Cost of Space Camp Trip Paid With Private Funds

* I would like to comment on Robert E. Thompson’s letter to the editor about Space Camp (“Space Camp: A Waste of Government Funds,” Dec. 3). Had he really read and understood David Wharton’s article of Nov. 27 (“Helping Kids Reach for the Stars”), he would have come to the conclusion that no government funds were used to send my sixth-graders to Huntsville.

Universal Studios, Hollywood sponsored the contest because of its humanitarian efforts and desire to become involved in the community and its schools. They realize the importance of public education and what our country stands for. Everyone has a chance to go for the gold, reach for the top, grab the brass ring and fulfill their dreams.

Oxnard Street’s six children were chosen as the winning team out of a total of 30 who were involved. Jim Lovell and Wally Schirra, the former astronauts, chose the winning team. Universal Studios picked up the whole tab for six students and three teachers, hoping that this experience could change the direction of their lives, regardless of how well they would be able to articulate their weeklong stay.

His feelings about the odds of our children ever becoming involved in space flight are dead wrong. Children need new experiences to stimulate, motivate and increase their thought processes. His attitudes are disheartening to teachers like me who give 100% of our time and energy to children of all ethnic backgrounds and levels of ability.

I know I make a difference, and if he cares to be challenged, he can visit our school to see what children who “don’t have a handle on the English language” have learned in five short days at Space Camp.

ARLENE DELANEY

Delaney is a sixth-grade mentor teacher at Oxnard Street Elementary School, North Hollywood.