Astronomy Camp
Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25, 2026
Ages: 13 – 18 | UW-Stevens Point Campus
Register below
Details
✨ Exploring the Universe, One Discovery at a Time ✨
An out-of-this-world adventure, where science meets the stars! Designed for curious minds to explore the cosmos through hands-on observation, cutting-edge research, and unforgettable stargazing experiences. From the mysteries of dark matter to the familiar brilliance of the Sun, campers will uncover the wonders of our universe while learning from real astronomers and using advanced tools — including remote observatories.
Detailed camp information for registrants is sent to your email from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Registration
The email you register with, is the email we will send camp information to, so please use an email you check often. To avoid parent information going to spam, add: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu to your contact list.
You must be able to provide the campers emergency contact, health history, current medications (if any), immunizations, insurance, and health care providers at the time of registration. Parents can also select authorizations for the youth. Camper Profile needs to be complete at least 3 weeks prior to the start of event.
Registration Fee: $300.00
- Includes classes, materials, and lunch only on campus.
For a $25 discount, register prior to May 20th with promo code: PRIORITY26
Registration Fee:
Commuters (not staying overnight): $450
- Includes classes, materials, and lunch only on campus
Optional Add On Fees:
- Residental Camper staying in dorms: Includes classes, materials, all meals for stay, and lodging for a double room – add on $125
- Residental Camper staying in dorms: Includes classes, materials, all meals for stay and lodging request for single room/no roommate – add on $200
- Astronomy Camp T-shirt: add on $15 (be sure to include tshirt size on registration)
- Parking Permit for campers who will have a car in a lot: add on $26
For additional parent information on check-in times, what to bring, and more, check the email box that you listed in CampDoc!
Emails will come from: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Instructors
Sebastian Zamfir
Sebastian Zamfir began lecturing in the UW-Stevens Point Department of Physics in 2010. Now, as professor of physics, Zamfir leads programs for the Allen F. Blocher Planetarium and Arthur J. Pejsa Observatory in the Science Building. His research interests are extragalactic astronomy, phenomenology of active galactic nuclei, quasar spectroscopy, galaxy formation and evolution.
Zamfir is a presenter at STEAM Point Days for Boys and Girls, the UWSP College Days for Kids, and L.I.F.E. (Learning is ForEver) programs.
Erin Motherway – Camp Guest Speaker
Erin Motherway is a graduate student at UW-Madison pursuing her PhD in astronomy. Her research thus far has consisted of studying the evolution of binary star systems found in different areas of the universe such as within star clusters or in the field of space. She uses observational data from a variety of astronomical instruments to constrain the physics of binary evolution, understand likely progenitor systems and formation mechanisms, and help build an observational framework to advance binary star evolution theory and models.
Sample Schedule
| Time | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday |
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Breakfast | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. | SLOOH – observing with remote observatories | Cosmic cycles and the history of the calendar | Journey through the Solar System | |
| 10:40 – 11:30 a.m. | Constellations – legends and modern interpretation | Space exploration: Mars, the ultimate voyage | Finding exoplanets | |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch | Lunch | Lunch | |
| 12:30 – 2:50 p.m. | Celestial coordinates | Measuring the mass of Jupiter | Badgers Talks Speaker: Erin Motherway | |
| 3 – 4:50 p.m. | Our Sun & Understanding phases and eclipses (solar observations) | Phantom of the universe – the search for dark matter | We are made of star staff…Concluding remarks. Followed by check out of dorms. | |
| 5 – 6 p.m. | Dinner | Dinner | ||
| 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Camp Check-In | Social Activities with Counselors | Social Activities with Counselors | |
| 10 p.m. | Star Gazing | Star Gazing – Rain/Cloud Backup |
Youth Camp Information
Scholarship Information
If you are expecting a scholarship through your school or your community or would like more information about camp scholarships, please email: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu and use “Scholarship Applicant” in the subject line
Click below for Scholarship forms:
Cancellation Policy / Accommodations Statement
Youth Camps/Clinics (excluding Suzuki and Athletics):
If cancellation occurs 42 days or more before the camp start date, registration costs (minus credit card fees) will be refunded.
If cancellation occurs 14–41 days before the camp start date, 50% of registration costs (minus credit card fees) will be refunded.
If cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the camp start date, registration costs are non-refundable.
- Please contact jbrzezin@uwsp.edu if extenuating circumstances arise.
Astronomy Camp reserves the right to send home, without refund, any camper who fails to behave in an appropriate manner or breaks any local/state/federal laws or camp regulations.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least three weeks in advance. Please contact Continuing Education at 715-346-3838 or uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Camp Sponsors
Interested in helping youth grow, learn, and explore career paths? Want to help sponsor youth professional development and events? Email our youth inbox for information on how you or your company can sponsor youth events: uwspce-youth@uwsp.edu
Continuing Education Contact Information
For assistance with registration, please email Customer Service at uwspceweb@uwsp.edu
For camp information, please email the program manager at uwspce-youth@uwsp.
