Our Mission

The Orion Center’s mission is to expand the kingdom of God. We have decided to accomplish this using as our medium the science center experience presenting scientific knowledge, history, and culture in the context of a Christian world view.  Orion Center is all about truth and the free exchange of ideas in pursuit of truth. Our objective is to take part in changing the current paradigm of science from its dogmatic emphasis on materialism to a more open acceptance of competing interpretations such as creation and design.

Our Methods

Although our emphasis is science, we believe scientific knowledge can only be properly understood and appreciated in the context of culture, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts. Orion Center emphasizes hands-on, interactive, experiential methods essential to the learning process. Our goal is to create excitement in learning encouraging visitors to seek to improve their minds and abilities and make them more productive and fulfilled people. We're not about buildings and the business of science. We're about building up kids and families. Our desire is to help visitors grow in knowledge (through hands-on experiences in archaeology, astronomy, technology and more), stature (through challenging outdoor activities involving hiking, balancing skills, and the application of science-based technology), and character (by relating science and technology themes to life lessons and encouraging the interaction of children with adult mentors).

The name, Orion Center, is derived from the great star constellation Orion. The constellations are an excellent symbol for what we are trying to accomplish in that they intertwine science with artistic and cultural expression. Knowledge of the stars began in the oldest civilizations and has woven its way through all the world's cultures to become a standard labeling convention for modern astronomy. Although Orion is depicted as a hunter, his ancient name carries the meaning of a "bearer of light". The Orion center's objective is to illuminate and enrich the lives of visitors.