Camp In at the Weather Discovery Center

Regardless of the weather on Mount Washington, it's always warm and toasty in the Weather Discovery Center. Explore the museum with your very own Observatory guide, and take in exciting programs that build upon the lessons learned through the exhibits. Then, hunker down with your friends and spend the night amongst the exhibits!

PROGRAMS

Our experienced staff will work with you to develop a fun evening tailored specifically to the needs and interests of your group. Educational programs include:

Live From the Rockpile

Take a seat in our theater and be transported to the highest peak in the Northeast via live videoconferencing technology! Our two-way link lets you talk to a real Mount Washington Observatory scientist living and working in our mountaintop weather station, who gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the instruments they use to conduct their weather observations.

Observing Mount Washington's Weather

This program provides a basic overview of how weather is formed, how weather is observed, and how weather observations form the basis of all forecasts. Through video footage and hands-on demonstrations, you'll learn how our scientists perform their jobs in the Home of the World's Worst Weather.

Lightning Science and Safety

Learn how lightning is formed, and how to be safe if a thunderstorm threatens. A 500,000 volt Van de Graaf generator will help demonstrate the rule, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"

CAMPING

Just like real camping, you'll bring your own sleeping bag, pillow, and camp mattress. However, since this camp is indoors, tents are not allowed.

FOOD

For dinner, your group has the option of dining out at one of the many restaurants within walking distance of the Weather Discovery Center, ordering in, or bringing your own pre-prepared meal. A refrigerator and microwave will be available for your use, but please be aware that we do not have a cafeteria inside the museum. We will gladly help you choose a delicious local restaurant.

We will provide bagels, donuts, juice and milk for breakfast.

FACILITIES

The Weather Discovery Center has restrooms, but showers are not available.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

To make sure your camp in is a pleasant experience:

• Your group must include one chaperone for every eight campers.
• Chaperones are responsible for the behavior and safety of your campers for the duration of your stay.
• At least one chaperone per group must be first aid certified.
• Although we provide educational programming, we recommend that chaperones come prepared with group games or activities to keep campers engaged during down time and before bed time.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Here's an example of how you could structure your visit:

Day One

Day Two

COST

The fee is $40 per camper, and includes educational programming, an Observatory educational guide for the duration of your stay, lodging in the Weather Discovery Center, and breakfast. A minimum of 20 campers and three chaperones is required.

Support for Mount Washington Observatory Outreach Education is provided in part by:

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH

• Distance Learning
• Classroom Programs
• Lectures for the General Public
• Professional Development
• Weather Discovery Center
• Workshops
• Winter Summit Overnight Trips
• Winter Summit Day Trips
• Summer Summit Overnight Trips

CONTACT

Michelle Cruz, Director of Education
(800) 706-0432, ext. 225
Email