During the summer of 1995, the Science Center concept started when scout leaders Carol and James Moyer volunteered to offer Chemistry Merit Badge at Bucks County's Ockanickon Scout Reservation. The badge's culminating highlight of seeing the five areas of chemistry demonstrated during a tour of Betz' laboratory facilities at GE Water Technologies was and still is exciting. Nearly 100 scouts completed the merit badge that summer, an extremely successful first!

This initial result stimulated the idea that a "scout science center" would make it possible to introduce scouts to many science and technology merit badges in a fun and yet completely professional setting. From that initial vision, Carol, James, and Bill Mischke, Ockanickon's Director, formulated a grant proposal to the Betz Foundation to fund the formation of a well-equipped high-tech center at Ockanickon.

The established center is now entering its tenth year of operation and has received many additional contributions from other sources. Summer 2006 saw over 1000 Boy Scouts experimenting with a career in Chemistry, Astronomy, Computers, Electricity, Electronics, Nuclear Science, Space Exploration, and Weather through merit badge programs. Additionally, over 1000 Cub Scouts have gained exposure to science at the center.

A fun "hands-on" approach to science in a professional setting provided to every interested scout is the goal of the Science Center, the first of its kind at a scout camp. Scouts work to complete specific Merit Badge requirements. Chemists use authentic laboratory benches and equipment such as microscopes, electronic balances, pH meters and glassware while nuclear scientists use a Geiger counter to find radioactive sources. Meteorologists generate lightning, giant clouds, and use the electronic Weather Station to track the weather. Astronomers can use the NGT 12.5-inch telescope, a 24 foot planetarium and computer programs. Launching self-built rockets is what the space explorers do while electricians build circuits and electronic techs solder their first equipment. The science center provides a completely realistic experience for scouts with yet more planned for the future.

The entire camp staff including the Science Center Staff is an explorer post of specially trained scouts and leaders. If you are interested in working for a summer at Ockanickon, contact Bill Mischke, the Camp Director.