GLOBE is an international science and education program sponsored by NASA and supported in part by NOAA, NSF, and the Department of State. The program started on Earth Day in 1994 focusing on promoting scientific literacy and building connections between those who care deeply about the environment. Its vision and mission is the same today as it was then: its vision - a worldwide community of students, teachers, scientists and citizens working together to better understand, sustain and improve the earth’s environment at local, regional and global levels; its mission – to increase awareness of individuals throughout the world in understanding the earth and supporting improved student achievement in science and mathematics. GLOBE has three primary goals: increase environmental awareness, contribute to increased scientific understanding of the earth, and support improved student achievement in science and mathematics.

 

In 2019, Tina Harte Ballinger, NASA Langley Research Center, created and established NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp, expanding the NASA and GLOBE reach into the informal educational setting to work with camps, science and nature centers, afterschool programs, and their communities. Camp Discovery in Blythewood, SC, was one of the three initial pilot camps. St. David’s own Amy Ellisor was the Executive Director at Camp Discovery working with Tina Harte Ballinger to bring NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp to campers and families in South Carolina. Amy now works full-time with Tina Harte Ballinger, as Senior Outreach Coordinator for NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp. On March 24, Amy will present at Adult Christian Formation’s first forum of 2024 on the NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp Project. Amy is one of those who care deeply about the environment, helping youth become data citizen scientists, “environmental stewards” if you will, to record and submit GLOBE data to NASA scientists. NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp currently has 44 camps across our nation, to include Camp Gravatt for Summer 2024. One thing we can be certain of is that there will be no shortage of attendees/participants at Camp Gravatt this summer loving working as NASA GLOBE citizen scientists. All you have to do now is be here on Sunday, March 24, 12:00noon, in the sanctuary after the 10:30a.m. service; the forum will be live streamed for those unable to attend. If you have youth at home, bring them; after all, young people love camp! In fact, let’s invite friends and neighbors, making this a community event, to be shared by all.