Fort Drum families have some intergalactic fun with the Family Advocacy Program

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Families explored the wonders of universe without having to leave Fort Drum, as the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) hos… FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 15, 2026) — Families explored the wonders of universe without having to leave Fort Drum, as the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) hosted its Journey to the Star event Oct. 14 at the Child and Youth Services Sports and Fitness Center. In addition to a gym packed with space-themed games and activities, attendees could step inside Cornell Cooperative Extension’s mobile planetarium and surround themselves in planetary marvels. “It’s an immersive experience, kind of like IMAX, where there’s video projected 360-degrees all around you,” said Mitch McCormick, Cornell Cooperative Extension community and economic vitality issue leader.

“It’s great for kids because they basically get a tour of our solar system and learn about each planet and different things in outer space, but it’s also interesting for parents, too.” McCormick said it was a unique opportunity for family members who have never visited a planetarium before. “This is not a typical classroom experience,” he said. “They might get this kind of education in school, but not like this. I like to think this kind of exposure might lead some of them to a hobby like stargazing or astronomy or even pique an interest