Above and Beyond

RISING STARS GATHER HERE.

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Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camping experience designed to immerse high school students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills.

Originally developed in partnership with Duke University and refined for nearly two decades, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for adventure and fun.

The process followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career is modeled to show how new discoveries are made about the universe. Campers are provided the tools and guided through the process by professionals who have made space their life’s work.

This year’s camp will focus on how the universe is studied with light that the human eye cannot see. Learn about what can be discovered by using light from other regions of the spectrum. What will it reveal about the structure of galaxies, supernova remnants, exoplanets, or even black holes? You’ll have a chance to explore data from a variety of telescopes and use PARI’s radio telescopes to collect some of your own.

Learn more about the camp and curriculum.

Dates & Pricing

Two week session

July 6 2026 – July 17, 2026
$3,910
$50 registration fee

Payment plans available.

📞 828.862.5554
📧 camps@pari.edu

Age Groups

Best for students entering
9th-12th grade

With world class telescopes and archives at your fingertips, a team to collaborate with, and mentors to guide you, what will you study?

The expanding remnants of super novae from long ago?
Volcanos, rings, and moons in our own solar system? 🪐
The structure of a distant nebula?
Measure the speed of the arms of our home galaxy?

Camp Description

Campers are given the knowledge and tools required to conduct an investigation into a celestial object and draw conclusions from their findings. Work is done in teams and models the process used by researchers to produce publishable work.
Campers will also investigate current astrobiological research on life in space, human or otherwise, giving campers a chance to show their individual work.
The work they produce will be shared in the same ways commonly used at space science conferences, events, and publications.
Guest speakers share their experiences working in space science and their paths to a career in the future of exploration and discovery.

Campers will use radio telescopes, optical telescopes, and data archives to gain the information they need to study their chosen celestial objects. They may even build an instrument themselves.
PARI’s emphasis on community and teamwork enables campers to establish friendships that last a lifetime. Many campers from this program return as interns and counselors.
Campers will participate in fun and engaging recreational activities built to encourage social comradery and confidence while exploring the spectacular Pisgah Forest and Blue Ridge Mountain region.

Surrounded by natural beauty in a forest perfect for adventure

PARI embraces our unique location with plenty of time outside of the classroom too.

Field Trips & Activities

Hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest to take in amazing views.
Visit dramatic cascades in PARI’s home in The Land of Waterfalls, then go swimming nearby or tubing.
Toast marshmallows, make s’mores, tell stories, listen to music, and be dazzled by the atmosphere around our giant camp fire.

Compete in challenges to build the most powerful rocket or a lander that can withstand whatever it’s thrown at.
Search for the answers hidden around you in our camp long scavenger hunt.
Unwind in the rec room with board games, puzzles, pool-table, ping-pong, foosball, and air-hockey, or kick back and relax.
Master our signature game, PARI Ball

You find a star with a brightness that fluctuates and varies. What could cause this behavior? Will you uncover its secret?

It is surrounded by exoplanets that block its light as they orbit.
It is a “standard candle” shining as a guidepost and revealing the distance its surrounding region.
It is nearing death, sure to explode and destroy us all! 💥

Academic Curriculum

Learn and apply fundamental concepts of astrophysics and astrobiology.
Learn to use radio telescopes and antennas and work with the data they collect
Learn to use optical telescopes located both at PARI and at sites around the world.
Create a research plan and share their progress.
Analyze data and compare with expectations and the work done by other scientists.
Formulate conclusions using scientific data.
Strengthen problem solving skills.
Sharpen presentation skills through the delivery of scientific findings to an audience of peers and professionals.
Develop teamwork skills by collaborating with others while attempting to solve complex problems.

*(It is highly recommended that campers have competence in Algebra prior to attending Above and Beyond.)

Above and Beyond

RISING STARS GATHER HERE.

Dates & Pricing

Two week session

July 6 2026 – July 17, 2026
$3,910
$50 registration fee

Payment plans available.

📞 828.862.5554
📧 camps@pari.edu

Age Groups

Best for students entering
9th-12th grade

Quick Links

Camper Guide

Recreational Activities

Summer Camp Scholarships

Camp Refund Policy

With world class telescopes and archives at your fingertips, a team to collaborate with, and mentors to guide you, what will you study?

Camp Description

Surrounded by natural beauty in a forest perfect for adventure

Field Trips & Activities

You find a star with a brightness that fluctuates and varies. What could cause this behavior? Will you uncover its secret?

Academic Curriculum

Register for Above and Beyond Space Camp

1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC 28772 | 828.862.5554

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