Above and Beyond

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.

From determining the expansion speed of a super-nova remnant, to characterizing an exo-planet or finding evidence of dark matter; your data will reveal and your conclusions will add to humanity’s knowledge of the universe!

This year’s camp will focus on the unique challenges of human space exploration, near and far. From the impact of stars on the planets in their systems, to the composition of atmospheres and regolith, we’ll present the tools to answer a myriad of questions that could one day help humanity spread beyond Earth. 

How do we find water or breathable atmosphere, or 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?  What resources can be harvested from asteroids? Maybe you’ll help answer a question like these.

Learn more about the camp and curriculum.