For many, childhood dreams fade with time, overshadowed by the realities of life. But for one comedian, a childhood captivation with space was rekindled when he became a father. Inspired by the movie Space Camp, WHEN I WAS in third grade, a young ROY WOOD JR. yearned to explore the cosmos.

That dream was deferred when financial constraints prevented him from attending space camp as a child. Years later, as a father, WOOD JR. found an chance to revisit that dream, this time with his son.

A Second Chance at Liftoff

during a visit to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, WOOD JR.‘s son expressed interest in attending space camp in Florida. This sparked an idea: he woudl not only send his son but also join him.

“You know that Space Camp-watching kid from 1986 was fucking thrilled, bro. Thrilled.”

Despite being “way too big for the beds in the dorm,” WOOD JR. embraced the experience. together, they participated in shuttle simulations, experienced gravity chairs, built model rockets, and spent quality time together.

More Than Just a Camp

The experience was more than just a fun vacation; it was a chance for WOOD JR. to fulfill a childhood dream and create lasting memories with his son. They’ve even applied for the Kennedy Space Center camp in Florida for 2026, hoping to continue their space adventures.

WOOD JR. hopes his son will continue to share his passion for space,even if other interests emerge. The space camp experience filled a void from his own childhood while fulfilling his son’s aspirations.

“And we both agree: It was so much better than the movie.”