LAS 2026 Star Camp for Scouts and Other Groups

The Louisville Astronomical Society (LAS) Star Camp Program offers an unforgettable weekend of instruction, camping, and stargazing, providing Scouts with the opportunity to complete a majority of their Boy Scout Astronomy Merit Badge requirements or earn credit toward the STEM/NOVA award through the Cub Scout Science Everywhere, Out of This World, and Adventures in Science modules. We also offer customized programs to help Girl Scouts meet badge requirements, from the Daisy Space Science Explorer and Brownie Space Adventurer to the Senior Space Science Expert Badge. Additionally, we welcome other youth organizations such as American Heritage Girls and Trail Life USA—just let us know your group's specific needs, and we’ll tailor the experience to fit!

Two Great Locations

Star Camp takes place at two premier locations:
 LAS Urban Astronomy Center (UAC) – Located in E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park, Louisville, KY, this site is ideal for younger group members, offering indoor classrooms, restrooms, and an assortment of telescopes for viewing the moon, stars, and planets. The UAC can be used for overnight camping or as a day camp with a campfire and stargazing.

 Curby Dark Sky Site – Located in Curby, Indiana, just an hour from Louisville and near Marengo Cave and Cave Country Canoes, this site features a roll-off roof observatory with four telescopes, acres of open camping fields, fire rings, hiking trails, and a heated/air-conditioned classroom facility.

Both locations offer indoor restrooms, kitchen facilities, and plenty of space for camping and exploration. Directions to each venue are available at www.louisville-astro.org under  LAS Observing Venues.

2026 Star Camp Dates at Curby

To ensure dark skies and expert guidance, Star Camp weekends at Curby are scheduled on the following dates:

 2026: April 4^th or 11^th, May 1^st or 8^th,  Jun 5^th or 26,^th July 3^rd or 24^th, Aug 7^th or 28^th, Sept 4th or 25^th, Oct 2^nd or 23^rd, Nov 20^th or 27^th

Program Cost

 Scouts/Youth Participants: $10 per scout for two nights of camping, stargazing, and merit badge instruction
 Scout Leaders, Parents & Siblings: $10 per person
 Minimum Group Size: 10 participants or $100 minimum per group

Note: Your Star Camp fee does not cover activities at Marengo Cave or Cave Country Canoes.

 Important Safety & Participation Guidelines

• Dark Sky Etiquette: Flashlights must have red lenses (a red balloon works as a cover!). Scouts and leaders should be prepared to navigate in low-light conditions.
• Trail Safety: Trails may be muddy and slippery. Be aware of natural hazards such as dead limbs and falling trees. All camping areas should be staged away from potential risks.
• Adult Leadership Requirement: All Scout troops, Cub Packs, and other groups must have dual leadership in place. LAS assumes that all groups have an annual release form on file with their respective organizations.
• Liability Disclaimer: The LAS, its members, and volunteers are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or property loss during this program. Participation is at your own risk.

Contact Us to Schedule Your Star Camp!

To book your Star Camp adventure, contact our LAS Scout Coordinator, Eric Berendsen:
 Email: eric.bear1964@gmail.com
 Phone: 502-386-2532

Get ready for a stellar experience—camp under the stars, explore the universe, and ignite a passion for astronomy! ✨

Download LAS Star Camp 2026