Outreach to Children -- A Unique Opportunity to Excite Weather Interest in Hospitalized Children

Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, Florida participates in Radio Lollipop, an International children's charity providing care, comfort, play, and entertainment to children of all ages (a few days old to 21 years old) in hospitals. The Radio Lollipop station at Nicklaus Children's Hospital features a live volunteer DJ every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. Each night has a unique theme accompanied by a craft and on-air trivia questions. Volunteers visit each patient room encouraging participation. Using Radio Lollipop as a platform, the authors organized a weather-themed night to educate patients and their families about weather phenomena and to motivate interest in weather observations and forecasts. Information on weather preparedness, with a particular focus on South Florida, was also distributed. This study highlights the role that patient-volunteer interactions can have in the education of weather. The authors will document patient and volunteer experiences and consider lessons for more fruitful future outreach efforts.