Summer Camp Explores Everyday Careers That Advance Space Exploration at Triton College’s Cernan Earth and Space Center
RIVER GROVE, Ill. — The Cernan Earth and Space Center at Triton College is hosting a brand-new youth camp centered on the wide variety of exciting jobs that contribute to space exploration. The Careers in Space and on the Ground Youth Camp is designed for students in grades 6 through 8 and will run Aug. 4–7, from 9 to 5 p.m.
What do sewing, animation, heavy construction, fitness training, laser cutting, growing plants, scuba diving, and waste management all have in common? According to Jordan Jubeck, a planetarium and camp educator, these are all fields of work that make scouting the cosmos possible.
Using the Cernan Center planetarium, Triton College facilities, and hands-on activities, campers will explore the many career paths that can bring them closer to the stars—without ever leaving Earth.
“What I want kids to take away from this experience is that you do not have to be an astronaut or scientist to work in space,” Jubeck said. “There are all kinds of jobs you can do.”
Chefs, tailors, and engineers are typically Earth-based professionals, but astronauts rely on them to prepare food, make spacesuits, and design the vessels that will support them in a zero-gravity environment.
“There are so many ways to find your way into a career in the space industry,” she said. “You can follow your passion and have that passion lead you to space.”
Campers will participate in workshops focused on sewing, computer science, and culinary arts to illustrate how these careers contribute to space exploration. With support from Triton College’s Hospitality Industry Administration (HIA) program, campers will also learn how to make dehydrated foods like fruit leather—ideal for space travel and preservation.
On the afternoon of Aug. 7, families will be invited to attend live presentations by the students on topics of their choice, based on what they’ve learned.
To register for Careers in Space and on the Ground, call the Triton College Continuing Education Office at (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3500.
Careers in Space and on the Ground is one of several youth programs organized by the Cernan Center this summer. In June, the center held Laser Camp, where kids designed their own laser light shows to present in the planetarium. In July, staff welcomed students to Rocket Camp, where campers built and launched model rockets on campus. All three camps will be offered again in 2026 if you missed out this year.
The Cernan Earth and Space Center, named after astronaut Eugene Cernan—the last man to leave his footprints on the Moon—offers public planetarium programs, laser light shows, and free telescope observing throughout the year. To see the full schedule of events, visit the Cernan webpage at Triton.edu/cernan, or call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3372.
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Media Contacts:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper | melissacooper@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3496
Hunter Oberst | hunteroberst@triton.edu | 708-456-0300, Ext. 3820
ABOUT TRITON COLLEGE
Triton College is an institution of higher education dedicated to student success.
Triton offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs designed for students
to realize their career aspirations and effectively compete in a global economy. The
college campus spans 110 acres in River Grove, Illinois, holds classes at satellite
locations and offers online learning opportunities. Triton’s exemplary faculty and
staff work to provide high-quality, convenient and affordable educational opportunities
to more than 10,000 students each year. Triton College is a member of The Community
Colleges of Illinois and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Learn more
at triton.edu.