Kids Experience Big Bang at Explosives Camp in Rolla, Missouri

Each summer, parents look for the best summer camp options for their kids. Some kids love going off to summer camp, while others need to be convinced. Dr. Paul Worsey, professor of mining engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology, runs a summer camp in Rolla, Missouri. that most high school students would love to attend, and in this case, it may be the parents who need convincing. You see, Dr. Worsey is an explosives expert, and each year since 2004 he runs the world's only hands-on Explosives Camp for high school students. Indeed, Jennifer Babb of St. Louis, one of the 2007 campers, says "A bunch of my friends were really jealous when they found out I was going to Explosives Camp."

That first year, only three students attended, but the week-long camp session has grown so popular that this year he is running three sessions. Each session is limited to 20 students, and all three weeks are already fully booked for this year. All of the campers are interested in pursuing a mining engineering degree when they head off to college. Missouri Science and Tech. is the only college that offers a minor in explosives engineering for those majoring in mining engineering. All the 2008 campers are US citizens, though some come from as far away as Hawaii. They are 16 years old or older. The camp costs $500 per student which includes room, board, and all supplies.

Dr. Worsey's camp is focused on safety. As Babb, puts it, "It has to be planned out. It's not just boom, boom, boom." In one of the demonstrations, Dr. Worsey explains that the human hand has some structural similarities to the skin and bone of a chicken. He then proceeds to blow up the chicken providing a compelling example of what could happen if explosives are handled without proper precautions. In fact, every day before heading outside for the daily explosions, campers spend time in the classroom learning explosives theory and receiving safety training.

Once that's over, a typical day might involve heading out to Missouri Science & Technology's experimental mine where the students can experience first-hand the effects of a deep underground blast. Another of the 2007 alumni campers, Harrison Ray of Harrison, Arkansas, says "It just hits you right in the face." Dr Worsey says he loves to watch those faces when they experience the percussion of a really big blast.

In addition to feeling the effects of the big underground blasts, students will watch demolition demonstrations, help create a 150 foot plume of water, and get to blow up watermelons.
Another thing they experience during the camp is making their own fireworks display. All of the sessions this year are running during the month of June, so students will be back home with their newly learned explosives expertise just in time for the family's Fourth of July celebration where they are sure to be the hit of the party.

Source: Missouri S & T Public Relations, First Session of Explosives Camp Starts June 8.