Camp Universe: Telescope Kit Included
"Out of this World"
"Out of this World"
Welcome Denver Afterschool Alliance and All the Member Families, Youth, Students, and Caregivers!
With our virtual Camp Universe, students can be inspired to think big, dream big, and to foster curiosity about an enormous universe in which the boundaries appear unlimited. The spark of interest often ignites in young minds where the ABC's of the universe are brought to light.
All are guided into the mysteries of the universe by a real astronomer who was a Consultant with NASA and worked with space telescopes. The entire week is filled with constant fun and excitement as everyone experiences a supernova explosion of new knowledge and understanding in this virtual journey throughout the cosmos. With the understanding of some simple terminology and concepts, all are better informed about space and the celestial objects that reside overhead. Some of the many outrageous activities include constructing a Starfinder, using Oreo cookies to see the phases of the Moon, and building an actual telescope from a kit provided by the camp.
Topics include:
• Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe
• Roadmap to the Stars: the Night Sky Explained
• A Grand Tour of the Solar System & Beyond
• Gazing Upon a Cosmic Ocean
• Exploring the Moon & Mars and the Deep-Space Search for Another Earth
• Movers in the Sky: Comets, Meteors & Asteroids
• When Celestial Bodies Collide: Eclipses & Other Phenomena
• Telescopes: Eyes on the Universe
Many fun and educational STEM hands-on activities are done throughout the week, ending with the construction of a telescope from a provided kit mailed to your home.
All are guided into the mysteries of the universe by a real astronomer who was a Consultant with NASA and worked with space telescopes. The entire week is filled with constant fun and excitement as everyone experiences a supernova explosion of new knowledge and understanding in this virtual journey throughout the cosmos. With the understanding of some simple terminology and concepts, all are better informed about space and the celestial objects that reside overhead. Some of the many outrageous activities include constructing a Starfinder, using Oreo cookies to see the phases of the Moon, and building an actual telescope from a kit provided by the camp.
- Exciting week-long sessions
- For students ages 9-13 (Grades 5-8, contact for exceptions)
- Many fun and educational STEM hands-on activities
Topics include:
• Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe
• Roadmap to the Stars: the Night Sky Explained
• A Grand Tour of the Solar System & Beyond
• Gazing Upon a Cosmic Ocean
• Exploring the Moon & Mars and the Deep-Space Search for Another Earth
• Movers in the Sky: Comets, Meteors & Asteroids
• When Celestial Bodies Collide: Eclipses & Other Phenomena
• Telescopes: Eyes on the Universe
Many fun and educational STEM hands-on activities are done throughout the week, ending with the construction of a telescope from a provided kit mailed to your home.
Here's what people are saying about the camps:
Aug 3, 2023: I just wanted to say thank you for presenting such an interesting and informative program. I really enjoyed it and know everyone else did as well. I learned a lot and it really made me think about how minuscule we all really are in this endless universe. - Amy Mondello
Mar 9, 2023: The breadth of his knowledge, his delivery of the materials and the wonder that it inspires have made us fans of his. - Elaine and Richard Cannarella Jan 31, 2023: Dr. Manning totally engaged my astronomy buff 12 year old!! - Doris Stoffers Mar 19, 2022: This class was a great experience for my 6-year-old son. He is interested in space and always has lots of questions that we can not answer. Many thanks to Mr. Manning for answering his questions and inspiring him. Mr. Manning is really a professional, knowledgeable, and patient instructor. My son really enjoyed this class and looking forward to taking more different classes with Mr. Manning. Highly recommend it for those interested in space and the universe. - Ting Q. Camp Universe - Telescope Kit Included Mar 18, 2022: Kevin is very knowledgeable and patient. My son was engaged in the class the whole time. - Hsuan-Wen Chen (Yo-Wei, 12 years) Spring Break Astronomy Camp - Telescope Kit Included |
Dec 31, 2021: This was amazing! Kevin is an incredible teacher. He's kind, patient and clearly passionate about space. Our five-year-old thoroughly enjoyed this experience and learned a ton. I would highly, highly recommend this experience to other parents. - Kelly O.
Camp Universe - Telescope Kit Included August 16, 2021: Very hands on and well organized. My daughter had a great time at this virtual camp. - Jennifer Strauss Summer Astronomy Camp - Telescope Kit Included Jun 17, 2021: We absolutely love this class. My daughter looks forward to it all week. She's learned so much. Kevin helps promote self-confidence, safety, hard work, fun and encourages students to do well both inside and outside of class. - Elizabeth Tucker Summer Astronomy Camp - Telescope Kit Included June 10, 2021: Kevin's program is so much fun and informative for those curious young minds. I would highly recommend to those who are interested in having STEM programs. - Gloucester City Library May 20, 2021: The camp staff are so knowledgeable about Astronomy. We learned so much! - Catherine Klehm April 21, 2021: Very informative and hands-on. - Caroline Chen - Astronomy Summer Camp - Telescope Kit Included |
All Sessions Meet for One Week M-F from 4:30 - 6:30 PM MT
Choose a Session to Enroll In Below Session 1: March 4-8 Session 2: March 11-15 Session 3: March 18-22 Session 4: April 29-May 3 Session 5: May 6-10 Session 6: May 13-17 |
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Astronomy Classes
Exciting Astronomy Classes are 45 minutes to 1 hour long and include fun and challenging STEM hands-on activities
Exciting Astronomy Classes are 45 minutes to 1 hour long and include fun and challenging STEM hands-on activities
All classes offered at 6:30pm, 7:30pm, or 8:30pm MT and are available weekdays M-F during any week listed above as camp sessions. Note the weekday the class meets at the end of the description for each. When enrolling, select the session from above for the week you want to take the class. Then download the PDF handout found under the class you selected below and print out before the class meets.
An introduction to the beauty of the sky at night and all the fun exploring the depths of space. Why do stars twinkle, and what makes them appear to move across the sky? These and other questions will be answered to unravel cosmic mysteries and fully enjoy the simplicity of gazing at the stars. Meets on Mondays at 6:30 PM MT for 45 minutes.
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As our eyes more dark-adapted, glowing clouds of gas and dust along with glittering clusters of stars like diamonds set in black velvet begin to emerge out of the darkness. Meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM MT for 55 minutes.
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We're going back to the Moon! We've found water on the Moon and plans to build lunar stations there are underway. The rovers we've sent to Mars are paving the way for human exploration there. Meets on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM MT for 55 minutes.
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Ever see the craters on the Moon, cloud belts and moons of Jupiter, or the ice crystal rings of Saturn before? An introduction of telescope types, function, performance, and accessories will help participants choose a telescope wisely. Meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM MT for 55 minutes.
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A fun and exciting virtual journey visiting the Sun, planets, their moons, and debris left over from the earliest times of the solar system's formation. Meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM MT for 1 hour.
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Astronomy for Everyone: Size & Scale of the Universe is an awesome look at the universe from the very small to the very large. It's a virtual journey describing celestial objects and how they were formed as well as their relative sizes compared with each other. Meets on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM MT for 55 minutes.
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When you wish upon a star, wouldn't it be good to know which star it is and what constellation it lies in? Objects in the night sky can be pinpointed with a little understanding of the celestial sphere and its coordinates. Hands-on activities using star charts will serve to bring the point home. Meets on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM MT for 1 hour.
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What differentiates these "small bodies" as remnants of the solar system's formation? Comets as omens of disaster and other superstitions are debunked. Ever seen a meteor streak across the sky, or better yet a meteor shower? What about the impending danger of asteroids or comets colliding with the earth? Meets on Thursdays at 6:30 PM MT for 50 minutes.
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What causes a solar or lunar eclipse? We will explore the natural causes of these and other similar celestial events. Many fascinating photos will serve to illustrate these occurrences. Meets on Thursdays at 7:30 PM MT for 55 minutes.
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Are there parallels between the oceans of the world and space with the myriads of objects throughout the universe? Astronomers are finding evidence of water everywhere they look throughout the universe. Meets on Thursdays at 8:30 PM MT for 45 minutes.
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Using NASA's MicroObservatory, participants will learn how to access robotic telescopes, take photographs of planets, galaxies, and nebulae and use image processing tools to bring out detail in these photos the same way that professional astronomers do. Meets on Fridays at 6:30 PM MT for 45 minutes.
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