Register for the Advanced Teen
Astronomy Camp
June 23 - July 1, 2008
The Advanced Astronomy Camp is quantitative in its approach. Students are required to have completed satisfactorily either Algebra II or Geometry in school. Attendance at the Beginning Astronomy Camp is not necessary and does not automatically qualify a student for the Advanced Camp.
Students should be between the ages of 14 and 18 years. Some exceptions are made in special circumstances by Dr. McCarthy, the Camp Director.
Beginning in January 2008, qualified applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the Camp is full. Admission is limited to 26 students. To be successful applications must follow all the stated directions. Applications will be judged competitively based on the quality of their essays, ability to follow directions, and teacher recommendations. Prospective students must contact the Camp Director before applying.
Entrance into the Advanced Camp is increasingly competitive. In 2007, the Camp was filled by the end of February and only 50% of all applications could be accommodated. We strongly urge students to adhere to the specific entrance requirements, to follow directions exactly, and to do the best job possible on the essay. Although we want former students to reapply, preference will be given to new students. Former Advanced Campers wishing to reapply must write about a research project which could be accomplished using Camp equipment and which could also involve other Campers. See the essay topics for more information.
PARENTS: Before applying, please consider your child's transportation to and from Astronomy Camp. We prefer that students arrive in Tucson on the first day (June 23) of Camp by 3 PM. On the last day (July 1), we will be driving two hours from a remote mountain site to Tucson, so students cannot depart on airline flights any earlier than 1:30 PM. Limitations in airline schedules may make these arrangements difficult depending on your location. Although we can accommodate a few students arriving one day early and/or departing one day late, such arrangements are inconvenient and will necessitate additional cost to you. Please email Dr. McCarthy, if you have travel concerns and questions.
Also please note the following:- The tuition fee of $950 includes all expenses during the Camp session such as room, board, materials, and local travel.
- Travel arrangements must be confirmed with Dr. McCarthy no later than May 9.
- Scholarship notification will made no later than April 4.
To APPLY: please mail the following six items in a single mailing to the address shown below. We will then send you follow-up information.
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1.The completed application form;
2. An essay of at least 1000 words on one of three topics;
3. A confidential, sealed letter of recommendation from either a science or math teacher. In addition to describing the student's strengths, this letter should also address how the Astronomy Camp experience could benefit the student (e.g., socially, personally, academically, etc.);
4. Your deposit in the amount of $250 (payable to Astronomy Camp) unless you are a scholarship applicant. [The full tuition is $950; $50 is a non-refundable handling fee.]
5. The signed disclaimer form.
6. Scholarship Application form (if necessary).
The remainder of the $950 tuition fee must be received no later than May 9. Cancellation after this date will result in a forfeiture of 50% of the tuition fee.
Mail the above five items together to:
Dr. Don McCarthy
Advanced Astronomy Camp for Teens
Steward Observatory
933 N. Cherry Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85721-0065
Back to the Astronomy Camp Home Page.
Last modified: Sunday Feb. 17, 2008