![\"Gabriel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/La-Plata-Teen-Wins-Top-Honor-At-Space-Camp-In-Huntsville-1.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of the Kibler Family<\/p>\nPhoto courtesy of the Kibler Family<\/p>\n
LA PLATA, Md. <\/strong>\u2014 At the world-famous Space Camp, held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center<\/a> in Huntsville, Ala., where future astronauts and scientists train like NASA crews, La Plata High School student Gabriel \u201cGabe\u201d Kibler rose above hundreds of peers to earn the program\u2019s top individual honor \u2014 the Right Stuff Award.<\/p>\n Kibler, an incoming sophomore, received the Right Stuff Award for his leadership, teamwork and enthusiasm. Considered the highest individual recognition at Space Academy, the award is presented to the trainee who best embodies the spirit of the program through determination, positivity and the ability to inspire others.<\/p>\n He attended the weeklong Advanced Space Academy camp<\/a>, an elite program that pushes teens beyond the classroom with astronaut training exercises, engineering projects and extended-duration simulated missions. Surrounded by towering rockets and historic spacecraft at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Kibler joined campers from across the country for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that blended science, teamwork and adventure.<\/p>\n Space Academy recognizes campers in a variety of ways, from team-based achievements such as best mission design to academic and merit-based honors. Its most prestigious recognition is the Right Stuff Award, presented to just one trainee each session.<\/p>\n \u201cI was so proud of him when I heard his name called for the award, and I was thrilled that his week at Space Camp strengthened his interest in space,\u201d said his mother, Jennie. \u201cHe said it was the best week ever and wants to go back.\u201d<\/p>\n Founded in 1982, Space Camp has inspired more than one million participants from all 50 states and over 150 countries. Alumni include astronauts, scientists and engineers who credit the immersive experience with shaping their careers.<\/p>\n For Kibler, the award capped off a week that included rocket design, team missions and astronaut-style simulations such as the 1\/6th Gravity Chair and Multi-Axis Trainer. His favorite part of camp was building a model rocket, and he said the experience made him even more excited to go to college and pursue a career in the field.<\/p>\n When asked about receiving the scholarship, he answered with a grin and joked that he\u2019s \u201calways happy to accept more in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n About Space Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n Space Camp is held at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center<\/a> in Huntsville, Ala., the official NASA visitor center for Marshall Space Flight Center. Launched in 1982, the program has grown into the world\u2019s largest STEM camp, with more than one million alumni worldwide.<\/p>\n Camps are offered for students ages 9 to 18, along with special programs for families, adults and educators. Trainees experience astronaut-style training, mission simulations, robotics, aviation challenges and even scuba-based underwater astronaut training. There\u2019s also a Family Space Camp weekend, where parents and children can complete missions side by side.<\/p>\n Learn more at spacecamp.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Got a tip or photo? Text us at\u00a0888-871-NEWS (6397)\u00a0or email\u00a0news@thebaynet.com<\/a>.<\/strong>![\"La](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/La-Plata-Teen-Wins-Top-Honor-At-Space-Camp-In-Huntsville-3.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of the Kibler Family<\/p>\n![\"Gabriel](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/La-Plata-Teen-Wins-Top-Honor-At-Space-Camp-In-Huntsville-4.jpg\")
Photo courtesy of the Kibler Family<\/p>\n![\"U.S.](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/La-Plata-Teen-Wins-Top-Honor-At-Space-Camp-In-Huntsville-2.png\")
Source: U.S. Space & Rocket Center<\/a> Camps<\/p>\n
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