While not technically a Year-round Specialty Camp, Astro Camp is a great part of our summer program. It is one of this NATION'S premier programs for young campers. The unique AstroCamp program is designed for boys and girls ages 10 and up.

The mind of a 10-year-old is curious and eager to discover. They are ready to begin the great adventure of exploring the universe with the endurance to stay up after dark, stargazing and telescoping. 10 is a great AGE to start, and ASTRO Camp is the best place to start this subject learning!

From the moment they arrive, Astro Campers handle telescopes on the shores of Corey Lake and learn constellations in a portable planetarium. They then use their new skills--after making s'mores by the campfire--to identify celestial features and to discover deep sky objects over four consecutive nights.

Observed highlights typically include the planets, the crescent moon, lots of Messier objects (nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies), satellites, and more. Several kids who stay up late measure the local sky glow with Sky Quality Meters (SQMs) in support of the Night Vision project.

By day, Astro Campers witness solar activity safely both through white light filters and through a hydrogen-alpha telescope. They combine their views of the sun on paper plates, recording emerging sunspots and outlying prominences. Other daytime activities included making and using Star Wheels, making a paper sundial, identifying stars and constellations on a celestial scavenger hunt, using computers with astronomy software, and building and launching water rockets. This is one fun astronomy camp--not school--for kids!

Please visit the Volunteer Astro Camp Website.