Testimonials & Media

“It is no understatement to say that attending
Astronomy Camp changed my life.”
(Adult Camper, 2002)

“Unfortunately, Jeff Bezos will be unable to attend Astronomy Camp in April. He looks forward to participating sometime in the future but is unable to commit to a new date at this time. Thank you for your help. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

(Executive Assistant to Jeff Bezos, Travel Coordinator, Jan 16, 2003)

"I'm now looking back at Camp from across 20 years, which is more than half a lifetime for me. The most meaningful thing about the two years I attended is that for the first time in my life, I was brought into contact with people who were as passionate as I was about the subject."

(anonymous)

"Oh, how I miss naked-eye views of the Milky Way! In my three years at Astronomy Camp, I've learned so much and leave with increasing desire to go back. It's really a magical experience - the late nights and moths are just part of it."

(Advanced Teen Camper, 2021)

"We don't just look at stars, we observe them."
(Advanced Teen Camper, 2018)

"This year we are both freshmen at Barnard College in New York City. Although we never met during Camp, over the past summer we discovered our shared experience at Kitt Peak and have since become friends.... Astronomy Camp has not only been a source of joy in our lives (we share Camp stories all the time!) but has inspired us to reach for the stars."

(two former Teen Campers from 2017)

"This Camp opens so many doors as you discover what it means to explore the Universe."
(Beginning/Advanced Teen Camper, 2007-2009)

"This Camp even sparked my interest in astronomy so much, that I am even considering it as a career along with dermatology."

(Beginning Teen Camper 2005; later attended two Advanced Camps; became a staff member; and received her PhD in astronomy from Caltech)

"Without a doubt one of the most important transitions I experienced between childhood and adulthood took place at Astronomy Camp."
(Beginning/Advanced Teen Camper, 2004-2005)

"I think it's pretty safe to say that I would not be who or where I am today without Camp.... I guess what I'm trying to say is that Camp has been the best and most memorable and valuable time of my life. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity."

(Advanced Camper 2004)

"We're really not exaggerating when we say astronomy camp is a "life-changing experience."You get to spend a week under some of the best observing skies in the country, using research-grade telescopes; all the while interacting with people who like astronomy and science as much as you do. Without astronomy camp I wouldn't have met some great people (one of whom is now my best friend). I also wouldn't have been presented with a wonderful job opportunity to work side by side with one of my former camp counselors as an astronomy educator at the Smithsonian. So, this week: take chances, pick the brains of your peers and counselors, and have fun!"
(Advanced Teen Camper, 2003-2004)

"Camp helped me clarify my direction and I met my best friend and husband at Camp. I realize that probably won't happen but mention it because the opportunity exists to learn much, and form relationships that will last a lifetime."

(Advanced Teen Camper, 1994)

"Astronomy Camp is a unique place.... It is a place of constant activity, especially when the Sun is down, but also of quiet contemplation and earnest conversation."
(Advanced Camper, 1991)

"This was the most exciting thing that I have done as a Girl Scout. I am certain that the experience was life- changing in that I will continue to look at the sky differently and seek to engage young people in thought provoking learning activities."

(Girl Scout adult leader, 2007)

"You guys are encouraging us to think and explore vs memorize and regurgitate."
(Girl Scout adult leader, 2002)

"My daughter attended the Beginning Teen Astronomy Camp in June and I wanted to say thank you and to let you to know how much she enjoyed the program. (She) had so much fun that she literally was sobbing for hours on the evening that Camp ended because she didn't want to leave. Your team did a wonderful job and the program you produced exceeded our expectations."

(parent of Beginning Teen Camper, 2023)

"Thank you so much for bringing wonderful sessions to my son, other students, and family. I also enjoyed lectures, observations, next to my son. It is the best virtual camp ever."
(parent of Teen Camper during our Zoom-based Advanced Camp in 2021)

"I simply can't thank you enough for the opportunity you gave my son, Alex ..., this past week. Alex has been talking non-stop about everything he did, and learned, and he was positively heartbroken last night that it only lasted 8 days. We're probably going to drive up to Kitt Peak today because he wants me to see where he's been. It was such an exceptional thing to be able to do at this age. THANK YOU!!! ... I'm stunned by how much has been injected into Alex's brain in so short a period of time. Please extend my warmest thanks to everyone on your staff. You really run an amazing program. Very best wishes."

(parent of Advanced Teen Camper, 2012)

"I know he had a good time and learned a lot, every once in a while he'll just spout out some fact he learned, or say 'Did you know ....' ."
(parent of Beginning Teen Camper, 2005)

"I know firsthand about the positive impact the camp has had on (my son's) young life. His first year came at such an critical period of his life. ... As it turned out, Astronomy Camp was the turning point in (his) life. He made so many lifelong friends and I am so proud of his accomplishments! As a result of his positive experience at your astronomy camp, (he) set himself a goal his Sophomore year of high school and with a few adjustments along the way, achieved his goal to procure a pilot seat in the Air Force via University of Arizona's ROTC. ... Thank you so much!"

(parent of a Beginning & Advanced Camper, 2002-2005)

"I just wanted to let you know how much she enjoyed Astronomy Camp. She was on an intellectual high when we picked her up from the airport. It lasted for weeks! [She] has put Advanced Astronomy Camp as the number 1 item on next summer's plans. Everything else must fit around it."

(parent of Beginning Teen Camper, 2002)

"THANK YOU ... THANK YOU ... THANK YOU.. for making such a profound difference in our son's life. From the time we picked him up at O'Hare airport until we got home (four hours later) he never once stopped talking about his tales from astronomy camp. ... HE ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. In his words as we picked him up at the airport, 'It was the best 'vacation' I ever had!!' "

(parent of Beginning Teen Camper, 2001)

"He greeted his father at the airport with, 'that was the most fun I have ever done, but I am wiped out!' Patrick slept for 14 hours the first day back! He plans to reapply next year for the advanced camp and I am sure that by December we will have heard most of his stories, adventures and educational experiences he enjoyed."
(parent of Beginning Teen Camper, 2001)

"[A] big takeaway from Astronomy Camp was the people I met. Most of us are still in touch, and a good number of us are on a group chat. I miss being surrounded by a group of people who share the same ambitions and curiosity that I consider myself to have, and I’m eager for more opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and continue challenging myself academically."
Teen Camper (Advanced 2025)