Why would a Youth Center field trip be canceled for thunderstorn warnings? Published Aug. 4, 2008 436th Airlift Wing DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Q: My child goes to the Youth Center for the summer day care program, and they recently had a trip planned to the Washington zoo. The trip was cancelled because there was a chance of thunderstorms for that day over in Washington which seems ridiculous. Thunderstorms are fairly normal in this area during the summer, so why would they plan a trip if normal occurrences can cause a cancellation? In downtown programs children are allowed to go on these trips, so why can't the children at the Youth Center? A: I understand a cancelled field trip can be a disappointment for our youth. However, on the day in question, the Washington area was forecasting potential hail, high winds and downpours. Since the safety of our youth is paramount, summer camp participants would not have been allowed to get off the bus in those conditions. It's no fun riding to DC to sit on a bus ... and it's less fun getting struck by lightning. Alternate field trips and activities for the Summer Camp Program have been planned for the upcoming weeks. Hopefully the weather will support safe and enjoyable trips, but I expect and empower our Youth Directors to make the right call.