Camping

Scouting

Outings

Each year, we work with numerous scout troops from all over the South. To accommodate these groups, we have a large camping area that includes a pavilion with electricity, several picnic tables, and an amphitheater. We also have men’s and women’s showers and bathrooms, a 14-bed air-conditioned bunkhouse, grills, and campfire pit areas with surround seating. Our property is surrounded by large open fields and wooded areas that are ideal for hiking, exploring, and various outdoor activities. In addition, we have indoor and outdoor science exhibits, and our programming covers materials to assist scouts on their way to earning an Astronomy Merit Badge.

Over the years, scouts have tremendously helped Rainwater Observatory by completing service projects and helping with general outdoor maintenance of the property. We work to coordinate Eagle Scout service projects, such as building picnic tables, park benches, campfire pit areas with surround seating, a new amphitheater, and much more. These types of projects help provide an even higher-quality experience for scouts and all visitors as we share the incredible beauty, wonder, and unimaginable vastness of our magnificent universe!

 

PLEASE NOTE: Our camping facilities are for our visiting scouts, schools and other groups and not available to individuals or the general public.

scouts

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What Fun We Had!
We were all awed by the majesty, intricacy and beauty of the universe brought into existence by our Grand Designer and Creator. The program you have developed over the years communicates clearly across the age range and sparks the imagination of those that are not astronomers, as well as those that are, I'm sure. We all felt our perspective greatly expanded as to the vastness of our universe and how tiny we and our understanding of that is…….Thank you for sharing all the enthusiasm and energy you pour into your work and how you keep working to discover and share the information and relevance with the public. Rainwater Observatory is such a treasure right here tucked away in Mississippi for the scientific, educational and faith communities, nationally and internationally! - DR. VIRGINIA GREEN, RETIRED PEDIATRICIAN, CLINTON, MISSISSIPPI, WOMEN'S PRAYER GROUP
Our Girl Scout troop had a fantastic outing at the Rainwater Observatory. Edwin Faughn’s knowledge of astronomy is impressive and his enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. He was very patient with all the girls’ questions. The photographs and artist renderings were beautiful. We also really enjoyed the planetarium when Mr. Faughn showed us some of the major constellations and where the stars appear in the sky during different times of the year. Although there is plenty of space for tent camping, our troop chose to spend the night in the air conditioned bunk house on property. The beds were comfortable and the accommodations were clean with plenty of bathrooms and showers. The highlight of the trip was using one of the telescopes to see our moon with incredible detail and Jupiter with three of its moons. It was a great outing for our troop. - ASHLEY MAY, GIRL SCOUT TROOP # 5604
Our weekend at Rainwater was phenomenal! You have one of the best campsites. While we were at Rainwater, our young ladies chose to work on the Astronomy Merit Badge, which your program covered much of it. On Saturday, they had the option of Fire Safety, Basketry, or Moviemaking. Then on Sunday, we did Leatherwork. Many of them worked on requirements for rank advancement through camping and cooking. We had not even left the property before my scouts were already asking to return. Ever since I was a kid, I have been in awe of the stars and universe. To see the Hubble telescope images and learn more about it made a dream become a reality. Even watching the stars in the planetarium was mind blowing and extremely peaceful. My favorite part of the weekend was the sunrises, sunsets, and all the stars! Seeing the planets was beyond incredible. Thank you for hosting us and providing such a fascinating program." - HEATHER WILLIAMSEN, SCOUTMASTER-TROOP 19G, MADISON, MISSISSIPPI
“Our scouts and adults received a quality program that both informed and challenged everyone regardless of their age. It is very hard to find people, who not only know their material, but embrace and communicate it in a way that makes you want learn more. The program presented by Mr. Edwin Faughn and his volunteers is absolutely one of the best educational and inspiring experiences my Scouts have ever had. This program is also unique in that it is an effective melding of both scientific and spiritual messages. We've sought out programs throughout the Southeast to motivate, encourage, and inform the young men in our troop. I would have never guessed the top opportunity would be in the hills of Choctaw County. I already have boys asking to schedule this trip again. Thanks again for providing this ministry to our youth.” - DAVID O. SMITH, SCOUTMASTER, TROOP 15, SAINT MATTHEW METHODIST CHURCH
I visited the Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium with a group of students, ranging from 2nd to 6th grade. We had a most insightful and enjoyable time. The students were extremely enthused and learned much. It appeared as if the experience may have peaked the interests of some of them to further investigate the field of astronomy. Mr. Keeton and I enjoyed the experience just about as much as the students. Mr. Edwin Faughn expressed a passion for astronomy that captured the student’s attention, as well as mine. I found myself reminiscing of the field trips that I took as a youth to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago. Mr. Faughn is a remarkable and exceptional director. The trip was truly a delightful experience and I have already shared information regarding the observatory with my colleagues, my 9th grade daughter, and others who might be interested in planning a visit. I have been a resident of Webster County for almost 16 years and never realized that something so exciting and interesting was so close. If I had one word to describe The Rainwater Observatory & Planetarium, it would be "AWESOME!" - SPENCER AUSTIN (COUNSELOR FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT)
"Edwin Faughn is, to my mind, the persona of wisdom; knowledge tempered with humility. His presentations combine science and imagination, visually captivating and inspiring the audience. He has the ability to blend traditional and contemporary digital media while explaining complex data on the 'common man' level. I have seen Mr. Faughn present and discuss his work to a mixed crowd comprised of five-year-olds to Senior adults. The response was one of amazement." - MICHAEL R. CARTER, HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY, NC