The Central Maine Astronomical Society has an opportunity to host a flash mob star party at Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine, at 8:00pm on the first clear night of Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, July 20, 21, or 22, 2015. Once we held a star party, there would be no further parties, even if following nights remained clear. Unlike in past years, if the weather prevents astronomy, we will not meet for indoor events.
Mechuwana describes itself as “the Methodist Church worshiping God in nature,” so true to its mission, it hosts a children’s science camp each summer. Our budding astronomers would be nine young scientists of primary and middle school age. Shirley Jackson, Mechuwana’s Dean of Science, will teach them about the planets, and would love for us to set up in Mechuwana’s ball field to show them the Moon, Venus, and Jupiter. This we can do in the twilight before dark and the children’s bed time, providing only we can find some astronomers and good weather.
Volunteers from CMAS have had a lot of fun teaching at the past two science camps. To volunteer, please respond to this email.
DETAILS:
(1) Earlier setup is welcome. Plan be ready for observing at 8:00pm.
(2) There will be no electricity, so bring your battery packs or your manual telescopes.
(3) Regulations from the State of Maine require all adult participants in all children’s camps to complete the form, “Voluntary Disclosure Statement — All Camp Staff — FM16.” This can be downloaded from Mechuwana’s Web site, as part of a larger packet for volunteers. CMASers can ignore the first two pages (“Volunteer Application”), but are obliged to complete the Voluntary Statement. Ideally, this should then be forwarded to Camp Mechuwana in advance, although we’re told the form would also be accepted upon arrival:
http://www.mechuwana.org/uploads/7/9/0/7/7907645/volunteerapp.pdf
CONTACT MECHUWANA:
Volunteers should call or email CMAS’s President, but may also need to contact Mechuwana directly, to fax or email Voluntary Disclosure Statements:
Shirley Jackson, Dean of Science
Camp Mechuwana
P.O. Box 277, 93 Holmes Road, Winthrop, ME 04364
Telephone, 207-377-2924
Fax, (207) 377-4388
mechuwana@fairpoint.net
http://www.mechuwana.org/
