The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute: PARI's Summer Camps

Looking to drop the kiddos off at a summer camp this year but you're not sure which one is safe, educational and fun? The Pisgah Astronomical Research Center (PARI) is one of the best spots for your kids this summer. Did you know that Meraki Escape is only 12 miles away from PARI?  We're the perfect retreat for parents while the kids are at camp. 

Let's learn more about PARI and what their summer camps offer for kids, along with some details for booking a stay at Meraki Escape.

What is PARI?

The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute is located in Western North Carolina in 200 acres of the Pisgah National Forest. An area known for scenic, outdoor beauty, the Pisgah Forest offers a tranquil escape for your kids during any time of the year.

Chosen by NASA for its remote location, PARI was founded in 1998 as a nonprofit organization committed to offering hands-on educational, research, and business opportunities for enthusiasts and professionals in STEM areas.

Studies have shown how important it is for children to begin studying these fields from an early age. Doing so helps children develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, creativity and collaboration, and could pave the way for a future career. Not to mention, STEM camps keep your child's brain active when they're not in school and is a fun opportunity to make some new, like-minded friends.

Types of Camps at PARI

Weekend STEM Camps

Spend a weekend out of this world! Kids can spend the weekend with PARI and immerse themselves in the wonder of space, science and the beauty of Pisgah National Forest.

• Examples of Programming: Robots, Radio Astronomy, Space Missions, 3D Printing, Meteorite identification and Cryptography.
• Lodging: Available to individuals and groups.
• Meals: Available.
• PARI Weekend Events Calendar

Astronomical Event Camps

These camps center around specific astronomical events so they are not always available, but present a unique opportunity for learning.

• Examples of Programming: Site tours, relevant event talks and a dedicated viewing period.
• Lodging: Available to individuals and groups.
• Meals: Available.

Tailored Camps

For a tailored camp, PARI partners with you to create a personalized experience for your family/friends, organization or special interest group. This program allows you the flexibility to have a structured experience with educators or bring your own material for teaching.

• Examples of Programming: Hands-on learning, dynamic presentations, and world-class audio and visual equipment.
• Possible Areas of Interest: Astronomy, Robotics, Astrobiology and Astrophysics, 3D-modeling, Cryptography and Computational Thinking.
• Lodging: Available to Individuals and Groups up to 100 guests.
• Meals: Available.
  

Summer STEM Camps

Now to the best part-the summer camps! PARI offers different types of summer camps focused on a wide variety of STEM topics. There are also PARI scholarships and payment plans available for children who need a little extra support.

Above & Beyond: Research-Based

PARI's signature camping experience, Above & Beyond is their most popular summer camp. It is designed to immerse kids into the world of space science and research, while also teaching critical thinking skills and building their confidence. The program was originally developed by Duke University and has been fine-tuned for over two years.

Some questions this programs aims to answer are:

• How do we find water or breathable atmosphere, or how can they be made?
• How do we measure radiation from a star or classify exoplanets?
• Can a cave or lava tube on Mars provide adequate shelter for humans?

For specific details including pricing, dates and curriculum, check out PARI's Above & Beyond page.

3D Planets: Engineering Challenge Based

When PARI got its first 3D printer over a decade ago, the institute's educators wanted to find a way to combine it with the education of space and science. With lots of hard work and fine-tuning, the Mission Control: 3D Planets camp was born. 3D Planets is designed to immerse students in 3D Modeling, Planetary Geography, Three Dimensional Spatial Reasoning and Communication.

Some questions this programs aims to answer are:

• How does NASA collect data and how do they use it?
• Are there other planets with volcanos, rivers, glaciers and rifts?
• What is the surface of the moon like? What about Mars?
• How are systems like longitude and latitude applied to other bodies in our solar system?
• How do we find water or breathable atmosphere, or can they be made?

For specific details including pricing, dates and curriculum, check out PARI's Mission Control: 3D Planets Camp page. 

PARI Summer Camp: Stay at Meraki Escape

While some summer camps last the entire summer (June-August), PARI's camps are usually 1-2 weeks in the summer. Just long enough for a quick getaway because the kids shouldn't have all the fun, right?

Meraki Escape is just 12 minutes from PARI and offers luxury cabins for a romantic escape, relaxing couple's retreat or a solo vacation. Our cabins are for adults only and offer spa services, romantic packages, tailored experiences-and they're pet-friendly!

For those looking to explore Pisgah National Forest and do some waterfall chasing, our property is the perfect homebase. We also have waterfalls on our property and private spaces, which provide a scenic spot for some yoga or a picnic without venturing too far. Whatever getaway you choose to have, Meraki Escape offers the best cabins in Pisgah National Forest.