Astronomy Camp - A Summer Science Camp

Astronomy Camp 2010, Rosetta image of Earth

The Thrill of Discovery!!!

Astronomy Camp is all about discovering the Eureka moment! Under the dark skies of Southern Arizona, students of all ages explore "the heavens" with large telescopes and experience the excitement of scientific inquiry. The unique environments at Kitt Peak National Observatory just west of Tucson, Arizona, and Mount Lemmon Observatory immediately north of Tucson, provide outstanding views of the sky and encourage exploration. Astronomy Camp is an "immersion" experience, campers become real astronomers; operating research-class telescopes and technology, keeping nighttime hours, interacting with leading scientists, interpreting their own observations, investigating their own questions and curiosities, and most importantly having fun doing so.

Astronomy Camp is not solely about astronomy and what's up in the sky, it is a unique investigation into both science and engineering sponsored by the Travel program of The University of Arizona's Alumni Association. This "science camp" is available internationally to both teenagers and adults. Our camps emphasize a hands-on learning approach and activities are driven by student involvment and interest. A prior background in astronomy is not required, neither is a connection with The University of Arizona. There are also opportunities available for educators, school groups, and Girl Scout trainers with an emphasis on how to inspire new generations of students to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Girl Scout leaders are supported through the NIRCam instrument program of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). To read personal accounts of Astronomy Camp experiences, several have been recently published in The Reflector magazine of the Astronomical League, Universe Today, and on Astromart.

Parents often ask why the teen Astronomy Camps are so "life-changing" and "inspiring" to their children. Educational research reveals several reasons:

A youth-centered, personal approach by the entire Astronomy Camp staff, treating youth as colleagues rather than children
Authentic scientific inquiry with realistic projects involving modern research telescopes, technology, & equipment
Real scientists as mentors
Student peers with a common interests in science and engineering
A fun attitude toward learning, exploring ideas, and searching for answers
The aesthetic qualities of the "sky islands" of Southern Arizona with dark skies

To encourage all interested students to come explore science and broaden their minds, scholarship opportunities are available for those students in need!