We're having the first intra-club picnic and observing night of what will hopefully be many. Members of all Michigan astronomy clubs are invited. The event is on a new-moon Saturday at Stargate. It will start no earlier than 2 PM and will run on until the last astronomer leaves.

This event is for current dues-paying members of one of these societies only - get information about joining the W.A.S. here. Members are welcome to bring their families and signficant others, however.

The picnic is a bring-your-own-basket affair, though we will provide drinks, hot dogs, and snacks. We have two grills available. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRS, TABLES, AND BLANKETS, and feel free to bring food to share. Wolcott Mill rules allow no alcohol on the premises. We are authorized to camp on the premises, so if you would like to bring a tent or a popup camping trailer, you are welcome to. We have a lot of space, but large RVs might be too big and heavy to accommodate, and we don't have connections for them.

We can provide electricity for telescopes as well.

Activities:
Family day and family night
Games, nature walks, fishing, sky tours – for club members and their families only!

Camping
Bring your tent or your pop-up trailer and spend a night under the stars!

Observing
It's a new-moon weekend, so bring your biggest scope and test the limits of our skies.

Stargate
Take a peek through our classic, hand-built 12.5” classical Cassegrain telescope under an all-new roof and freshly refinished dome, or use all 22” of the Big Dob's aperture.

Messier Contest
Twenty-five summer objects chosen by WAS Awards Chair Larry Kalinowski will be your targets. There are two entry groups: for those using computer assist and for those using manual telescopes.

All you have to do is slew to the correct object, get it in the center of the eyepiece, and call out for a judge, who will check it off your list. You will have one hour to complete the course, earning fame (a Messier Contest Winner badge from Larry) and fortune (half of the gate receipts). If the hour elapses before anybody finishes, shame on us - but the observer with the most finds will win.

The entrance fee is a measly single dollar. Preregistration is requested but not required.

There will be active fun games provided for children from age 6-12 from 2 – 4pm.

To volunteer, message us through Meetup or contact us through the website.
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The usual observing night rules apply:
We usually stay as long as the skies are clear and there are interested observers - usually around midnight, but on nice nights even later.

You don't have to stay the whole time - though we ask that you aim your headlights away from the observing field in case you have to leave early. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.

We only require a few things for your safety and enjoyment:

• Astronomical night will begin around 10 PM, so please plan to be at the observatory earlier. Be careful with headlights on your way in, especially after sundown. Make sure to turn the dome lights off if possible, and park your car facing away from the observing field if you have running lights.
  
• Please don't use white light flashlights when others are observing. Others will have flashlights, but if you'd like to bring your own, you can easily make a red-light flashlight that will help you get around in the dark and is safe for night vision. I make reasonably decent ones with a red marker and an index card, but you can read other ideas here.
  
• No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Other advice to help you make the most of your evening:

• Weather, especially in Michigan, is unpredictable. We are always (some might say irrationally) hopeful, but if there's a solid chance of an extended downpour we are not likely to do any observing! If you're not sure about the weather, call Bob Berta, Marty Kunz, or Jonathan Kade to check if the open house has been canceled.
  
• Observing is an outside activity, so dress accordingly - a little warmer than the temperature would indicate. Even in the summer, it can get surprisingly chilly at night. Like any other activity, the key to lasting is layers, layers, layers! In the wintertime and early spring, plan to wear at least two layers of every garment: socks, pants, and a shirt. Core temperature is important too, so pay extra attention to keeping your torso warm - an insulated vest can work wonders.

• Importantly, the Camp Rotary grounds have full-service public restrooms, with warm running water and other modern conveniences.