Astronomy Camp!
Astronomy Camp 2008

All About Astronomy Camp
Telescopes and Facilities
Register for Astronomy Camp
Astronomy Camp Bilbiography
Camper and Counselor News
Award Winning Students
The Astronomy Camp Hotlist

The Thrill of Discovery: That's what Astronomy Camp is all about! From the dark sky environment at the Catalina Observatories atop scenic Mt. Lemmon near Tucson, Arizona, students of all ages explore "the heavens" with large telescopes and experience the joys of scientific inquiry. In this "immersion" experience people become astronomers, operating research telescopes, keeping nighttime hours, interacting with leading scientists, and interpreting their own observations.

Astronomy Camp is a unique involvement in science and engineering sponsored by the Travel program of The University of Arizona's Alumni Association. Available internationally to teenagers and adults, these Camps emphasize hands-on learning experiences and do not require a prior background in astronomy or any connection with The University of Arizona. Opportunities are also available for educators, schools, and Girl Scout trainers to inspire new generations of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Girl Scout leaders are supported through the NIRCam program of the James Webb Space Telescope. Personal accounts of Camp experiences have recently been published in Universe Today and on Astromart.

Parents have asked why the teen Astronomy Camps are so "life-altering." Educational research reveals several reasons: Youth-centered approach by Camp staff; authentic inquiry with realistic projects involving modern telescopes & equipment; real scientists as mentors; student peers with a common interest in science; a fun attitude toward learning; and the aesthetic qualities of the Mt. Lemmon "sky island" with its dark skies. Scholarship opportunites are available for needy students!


Need more information?

sunset from Mt. Lemmon

Dr. Don McCarthy
Astronomer
Steward Observatory
The University of Arizona
933 N. Cherry Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85721-0065
(520) 621-4079
(520) 621-9843 (FAX)

Ms. Lisa Roubal
Vice-President
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 N. Cherry Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85721-0109
(520) 621-5233
1-800-BEAT ASU (toll-free, outside Arizona)
(520) 621-9030 (FAX)

Star trails as seen from the 61-inch Kuiper telescope
on Mt. Bigelow.

These pages are maintained by Don McCarthy
Last modified: Tues. Jan. 29, 2008