UNL National Weather Camp

Our recent UNL Weather Camp took place Sunday evening June 8 thru Friday afternoon, June 13, 2025. 

LINK: UNL Nebraska Today News Article about the recent June 9-13, 2025 Weather Camp.
And, LINK: UNL Nebraska Today News Article about the Big Red Camp Program

The Great Plains Weather Book is available for any of this year's weather campers. 

LINK:  Weather Camp 2025 Registration information 
(closed now, but provides example of the recent registration process)

Year 2026 registration available in February 2026. 

________________________________________________________________

Our weather camp is part of the UNL Big Red Summer Camps Program 

AGE eligibility: Grade 9 Entering High School in the fall after the camp,
Or, Returning to High School, Grades 10, 11, 12 in the fall after the camp,

For further information or clarification, contact the Weather Camp Director at: kdewey1@unl.edu

Weather Campers visiting the Lincoln KOLN/KGIN TV Meteorologists and viewing their storm chase vehicle. June 10, 2025.
 

Weather Camp Photo Galleries

UNL National Weather Camps 2015-2025 were week-long residential camps.
Weather campers stayed in a campus dorm, meals were provided and they
had evening activities scheduled with the other Big Red 4-H Summer camps.

Weather Camp June 2025 Photos
Weather Camp June 2024 Photos
Weather Camp June 2023 Photos
Weather Camp June 2022 Photos
Weather Camp June 2019 Photos
Weather Camp June 2018 Photos
Weather Camp June 2017 Photos
Weather Camp June 2016 Photos
Weather Camp June 2015 Photos

UNL Weather Camps  2011 thru 2014 were Middle School Week-Long Day Camps
Weather Camp June 2014 Photos
Weather Camp June 2013 Photos
Weather Camp June 2012 Photos
Weather Camp June 2011 Photos

Note: due to the Pandemic, Weather Camp was cancelled in 2020 and 2021

UNL Big Red Camps June 2025:
Next year's list will be available in February 2026.

KLKN TV Interviews our weather campers, June 2023  

Weather Camp Information Card-- under construction

Weather Camp June 9-14, 2019 Advertising Poster

What is Weather Camp?

Weather Camp is a week-long residential camp, i.e. the campers will spend the week on campus and stay overnight in a Campus dorm. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided each day.

Our camp theme is "DISCOVER Weather and Climate Science".
Come and find out how scientists observe and forecast the weather as well as monitor the changing climate. During the week, participants will use instruments to make their own weather observations; learn how to forecast the weather; visit with National Weather Service forecasters; learn about the local weather and climate of Nebraska; from tornadoes to blizzards; explore how drones are used in research; learn about storm preparedness; and, using our UNL TV weather studio, each camper will create a video of their weathercaster experience in front of the green screen. We will also conduct experiments throughout the week inside the classroom as well as outside to demonstrate basic weather and climate processes. Participants will also meet actual scientists and learn more about weather and climate related careers. Spend the week with other students who enjoy weather and science just like you! Hosted and taught by the University of Nebraska—Lincoln, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and UNL College of Arts and Sciences.

Project Goals:

• To provide broad exposure and training for local students in weather forecasting, environmental modeling, and scientific measurements
• To encourage bright, underrepresented students to consider science and engineering careers through first-hand exposure to educational and career opportunities in atmospheric sciences
• To increase the overall talent pipeline of students pursuing studies in science and engineering in college

Related Careers: 

Weather Forecaster, Television Weathercaster, Weather and Climate Researcher, Applied Climatologist, Climate Data Resource Specialist, Planning Agencies, Environmental Protection Agency, Science Teacher

Recent Weather Camp Activities: 
 

A Visit with the Warning Coordination Meteorologist from the National Weather Service
Meeting a television weathercaster
Touring the National Weather Service forecast office
Seeing Storm Chase Tornado Intercept movies
Meeting several weather and climate scientists
Learning about weather, climate and other science careers
Conducting actual weather experiments in our lab and outside using instruments
Meeting Nebraska State Climate Office Director to learn about careers in climate
Meeting the director of the High Plains Regional Climate Center
Forecasting severe weather using the NWS Warning Simulator in our lab
Touring Memorial Stadium and collecting micro-climate data in the stadium
Doing actual weather research in our computer lab

Can I attend the UNL Weather Camp multiple times?

Yes, as long as you meet the age eligibility requirements. We have had repeat campers almost every year!
 

How do I apply?

The Link to the application will be placed here and is usually available late Winter.
Space is very limited so plan on applying as soon as possible when registration opens.

National Weather Camp Program.

The University of Nebraska was accepted into the National Weather Camp Program
in 2011 as a member of a growing network of Weather Camps offered throughout
the U.S. 

Weather Camp Sponsors:

College of Arts and Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, UNL
Geography Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
School of Global Integrative Studies
UNL Extension
 

UNL Weather camp Director: Dr. Ken Dewey
(email: kdewey1@unl.edu)

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor of our weather camp? CLICK HERE

Weather Camp Promotional Posters: under construction
UNL Weather Camp 2019 Poster 
UNL Weather Camp 2018 Poster
UNL Weather Camp 2016 Poster
UNL Weather Camp 2015 Poster
UNL Weather Camp 2014 Poster
UNL Weather Camp 2012 Poster

LINKS:
National Weather Camp Program
News Story about our Weather Camp (2014)