Scout Telescope and Weather Station

On a dark night, the naked eye can see between 1,000 and 1,500 stars. This mysterious, endless vision of stars, constellations, planets and matter inspires intellectual curiosity. The Boy Scout STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program helps Scouts explore the night skies while developing skills to adapt to a changing educational environment and competitive job market.

Camp Tifie is unique because of its additional focus on science, technology, engineering and math through the BSA STEM program. Generous donors recently supplied Camp Tifie with a state of the art telescope and weather station. This gift was coordinated by an anonymous group of donors wishing to stimulate youth interest in technology. The donors arranged for a dome on a concrete base with two telescopes—a Meade LX200 and a Meade EX90 , three computers, specialized software, a weather station, a four camera video surveillance system and a web cam. Scouts now have a first-hand opportunity to remotely log in and access the telescope from their home/school/library. With an access code and password, Scouts can learn to open the dome, use the surveillance camera, and discover the world of climatology, astronomy and physics without actually being at camp Tifie.

This unique opportunity encourages young boys to develop a natural curiosity in scientific discoveries and technological innovation. And after leaving camp, they can continue to have the opportunity to utilize the equipment and earn merit badges in space exploration, weather, astronomy, robotics, nuclear science, and computers. Camp Tifie’s STEM program stimulates academic achievement and open doors to future careers by teaching boys the value of education and fostering the spirit of innovation. This program helps ensure youth understand their opportunities to create a prosperous and secure future.