Starry Skies Astronomy Camp

What’s the Vibe?

This tour’s a chill, magical dive into the universe, perfect for families who want to marvel at the sky and learn a bit without it feeling like a science class. It’s less about hiking or high-energy stuff and more about soaking in the wonder of stars, planets, and stories. Guides are like friendly astronomers, full of space facts but great at keeping kids hooked with myths and jokes. You’re camping in cozy tents, gathered around telescopes or a fire, feeling like you’re on the edge of the galaxy. It’s short but sweet, ideal for first-time campers or anyone craving a celestial escape.

Where You’re Headed

Celestial Hollow Reserve is a stargazer’s paradise, tucked in a remote valley where the night sky feels close enough to touch. It’s about a 2-hour drive from the nearest city, through quiet roads where you start to feel the world slow down. The reserve’s a wide, open meadow surrounded by low hills, far from any city glow, so the stars pop like you’ve never seen. The campsite’s set up in the heart of the hollow, with soft grass underfoot and a small creek nearby for daytime dips. By day, it’s peaceful with butterflies and birds; by night, it’s all about the Milky Way stealing the show. No light pollution, just pure cosmic vibes.

What You’ll Be Doing

Stargazing Sessions: Each night, you get 2-3 hours of guided stargazing. Guides set up high-quality telescopes to spot planets like Jupiter or Saturn’s rings, plus star clusters that look like glitter. They’ll point out constellations with a laser pointer, tying them to stories (more on that below). Kids get star maps to keep track of what they see.

Telescope Workshops: On day one and two, there’s a 1-hour workshop where guides teach you how to use a telescope—nothing too technical, just enough to feel like a pro. Kids learn to find bright stars or the moon’s craters. Everyone gets a turn, and guides help younger ones so no one’s left out.

Constellation Storytelling: Both evenings include fireside storytelling, where guides share myths behind constellations—like Orion’s hunt or the Bear’s escape. Kids can make up their own star stories, and one night, they draw their own constellation on paper to “name” it. It’s cozy, with blankets and hot cocoa, lasting about an hour.

Night Sky Scavenger Hunt: On the second night, kids do a “sky hunt” using star maps to find specific stars or patterns. It’s a gentle game, about 45 minutes, with glow-in-the-dark stickers as prizes. Parents can join or just chill by the fire.

Daytime Nature Stroll: During the day, there’s a short, 30-minute walk around the reserve to spot birds or wildflowers and learn how the landscape helps keep the sky so clear. Guides sneak in fun facts, like how bats navigate by stars. Kids get a small journal to sketch or note cool finds.

Solar Observation: On day two, there’s a quick session using a solar telescope (safe for eyes) to check out the sun’s spots or flares. It’s about 30 minutes, and kids love seeing the sun up close.

What’s Included?

All meals (campfire classics like burgers, veggie options, and kid-friendly snacks like popcorn).

Camping gear (tents, sleeping bags, comfy mats).

Telescopes, star maps, and solar observation tools.

Journals, drawing supplies, and scavenger hunt prizes.

Guides who know astronomy and make it fun for all ages.

Basic first-aid and 24/7 support for chilly nights or stubbed toes.

What to Bring?

Warm layers (nights get cold), sturdy shoes for the meadow, and a blanket for stargazing. A reusable water bottle’s a must, and maybe a small flashlight (red light’s best for night vision). Kids might want a favorite stuffed animal for camp vibes. We’ll send a packing list when you book, so you’re covered. Bug spray’s handy, and a hat for daytime sun is smart.