Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy sets course for Rylander Theatre
AMERICUS — Mrs. Janet (Ivey-Duensing) is headed back to Americus and bringing more new friends to share her passion for all things science and arts. Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy offers a journey through the cosmos. Students, ages 8–12, will explore the wonders of the universe, train like an astronaut, get hands-on experience with real space technology, and experience the excitement of STEM and space exploration.
This camp requires that students are a rising third-grader.
Janet Ivey-Duensing is the creator and CEO of Janet’s Planet Inc., president of Explore Mars, and the American Astronautical Society’s 2022 recipient of the Sally K. Ride Excellence in Education Award. She created Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy to offer students a transformative STEM experience that ignites their imaginations and fosters a passion for science, technology and aerospace.
The Rylander Theatre first introduced Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy as a virtual offering during the COVID closure during the summer of 2020. However, Ivey-Duensing has quickly become a regular Rylander summer fixture since 2021. Shoppers and diners in downtown Americus will frequently see young astronaut academy cadets performing various experiments in Rylander Park or even from the rooftop of the theatre itself.
Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy is a rigorous science and STEM camp with substantial math and writing required. The goal is for students to have an amazing out-of-this-world experience, but this is not a recreational camp. This camp is intentionally designed to be academically robust for students ages 8–12.
Event Details:
Date: June 24–28
Ages: 8–12 (Must be a rising third-grader)
Cost: $85 for the first child, $75 for each additional child covers all project supplies needed
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday–Friday
Venue: Rylander Theatre
Address: 310 West Lamar St., Americus
Registration is required to participate, and the registration link and information can be found at www.rylander.org. This opportunity is made possible by funding from the Mattie H. Marshall Foundation and the Friends of the Rylander Theatre.
