IV, Tyler pursued the Academy through Level V, the Apprentice program, and eventually up the ranks as a Student Instructor.
My three daughters, Lauren (16), Jennifer (8), and Rachel (7), became interested in the program as a result of their brothers' participation. While Jennifer and Rachel have participated the past two summers in the Space Voyage Pathfinder program, Lauren has been able to explore the Alpha Program-- a course set up for students who may not be ready for the rigors of the level system. Art is Lauren's true passion and she has been able to explore her interest through the Alpha Artist and Alpha Painter. She has painted several murals displayed at Space Voyage and designed the SVA 2004 Commemorative Patch which was sent to Taiwan for printing and completion.
I have known Dr. Palmere for eleven years and can proudly say that he is a man of utmost integrity. One of the first things you learn upon meeting him is that he is always positive, energetic and encouraging. Dr. Palmere has a passion for helping children reach their full potential-- not only at Space Voyage Academy but in life as well. Looking back, I know that the values my children learned through participation in the program have helped them immensely in their academic, extracurricular, and social lives. Such Space Voyage mottos as "work hard, play hard," "if you need help, ask," and "expand to handle" are not just stated, but practiced, lived out, and mastered during the program. There is no doubt in my mind that each of my children has taken these lessons learned at Space Voyage Academy and applied them to their own lives. Space Voyage puts children on the path to success-- and with Justin and Tyler at the United Stated Air Force Academy, and Lauren, Jennifer and Rachel all doing very well at St. Mary's Academy, I am a proud mother indeed.
Please consider this recommendation letter the highest possible for Dr. Mark Palmere and Space Voyage Academy. Space Voyage is more than just a summer camp-- it's a place where your child can learn and have fun while acquiring the skills and knowledge essential for success in life. Believe me when I say there is no better camp your child can attend this summer.”
