Camp Program Replicated Around the World Reaches 1 Million Milestone
Media Contact: Kelli Nowinsky, 614-629-3114, knowinsky@mail.cosi.org
In 1972, two friends sat at an ordinary gathering and came up with an extraordinary idea: Girl Scouts loved camping outside, but what if you “camped out” in a science museum? That very day, Camp-In was born at COSI, Columbus, Ohio''s dynamic hands-on science center.
The brainchild of Sue Shilling, then Field Executive of Girl Scouts Seal of Ohio Council, and Bill Schmitt, then Education Director of COSI, etched out the first-ever overnight program in the country between the historic all-girl leadership and a science museum.
On April 18, 2009, 37 years later, the 1 millionth camper will walk through the door at COSI.
Today, COSI’s Camp-In program is replicated at museums all over the world. COSI holds the distinct honor of being the only museum to reach the incredible milestone of 1 million campers. It''s also important to note that Camp-In at COSI is the largest informal women-in-science program in the country; about 85% of the campers are girls.
COSI’s Camp-In is the ultimate indoor camping experience for girls and boys. Camp-In is an opportunity to explore all COSI has to offer including exhibitions, shows, demonstrations, and workshops. While COSI is closed to the general public, campers spend 19 hours immersed in amazing science learning.
On April 18, 2009, the 1 Millionth Camper celebration starts with nearly 900 girls checking in and exploring the center. There will be a private dinner at 7pm honoring the founders and the 1 Millionth Camper. At 11:00pm, the evening concludes with the 1 Millionth dance mania party, camper recognition and balloon drop.
COSI is Columbus'' dynamic hands-on science center and was recently named the #1 science center in the country by Parents Magazine. COSI features more than 300 interactive exhibitions and over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 7-story Extreme Screen Theater with the largest screen in Ohio, an outdoor science park, a special area for tiny explorers ages 0 through Kindergarten, and the country''s only high-wire unicycle. COSI also offers a variety of special events, family programs, camps, and more. For information about hours, rates, and more, visit www.cosi.org. COSI. Real science. Real possibilities.
For information on how to join, volunteer, or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) 621-7042 or visit www.GSOhiosHeartland.org.
Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland is the preeminent girl-centered and girl-directed leadership development program serving 34 counties on Ohio.