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How we got one million kids to sleep on our floor

Columbus Science Museum Makes History

04.01.2009 – Science Museum Makes History
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.

Comments

COSIcols says:
@COSIcols posted to Twitter: 37 yrs after first Girl Scout slept at COSI, the 1 millionth camper will walk through the doors on April 18, 2009 http://pitch.pe/7736
Nancy White says:
I was one of those young Girl Scouts who slept in at COSI in the mid seventies. Two or three years running, we rushed to get the coveted spots closest to the Pendulum. I still recall the awesome feeling of being trusted to operate the museum's planetarium and other exhibits. To this day I have a fascination for the night sky that I can trace directly back to that experience. Those COSI encampments number among my favorite and most memorable Girl Scout experiences. Now I spend my days helping make those memories possible for girls in my council. Thank you COSI and GS oF Ohio's Heartland!
sue says:
I am a fairly new girl scout leader and am wondering if there is going to be a camp in this year if so when what is the cost and do you know who I contact to be involved in this thank you

Ask a Question or Add Your Comment

 
Twitter Pitch
37 yrs after first Girl Scout slept at COSI, the 1 millionth camper will walk through the doors on April 18, 2009
News Facts
  • COSI, a hands-on science museum in Columbus, Ohio
  • COSI started the Camp-In program, replicated now across the world
  • Will reach 1 million campers on April 18, 2009 & it's never been done before
  • Camp-In is the largest informal women-in-science program in the country
Tags
Education, informal science program, tadpoles, COSI, science museum, Girl Scouts, Camp-In, Columbus, Ohio, women in science , overnight program, camping
COSI - Campin0001.JPG
COSI - girlscoutsoldcosi.jpg
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Captions:
1.) COSI Columbus building
2.) Vintage COSI Camp-In (1970's)
3.) COSI Camp-In today
4.) Vintage COSI Camp-In (1970's)
5.) Vintage COSI Camp-In (1970's)

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About & Contact

COSI

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 COSI Real science. Real possibilities.

More Info

Contacting COSI

COSI
333 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone:: 614-228-2674
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Press Contact
Kelli Nowinsky
Phone:: 614-629-3114
Mobile: 614-205-3073
Interview Request
Kelli Nowinsky
Phone:: 614-629-3114
Mobile: 614-205-3073