The troop organized an Astronomy weekend at Chickagami and Observatory Parks in Geauga county. The first night we setup camp at Chickagami and had an evening snack. Then it was time to check out the stars and learn about the sky. Only problem is that the adults were the only ones that stay up and viewed the night sky. The stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb were sited first and from there we found numerous constellations like Lyre, Cygnus, Aquila, Cassiopeia, and Pegasus. We were even treated to a look at a nebula through Mr. Burger's telescope.

The next day if you woke up early enough you were greeted with the constellation Orion. We had a filling breakfast and spent the morning working on scout skills and other requirements followed by a hike around the park. Lunch turned out great with everyone pitching in to cook marinated chicken fresh from the grill, squash, and pasta with marinara sauce. After a filling meal the group drove over to Observatory Park. They have a lot of neat exhibits to check out like a sundial, phases of the moon and a planetary trail. The planetary trail had information displays for each of the planets and the sun. They also had four cement corners situated to give you an idea of the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. After the hike we sat down and had sandwiches and cookies before heading over to the Nassau Astronomical Station for an evening program. While there we saw the International Space Station pass over us. They then positioned their large telescope to see the Ring Nebula. We spent a little longer there searching for constellations and planets. On the way back to the cars it was decided to set up Mr. Burger's telescope again and check out the sky near the main buildings. The area is lit using red light so you don't lose your night vision. We had a very full sky and were able to find even more constellations including Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. At about 10:30pm the sky clouded up and it was time to head home. The amateur astronomers on this outing were Luke B, Sam E, Ayden H, Justin H, Mr. Nenadovich, Mr. Makowski, and Mr. Hill.

Chickagami and Observatory Park Photo Album

Trip Plan for Chickagami Park and Observatory Park

Date and Time of Departure: Friday, October 13, 2017 at 5:30pm

Purpose: Practice teamwork, complete rank requirements, learn about weather and space at the Geauga Park District-Observatory Park.

Location: Camping at Chickagami Park, 17957 Tavern Road, Burton, OH 44021

Some of Saturday’s activities will take place at Geauga Park District- Observatory Park 10610 Clay Street, Montville, OH.

Camp Leader: Mr. Nenadovich

Cost: $10.00 and permission slip (Due by October 3^rd )

Estimated Time of Return: Sunday, October 15, around 9:30am- Old Church. Scouts will be dismissed when all Troop gear is accounted for and stored properly.

Items to Bring: Scout Essentials (see Handbook), Camping gear, and extra clothes. Pack for the weather.

Directions: Take I-77 N to I-480 E via exit 156, towards Youngstown. Keep left to take US-422 Alt E via EXIT 26toward I-271 N/Erie PA/Warren. US-422 Alt E becomes US-422 E. Turn left onto Madison Rd/OH-528/OH-88. Take the 2nd left onto High St/OH-168. Continue to follow OH-168. 17957 TAVERN RD is on the right.