Camp Mack Receives Grant from BiometCamp Mack Receives Grant from Biomet
In December 2009 Biomet funded Camp Mack’s entire $810 request for funds to purchase two Omano School Microscopes for use in Camp’s Nature Center, two Omano Field Microscopes in cases that can accompany hikes and one Omano 3 USB Digital Camera. The microscopes and camera were ordered and have arrived giving Camp Mack a “giant leap forward” in being able to share the wonders of nature with campers.
The field microscopes are designed to work in natural light settings. When the eye piece is lifted off a field microscope and the camera is set into the eye piece hole, the magnified picture can be seen on a computer screen. The camera can also send a video to the computer screen of the magnified movement taking place under the microscope. Now multiple campers can view the magnified pictures at the same time – just by gathering around the computer screen. Individual campers no longer need to take turns to see what is happening under the microscope, possibly missing the action. Tedious adjusting of the microscope knobs to each camper’s eye capabilities and dealing with eye glasses are not problems when the image is on the computer screen.
The school microscopes which have greater magnification power than the field microscopes will stay in the solar and wind-powered Nature Center and be used by campers there.
Biomet’s generosity in providing this grant has greatly enhanced the nature program that Camp Mack offers to the community. Program Director, Curt Rowland, looks forward to using Biomet’s gifts in April when Jefferson Elementary of Warsaw comes to Camp Mack for a 3-day overnight outdoor school program.
Summer campers enjoy time with a naturalist doing hands-on learning as one of their many activities at Camp Mack. Camp’s 250 foot boardwalk that extends into three water-focused eco-systems is already a popular area for exploring nature. This is just one of the many camp areas where the microscopes and camera purchased with Biomet grant money will enhance environmental education.
For more information about Camp Mack’s summer camps, check out www.campmack.org or call Camp Mack at 574-658-4831 to request a brochure.
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