Deer Valley YMCA Camp is located at the bottom intersection of two Pennsylvania peaks: Mount Davis, the highest point in the state, and Glade Mountain. This makes for some interesting weather events, including sudden changes in wind patterns and rapidly moving thunderstorms.
In order to keep campers of all ages aware and ahead of the weather conditions, Deer Valley recently began using the AcuRite Atlas® with Lightning Detection, as well as Liquid and Soil Monitors. Since visitors come from all across the country, taking information from the station and making it available on Weather Underground has been helping future attendees prepare for their visit, no matter the season.
Being “In the Know” Helps Campers “Be in the Moment”
From weeklong stays during the summer months to weekend events offered during the spring and fall, there are many activities for which current weather knowledge is essential.
For example, the 750-acre parcel of land features a 125-acre lake on which the camp has a fleet of sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats available for use. The AcuRite Atlas display helps our sailors before they head out on the lake for a leisurely sail or for a friendly competition on “race day” by allowing them to:
- Get the latest read on essential information about weather conditions like wind speed and direction and UV indexes (for proper heat protection)
- Use lightning detection next to the swimming area and beach to add an extra layer of water safety for campers on, in, or near the water
- Monitor and prepare for approaching severe weather, and announce “all’s clear” with confidence
With the reliable weather knowledge provided by our Atlas weather station, campers can worry less about weather on the water and focus on making the most of their time at Deer Valley.
A Broader Impact
In addition to family camps, Deer Valley offers an environmental education program to students who attend schools in the greater Pittsburgh area as well as some neighboring districts in Somerset County. The outdoor lab setting encourages a hands-on exploration of a variety of biomes, from wetlands to old growth forests.
Middle and high school classes are able to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards by participating in the variety of programs and courses offered by our camp. Students in these courses get a firsthand look at how topography can affect weather by comparing the weather data from our weather station with other weather stations operated by the county.
Deer Valley’s weather history is now being recorded by our AcuRite Atlas weather station. Past and current data is available to our staff on their smartphones through the My AcuRite® app, and by tracking and monitoring trends and weather patterns, we're able to make adjustments and plan our camp events accordingly.
More information about seasonal camps and weekend events can be found on our website.
Smell the wood smoke, hear the sound of rolling thunder,
As the days drift slowly by ‘neath the Pennsylvania sky.