How Space Camp launched this local's career + how to attend alumni weekend July 10-11

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Julie Savage
Space Camp
US Space & Rocket Center
Space Camp Hall of Fame
USSRC Alumni Weekend — Julie Savage’s impressive career started at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, just like thousands of other counselors and campers. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Since 1982, Space Camp® has inspired generations of space explorers and engineers who reunite yearly to relive Space Camp and honor those who have achieved great things since.

Space Camp Reunion Weekend is July 10-11 this year, along with the 2026 Space Camp Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

Learn how one 2026 Hall of Famer went from Space Camp counselor to accomplished leader in space systems, and what makes this weekend so special.

Meet former Space Camp counselor Julie Savage

Julie shows off her original Space Camp space suit 30 years later. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

One of the four 2026 Hall of Fame inductees is Louisville-born Julie Savage, who now lives in Huntsville as the Director of Space Platforms and Threat Sensors Growth at Leidos.

Julie has been recognized as an award-winning STEM executive and community leader including:

25 years in space systems + missile defense in the U.S.
Held roles as a RADAR Flight Test Director and Lead RADAR Systems Engineer at Reagan Test Site in Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean
National Space Club Board Member serving the Education committee
Space Force Association Board Member as VP of sponsorships
Member of the UAH College of Science Advisory Board

Long before her time in the defense industry, Julie had her sights set on the stars.

“The moment the “Space Camp” movie came out, my friends and I were enamored with the idea of going. I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family; my mom was a secretary, my dad was a truck driver. With that, Space Camp was never going to be a possibility for me, and it was always on my list of wishes.”
_{Julie Savage, 2026 Space Camp Hall of Famer}

Becoming a Space Camp Counselor

Being a Space Camp counselor in 1996 was the catalyst for Julie’s career. (Julie Savage)

Julie never actually attended as a camper herself, but this didn’t stop her fascination with space and exploration. She went on to Western Kentucky University to get her physics, mathematics and secondary education degrees, intending to become a high school physics and math teacher.

It was then that she got the opportunity to join the ranks at Space Camp as a counselor, combining her passion for education and her fascination with space and physics:

“It’s actually serendipitous how it happened. I was studying at Western Kentucky University, and it was advertised in our local newspaper. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, can you imagine if I got the chance to work at Space Camp?’“

“Later, I got the job offer. My starting pay was around $6.50/hr, and I cried when I got that offer letter. I knew it. I knew this was going to be the greatest thing ever.”
_{_{Julie Savage, 2026 Space Camp Hall of Famer}}

Julie served as a counselor in 1996, and often credits this experience as the catalyst for the rest of her career.

What joining the Space Camp Hall of Fame means to Julie

The Space Camp Hall of Fame committee honors accomplished alumni who exhibit traits of the program’s core values long after their sessions conclude.

Leadership, vision, strength and tenacity are just some of the strengths Space Camp instills in its campers. Its impact on Julie goes far beyond her experience at the camp itself—it set her up for an enduring career in the space sector.

“There were so many different perspectives and roles participating in the space mission that I had never thought of.”

“Going to the mission control room, and experiencing all the engineering science, data analysis, reporting, and supporting of the astronauts was a new idea to me, and it directly impacted my life.”

“I worked on Kwajalein as a flight test director at the radars, and it reminded me of all the time I spent in mission control at Space Camp.”
_{_{Julie Savage, 2026 Space Camp Hall of Famer}}

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame marked the moment her career truly took off.

“Working here at Space Camp, meeting these amazing other scientists and engineers and starting to work in this industry launched this amazing career for me and an amazing life.”

“You don’t necessarily have to already know everything or be the smartest one in the room. It’s the resiliency and passion. There’s a lot of joy in passing that message to campers that come in also dreaming of space.”
_{_{Julie Savage, 2026 Space Camp Hall of Famer}}

Curious what Space Camp looks like these days? Check out the new additions to the program, which Julie also supported as a donor. 👀

Space Camp Alumni invited to Reunion Weekend July 10-11, 2026

Level II Counselors 1996 2 — Julie’s 1996 cohort of Space Camp counselors (Julie Savage)

Past Space Camp graduates and counselors are soon to return to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center for the annual Space Camp Reunion Weekend to reminisce on the past and look to the future of the program.

Julie will join a cohort of fellow accomplished alumni during the 18th Space Camp Hall of Fame induction ceremony, along with more opportunities for cross-generational connection throughout the weekend!