Overview

WRCTM Weather Camp was started in 1993 by Weather Research Center staff, Jill F. Hasling, CCM (Director). It was designed to be a way for children to learn more about weather and weather safety.

Meteorologists at The WRCTM Weather Museum have developed an exciting curriculum using computers, activities, games, demonstrations and experiments to fill the day. "We want to help campers answer their questions through their own experiences," said Lynsdey Blott, Education Coordinator.

Structure

Camp sessions are divided between Young (ages 5-7), Introductory (ages 7-11), Advanced (ages 12-17) and Adult (ages 18 and above).

Most camps are either in a full day (10am-3pm) or half day (morning or afternoon) format. Campers are told to bring a sack lunch and drink for a break during the middle of full day sessions.

Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share weather-related stories. A meteorologist directs each session to allow interaction with a member of the profession.

Each "camper" receives a packet of handouts to take home and share with their family. The handouts include instructions on using weather instruments, popular Internet weather sites, weather safety information and information on the day’s topic.

There is also a "weather kit" sent home with everyone. Each kit contains weather instruments, an observation log, a tornado tube, a T-shirt and much more.

Activities

Campers are allowed to test their own knowledge through computer tests and games. Many classes include instruction on the best websites to access real-time weather data.

Some sessions also get to make their own weather instruments, while others discover the secrets of tornadoes and other weather events through experiments and demonstrations.

Other exciting activities include watching the latest weather videos and playing team-oriented weather games.

Volunteers

There are even opportunities to share your knowledge of weather with others! Volunteers of all ages are used to set up/clean up demonstrations and prepare handouts and weather kits.

Meteorology students in college have the chance to enrich their knowledge by helping others understand the processes of weather.

Weather Camp was designed to encourage the study of meteorology and related sciences like oceanography. For more information about Weather Camp, visit our slide presentation at www.wxresearch.org/education/camp/

Registration information is available at www.wxresearch.com/camp2008.pdf

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The WRCTM Weather Museum

Weather Research Center provides the perfect learning environment because of its operational worldwide weather forecast center, radio broadcast capabilities and development of The WRCTM Weather Museum. For more information on the museum, see our site at www.wxresearch.com/museum/