Simon (11) would one day like to be an astronaut. With an avid interest in science Simon spends his days at “science camp” at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario. Simon recently spent part of his summer, planning “a mission to Mars”, and has even attempted building his own mock spaceship! On the flip side, Dakota (11) spends his summers at Westfield Pioneer Village. Dakota’s entire family is involved in portraying the “blacksmith” family. He spends his weekends in the blacksmith home, assisting in the shop and helping interpret life back in 1870.

THE SWAP: Watch as Dakota learns about astronomy, tries making his first rocket and kid-made spacesuit! Meanwhile, Simon will learn first hand what it was like to be a kid before the turn of the century. He will do all the daily chores, take a lesson in a one-roomed schoolhouse, and celebrate with the local town people. It’s old versus new – a definite demonstration of how things have changed!

SWAPPERS JOURNAL - DAKOTA

My SWAP experience was…
Simply
Wonderful
And
Phabulous.
(SWAP, Get it?)

It was so cool meeting new friends and great people during the SWAP, being on TV and sorta being a “movie star” (at least, that’s what it felt like!), and seeing how a TV show is made. The coolest part of my SWAP was building the rocket and placing the explosive in it. I was really nervous right before the rocket launching because I was worried it wouldn’t launch properly and then I would fail my challenge! I was most proud of myself when I finished the “astronaut fitness test” and found out I did good. The thing I will remember most about my SWAP experience is how much fun I had with the crew members. It was amazing to be on this show and I had a great time and experience! I can’t wait to see the show when it’s done!!!

SWAPPERS JOURNAL - SIMON

My experience was great. It was cool to make a metal hook and it was great to eat 1870 foods. The coolest thing that happened during my SWAP was meeting Dakota and making a metal `S` hook . The most scary or unfamiliar time was when I first arrived as I did not know anyone or what to expect. The moment when I was most proud of myself was when I told the Heritage Camp visitors how old the blacksmith house was and what each character did at the house. The thing that I remember the most of my SWAP was when I met Dakota and time we spent together. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!