LAS 2025 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.
2025 & 2026 Star Camp Dates at Curby
To ensure dark skies and expert guidance, Star Camp weekends at Curby are scheduled on the following dates:
🔭 2025: Jun
27, Jul 18, Aug 15, Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 14
🔭 2026: Jan
9, Jan 16, Feb 6, Feb 13
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
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 2025.pdf