Camp In at Mount Washington Observatory's Weather Discovery Center
It may be well below zero at the summit of Mount Washington, but rest assure when it's warm and toasty in the Weather Discovery Center!
The mission of the Weather Discovery Center is to enhance awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the atmosphere, its complexity, its impact on the human experience, and the many ways in which atmospheric phenomena are observed and interpreted. While camping in at the WDC you'll learn all about our atmosphere and the weather of Mount Washington - a.k.a. Home of the World's Worst Weather.
So, bring your sleeping bag and toothbrush and camp-in at Mount Washington Observatory's Weather Discovery Center, which is open exclusively for you!
Here are just a few of the coolest programs and activities that are exclusive to your group:
Live From the Rockpile
Take a seat in our theater and be transported to the highest peak in the Northeast in just seconds, where you'll talk to one of MWO's Observers at work. Our live, two-way link will give you the behind the scenes look of our Observatory as you take a virtual tour of the Weather Room.
Observing Our Weather
This is a general look at where weather comes from, and how observations form the basis of all forecasts. Through interactive, hands-on demonstrations and video footage find out how the Observers atop the highest peak in the Northeast work in some of the World's Worst Weather.
Science and Safety of Lightning
Lightning is an amazing force, and vital to the planet. Learn how lightning happens, and how to be safer if a thunderstorm threatens. A 500,000 volt Van de Graaf Generator will demonstrate why we say "WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS!"
Interact and Discover
The Weather Discovery Center is open exclusively for you and your group. Take your time to explore the Earth's atmosphere through our museum exhibits. Learn about the weather instruments that we use at the summit of Mount Washington; find out how you can help support the Earth's changing climate; see and make air travel; time travel to April 12, 1934 and much much more! When you enter the Weather Discovery Center you are invited to walk around at your leisure while discovering the weather we live in through our interactive, hand-on exhibits.
Camping Gear
Every camper must have his/her own indoor sleeping bag. Tents are NOT allowed.
Provisions
Group Leader/Director will be responsible for making arrangements for providing food. Please be aware that we do NOT have a cafeteria at the Weather Discovery Center, but we do have a refrigerator and microwave that is available for camp-ins.
For dinner your group can dine-out at one of the many local restaurants within walking distance from the Weather Discovery Center. We would be delighted to recommend a place for you.
Facilities
The Weather Discovery Center does NOT have showers.
Basic Rules and Regulations
- A minimum of two group leaders is required.
- Group Leaders are responsible for camper's behavior and safety throughout their stay.
- One chaperone to every eight campers is required.
- Number of campers limited to 40
- Group Leader or chaperone must be qualified first-aid person.
- Although, this camp-in will include outreach programs presented by a Mount Washington Observatory staff member, we would also like to suggest that the Group Leader/Director come prepared with activities for their group as well.
Camp-In Itinerary (Sample)
Camp-Ins may be customized to best suit your group.
| DAY 1 | |
| 5:00 PM | Group Leaders and Campers arrive at the Weather Discovery Center |
| 5:15 – 5:45 PM | Orientation |
| 5:45 – 6:15 PM | Tour of the Weather Discovery Center (bathroom facilities, exits, camp site, kitchen, etc.) |
| 6:15 – 7:15 PM | Dinner (You may bring food to eat-in or dine-out at one of our local restaurants. Many are within walking distance from the Weather Discover Center) |
| 7:15 – 8:00 PM | Explore the Weather Discovery Center |
| 8:00 – 9:00 PM | Outreach Program presented by Mount Washington Observatory Staff Member |
| 9:00 PM | Wash up and change into pj's |
| 9:15 PM | Film (downstairs conference room) – Optional or activity provided by Group Leader |
| 11:30 PM | Camp site (Main floor) and lights out |
| DAY 2 | |
| 7:00 AM | Rise and Shine |
| 7:30 – 8:30 AM | Breakfast (bagels and doughnuts) |
| 8:45 – 9:45 AM | Outreach Program (main floor) |
| 10:00 AM | The Camp-In is officially over. However, feel free to continue to enjoy your time in the Weather Discovery Center exhibit area. This will also be open to the public at this time. |
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