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Camping

Camping

Get as close to the night sky as possible with a night under the stars camping at PARI.

SET UP YOUR TENT

Several areas on our 200+ acre site have been set aside for tent camping.

Some are in open fields shared with large radio telescopes. Others are nestled between the trees alongside small mountain creeks.

All offer beautiful views of PARI’s entire campus and the surrounding Pisgah National Forest.

Camp sites have access to designated fire pits. Some are adjacent to bathroom and shower facilities.

CAMP SITE AMENITIES

📶 Complementary Wi-Fi
🚶 Hiking Trails on site
🔥 Fire Pit
🚙 Ample free parking
♿ Handicap accessible parking
🌌 Dark site for optimal sky viewing
🔭 Viewing areas to set up your own telescopes
🌄 Mountain observation deck with 360° views and spectacular sunsets
🤫 Remote, private, and quiet site. Secure and monitored.
🏞️ Blue Ridge Parkway only 12 miles away
💦 Numerous waterfalls within a 30 minute drive

CAMPING POLICIES

  • Pets must be kept on a lead.
  • No smoking, vaping, tobacco, or illegal drugs are allowed in the cabins or on the PARI site.
  • No outside guests are allowed on PARI property; all guests should be listed during registration.
  • No weapons are allowed in cabins or on PARI site.
  • Keep any alcohol in your camp site.
  • PARI quiet times are from 10pm through 8am.
  • The PARI grounds are shared with other guests.  Please be respectful!
  • Check out is by 10am on the morning of your departure.

Please view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about staying at PARI.

Cabins

Cabins

Stay overnight at PARI in comfort and privacy surrounded by beautiful scenery under dark skies.

STAY WITH US

  • Our new, spacious cabins include four rooms centered around a common area.
  • Each room is private and has its own keyed access.
  • Each room contains beds, desks, and dressers. Typically a room is configured with both queen sized beds, and bunk beds.  Some rooms can sleep up to six occupants.
  • Each room has private restroom facilities. 
  • Separate heat and air conditioning units serve each room.  The common area also has its own controls, allowing for a comfortable environment for all. 
  • Guests can rent individual rooms, or entire cabins.

CABIN AMENITIES

❄️ Mini Fridge
🍽️ Microwave
🍵 Coffee Maker (pod style, Keurig compatible)
🌡️ Individually climate controlled rooms
🧑‍🦼 ADA accessible rooms available
🚭 All rooms are non-smoking
🎉 Large common areas with farmhouse tables and benches
⛰️ Decks overlooking a peaceful mountain stream
👀 Binoculars in each room
🎒 Educational activity guides packaged and ready to go in each room

📶 Complementary Wi-Fi
🚶 Hiking Trails on site
🔥 Fire Pit
🚙 Ample free parking
♿ Handicap accessible parking
🌌 Dark site for optimal sky viewing
🔭 Viewing areas to set up your own telescopes
🌄 Mountain observation deck with 360° views and spectacular sunsets
🤫 Remote, private, and quiet site. Secure and monitored.
🏞️ Blue Ridge Parkway only 12 miles away
💦 Numerous waterfalls within a 30 minute drive

CABIN POLICIES

  • No pets allowed in the cabins.
  • No smoking, vaping, tobacco, or illegal drugs are allowed in the cabins or on the PARI site.
  • No outside guests are allowed on PARI property; all guests should be listed during registration.
  • No weapons are allowed in cabins or on PARI site.
  • Keep any alcohol in your room.
  • PARI quiet times are from 10pm through 8am.
  • Common areas in the cabins are shared with other guests.  Please be respectful!
  • Check out is by 10am on the morning of your departure.  Leave key cards on the table in your room.

Please view our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about staying at PARI.

Private Evening Optical Viewings

Private Evening Optical Viewings

A variety of dates and times are available. Book your viewing today!

2 hours

$200 minimum for up to 4 guests, $50 each additional person. By reservation only, this event will be private and for your group alone.  Dates on or adjacent to national holidays may have a different rate structure.

Viewing Descriptions:

Join PARI tour guides for a 2 hour private evening optical viewing, which covers from 1-4 guests.  Groups over 4 purchase your ticket, then email programs@pari.edu for additional tickets.  More information about your tour will be in the confirmation email.

Come with your group just before dark and partner with a PARI astronomer for a guided journey through the sky as we show you the best the sky has to offer:

  • Lunar Nights:  when the moon dominates we will explore its various terrains, craters, and Apollo landing sites as well as any other bright stars and objects in the night sky. On these moonlit nights come prepared to capture some spectacular images of the moon with your cell phone as we learn the basics of astrophotography.
  • Starry Nights: when the nights darken in the moons absence we will dive into deep space objects like nebulae, galaxies and star clusters with the Milky Way visible overhead.

An assortment of telescopes will be waiting for you, each suited for viewing different types of objects.  Reflectors and refractors with mirrors from 5 inches to 25 inches will ensure that whether you’re aimed at the Moon or distant galaxies, you’ll get the telescope that captures it best.

Ask for our astrophotography package if you want a lesson on photographing what you see.  Lunar craters, star trails, and deep space objects can all be turned into lasting photos under the guidance of our professional staff.  Make sure to talk to us first about what type of camera you plan to bring so we can prepare.

Because this is typically an outdoor activity and viewing the sky depends on clear skies, sometimes Evening Viewings have to adapt to the changing weather.  If sky conditions do not allow viewing through a telescope, your viewing will be moved indoors for a planetarium show, and a learning session about how telescopes work, for part or all of your visit.  Viewings will not be cancelled or rescheduled.

Viewings take place adjacent to a building with restrooms and climate control.

Looking for a different type of tour?

Take a look at some of PARI's out of this world designs!

Each is available on a huge variety of items, like apparel, art prints, phone and laptop cases, backpacks, mugs, blankets, and more! Click one to customize it at our store on Redbubble. All proceeds benefit PARI's education mission.

Script Testing

Planetarium Programs
Add these programs to your visit to PARI. They take place in our planetarium which may have a smaller capacity than other program offerings.
  • Available at PARI during your visit.
  • Available at your location with our portable planetarium. *Price varies by county due to travel and fuel costs.
  • We adapt the show to the grade/age of your group.
  • Let us know if there are key concepts you'd like us to emphasize. We will align with what your group is studying.
- The Sky Tonight ✅ All Ages Compliments NC Science 1.E.1, 3.E.1 30‑45 minutes

Does everyone see the same sky at night? This program looks at the evening’s sky, noting the classical constellations, the Moon and planets that might be visible. We note how stars appear to move as the night progresses. We'll talk about why we see the sky we do at out location and time of year, and why it looks different at different times and from different places on Earth.

We’ll also discuss why starry skies are a vanishing treasure due to light pollution diluting our view of the cosmos. Did you know that naturally dark skies are good for the health of both humans and wildlife too?

Makes a great addition to an evening viewing to help you get acquainted with what you'll see once it gets dark!

- The Moon: Now you see it; Now you don't ✅ All Ages Compliments NC Science 1.E.1, 3.E.1, 4.E.1, 6.E.1, EEn1.1 30‑45 minutes

What makes the Moon change phases and sometimes even dissapear? Does a lunar eclipse work the same way as the regular phases of the Moon? Does the Moon look the same to everyone, or does it look different from other parts of the Earth? Why is it sometimes out at night, and sometimes during the day?

In this program we will explore the motions and phases of the Moon by first using models and hands-on activities, then observe them in our planetarium.

Especially well suited for younger learners who want to get up and move around!

- Stars of my people ✅ All Ages Compliments Social Studies and Arts 30‑45 minutes

What do you see when you look up at the night sky? Do the shapes made by the stars look like people and animals on exciting adventures, or grand buildings and important objects? Or maybe you see rivers and mountains representing a far off land?

Humans have been telling stories about what they see in the stars for as long as we can remember. These celestial patterns we learn to recognize act as guideposts for finding out way around in the sky and help determine the changing seasons and track important events.

Today the International Astronomical Union recognizes eighty-eight constellations for organizing the night sky, with most of them based Greek or Roman traditions. But, cultures around the world see different things an tell different stories that reflect their history, beliefs, and way of life. We'll explore some of these views of the night in Stars of My People!

Perfect for exploring cultures and traditions around the world and engaging story-tellers. Ask to add on extra classroom time to draw your own constellations and tell stories from new points of view.

- Realm of the planets ✅ All Ages Compliments NC Science 3.E.1, 6.E.1, EEn1.1 30‑45 minutes

Can you find the planets in the night sky? Do you know how to tell which bright points of light are stars and which are balls of gas an rock in our own solary system? It is easier than you think once you know the Realm of the Planets.

The journey the planets take across the sky follows what is called the ecliptic and is also home to the Sun, Moon, and the Zodiac constellations. This common path is why things appear to move as they do, why we have equinoxes and solstices, and why sometimes things appear to move backwards, or retrograde.

We'll also take a look at how the sky changes over time and introduce you to Ophiuchus the Serpent Bearer... can you guess why?

If you've ever wondered, "Hey, what's that really bright star over there?" this is the program for you!

- The Reason for the Seasons ✅ All Ages Compliments NC Science 2.E.1, 3.E.1, 4.E.1, 5.E.1, 6.E.1, EEn1.1 30‑45 minutes

You probably know that here at PARI, winter begins in December and summer arrives in July. But, not everywhere in the world experiences these seasons at the same time of year as us.

One thing every part of Earth has in common is that the seasons changes on solstices and equinoxes. What season you get depends on where you are. The Earth's tilt on its axis is responsible for this, and we'll investigate when and why it causes the familiar changes we see each year.

Smaller changes happen each day as well, like the location and time that the Sun sets and rises. This leads to different lengths of daylight and amounts of energy each part of the Earth receives.

Ancient peoples around the world used these same techniques to make calendars and determine when to plant and harveset crops, or when to plan a journey.

- Stars of Lewis and Clark ✅ All Ages Compliments NC Social Studies and History 30‑45 minutes

Over 200 years ago, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark returned from their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. In the days before GPS, how did they know where they were?

Using the Sun, the Moon, and navigational stars, they could determine their latitude and longitude as they created a map of their journey across the newest piece of the United States. They didn't do it alone either, they had some crucial help along they way that made their journey a success.

Do you think these methods were new and unique, cutting-edge navigational techniques at the time? Or did they take advantage of a long tradition of navigation using the stars that humans discovered long ago?

A blending of history and astronomy join here to show the connection between humanity and the stars.

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Ever wonder if black holes are really holes in space? Come learn the truths about some of the greatest myths of space and catch a glimpse of the night sky.
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Some Event you want to see
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Some Event you want to see
6/36/2022 8:00pm
OMG Such Event!
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6/36/2022 8:00pm
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Sat
36
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Some Event you want to see
6/36/2022 8:00pm
OMG Such Event!
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Sat
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Some Event you want to see
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Tour

Tour

ENJOY A DAY OF SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY AT PARI.

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Our guided tours are available to guests of all ages and interests.  

Tour our historical campus, initially developed by NASA in 1962, and learn about the role it played in the race to space. 

Explore our impressive—and massive—radio telescopes, along with a variety of instruments used to examine space.  

Visit PARI’s Exhibit Gallery displaying a collection of rare meteorites and minerals as well as NASA Space Shuttle artifacts, many of which have flown in space.

PARI Tour Options

GALLERY TOUR

2 hours ($150 minimum for up to 10 guests, $15 each additional person. By reservation only.)*

The Gallery Tour starts with a look at the Electromagnetic Spectrum, where we discuss how light is used to reveal qualities of objects in space. We’ll use examples and hands-on activities of how we collect and use this information to learn about the universe around us.

Next, we’ll visit the Operations Center, where our telescopes, antennas, and earth science instruments are controlled. How they point, move, and what their data looks like will be revealed.  Visitors will learn how 3D Printers use data to create tactile models of the terrain of other planets and examine what a crater on the Moon or a volcano on Mars feels like. We’ll also discuss how robots, like rovers and orbiters, help gather the data used to explore the places humans can’t safely go.

In the NASA gallery, visitors will tour a selection of objects from throughout the history of space exploration–including a NASA-built model of the Apollo Lunar lander; the ATS6 satellite, responsible for the first satellite television; and an actual Redstone rocket engine that was one of the first to carry humans to space.

We’ll then move on to our galleries which feature meteorites from all over the world, including some from the Moon and Mars—and one that is thought to be the rarest meteorite in existence. Our impressive collection of gems, fossils and minerals from different parts of North Carolina are also on display, including a 15.3 carat emerald, a sample of radioactive uranium ore, rubies and amethyst, garnets, quartz and mica. You can even touch a dinosaur egg!

To complete the tour, we enter a dark domain to discover the hidden secrets of fluorescent minerals. These rocks look normal under light from the sun or a bulb, but reveal something entirely different when illuminated with varying frequencies of ultraviolet light.

VIP TOUR

4 hours ($500 minimum for up to 10 guests; $40 each additional person. By reservation only.)*

This deeper look at the PARI site gets up close and personal with the instruments, archives and eras of our history in space. The VIP tour includes the Gallery tour and… 

Get a closer, hands-on look at one of our large radio telescopes! Visitors will learn how it operates and is controlled—and may even be able to capture data of an exploded star or rotating ball of gas. We’ll take a look at our tunnel system, which connects the original NASA buildings and provides safe and secure access to the data, power and water systems that keep the site operational for its essential role in space exploration.

Next visitors will visit one of the largest archives of astronomical data in the world, the Astronomical Photographic Data Archive (APDA). This 100 year-old collection contains data that is still relevant and in use today. Visitors will learn how the frontiers of astrophysics research can be pushed forward with something as simple as glass plates.

Finally, we’ll visit the optical ridge where our research-grade telescopes are housed and use the historic Russian spy binoculars that can see as far as the distant Blue Ridge Parkway.

EVENING VIEWINGS

2 hours
for public viewings: pricing varies based on event
for private viewings: a month notice is recommended and availability of astronomers to lead is limited, typically scheduled for large groups*

Come just before dark and partner with a PARI astronomer for a guided journey through the sky.  Tell us what you want to see, or allow us to show you the best the sky has to offer.

An assortment of telescopes will be waiting for you, each suited for viewing different types of objects.  Reflectors and refractors with mirrors from 5 inches to 25 inches will ensure that whether you’re aimed at the Moon or distant galaxies, you’ll get the telescope that captures it best.

Ask for our astrophotography package if you want a lesson on photographing what you see.  Lunar craters, star trails, and deep space objects can all be turned into lasting photos under the guidance of our professional staff.  Make sure to talk to us first about what type of camera you plan to bring so we can prepare.

Viewings take place adjacent to a building with restrooms and climate control.

Outdoor Site & History Tour

2 hours ($150 minimum for up to 10 guests; $15 each additional person. By reservation only.  Tour may vary with weather conditions)*

PARI’s 200+ acre site is full of natural beauty, breathtaking views, and historical buildings and instruments.  A staff member will guide you through a tour of the sights and stories of our home in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Take in 360 degree views from our observation deck including Devil’s Courthouse and the Blue Ridge Parkway and try out our giant binoculars.  While you’re there, you’ll learn about our optical telescopes and research instruments like our meteorite detector, and antenna that tracks migratory birds.

Our campus is a host to many plants and wildlife, with each season offering something unique.  Which will you spot on your visit?

You may choose to walk our roads and trails for this tour, or take our shuttle.

CUSTOMIZATIONS, ADD-ONS, BUNDLES

Are the options above not quite right?

For longer tours or different topics, take a look at our program menu.  Add some time or swap out some activities to find the visit that suits you and your party.  If a planetarium show followed by learning how to identify meteorites and a finale of rocket launching sounds right, we’ll make it happen.  (Additional costs may apply for longer visits or activities requiring certain supplies).

We can also pair tours and evening viewings.


* Please note that a $6.00 registration fee is added to most transactions to cover processing fees.

Plan your visit to PARI

Take a look at some of PARI's out of this world designs!

Each is available on a huge variety of items, like apparel, art prints, phone and laptop cases, backpacks, mugs, blankets, and more! Click one to customize it at our store on Redbubble. All proceeds benefit PARI's education mission.

Camper Guide

Camper Guide

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR YOUR STAY AT PARI.

PARI camps allow visitors to explore their passions, discover new interests, and expand academic boundaries while embarking on exciting adventures in the spectacular Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mountain region.

Learn About:

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CAMP SCHEDULES

What is a typical day like at PARI.

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FIELD TRIPS & RECREATION

See the variety of places a PARI camper may travel and the fun things we do on campus.

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CAMPER EXPECTATIONS & SAFETY

Get the most out of your camp experience.

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TECHNOLOGY

The tools and resources available to you and how they work.

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LODGING AND DINING

Eating and sleeping, important on Earth and in space!

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TRAVELING TO PARI

Whether you drive, fly, or get beamed by a transporter, here is how to find our coordinates.

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PACKING LIST

What you’ll need while you’re here.

Camp Schedules

A TYPICAL DAY AT PARI

Later to bed and later to rise gives us more time under dark skies!

As a campus dedicated to astronomy we make sure campers see the sky every chance they get. That means we stay up a little later and get up a little later so our schedule is shifted towards the evening. We won't be pulling any all-nighters, but we'll often be out after dark.

Field trips, weather, and special events might alter a few days, but the normal schedule is like this:

  • The offical start of the day is at 10:00 AM. Your counselors will set a wake up time so you can be up and ready and have a good breakfast ahead of time.
  • Mornings are usually spent in the classroom. We spend this time getting ready for what the day will bring and learning something new to prepare for it.
  • Lunch is in the early afternoon, typically about 12:30 PM.
  • Afternoons are often spent on activities, projects, and research. You and your team will be diving into new topics,using scientific instruments, recording data, trying experiments, or building and making new things.
  • Dinner starts between 5:00 & 6:00 PM.
  • Evenings are for fun. And, sometimes more research. Some telescopes you have to use at night after all. There will be camp fires and PARI Ball tournaments and throwing things you built off the sides of buildings, stuff like that. Find examples in the Field Trips and Recreation section!
  • Bed time is after dark. Your counselors will set a lights out time that will allow you to spend some time out in the dark, but still get a good night's sleep.

* Especially for the more academically intensive camps, classroom and lecture time will be heavier during the beginning few days of the camp session, but taper off and be replaced with more activity, project, and research time as the camp progresses. This allows us to provide the knowledge and training necessary to use scientific instruments and data safely and successfully!

Field Trips & Recreation

FUN ON AND OFF CAMPUS

Blue Ridge Mountains, Pisgah Natoinal Forest, Land of Waterfalls

PARI's home is in one of the must beautiful regions of the country. There is a reason so many summer camps are in this region.

Whether its competitions and experiements with rockets and robots or journeys to waterfalls, your time at camp will be full of memories!

Click to see more about trips and activities!

Did you know that PARI is also in the Appalachian temperate rainforest? Read about it!

Camper Expectations & Safety

Our staff is dedicated to providing an educational, exciting, and safe camp environment for our students and guests.

Safety

Safety is our top priority at PARI. Our counselors and staff are carefully screened and trained in first aid and CPR. Campers are supervised at all times. Camper orientation and safety guidelines are communicated on arrival day. Here are topics we cover:

  • Nurse station
  • Site Layout and regions
  • ADA Compliance
  • Buildings and their purposes
  • General Safety Rules
  • Emergency Situations
  • Leaving the PARI campus and authorized areas
  • Water Safety & Policies
  • Climbing Policy
  • Instrument Safety
  • Confined Spaces
  • Trash & Obstructions
  • Weather Hazards
  • Emergency Phones
  • Buddy System
  • Special Rules for Field Trips
  • Wildlife Safety including insects and harmful plants

The wildlife section also contains some interesting and unique creatures only found in our region!



Respect

Campers are expected to be respectful and courteous to one another, to camp staff, and to those who visit us and those at places we visit.

They are expected to treat the campus facilities and equipment with care and respect, at PARI, and anywhere we visit. They should observe the rules and act in a way to preserve the safety of themselves, others, and the spaces around them.

Campers should be prepared to participate fully in the camp program during both academic and recreational portions of the camp. They should have curiosity and a willingness to learn and experiment, experience new things, and support their teammates. They must keep in mind that though experiments don't always yield the result that was sought, the results are still valuable.



Flexibility

PARI believes that while the clock is an important tool to guide our day, it is not more important than the expreriences, engagement, and inspiration we can provide.

Camp schedules are intended to provide a general idea of the schedule to be followed during the camp session. Activities may shift due to weather, guest speaker availability, or unique astronomical events.



Integrity

Campers must give appropriate acknowledgement or citation to any materials or resources used in the course of their studies. Copyright, and licenses for use must be honored. PARI provides guidance and assistance in maintaining integrity in all the work that is conducted during camp.


Campers who do not follow these expectations may be required to leave camp. A camper may not behave in a way that negatively impacts the safety of themselves or others. A camper may not behave in a way that causes harm or removes the ability to have a positive experience at camp, either through words or actions. This includes speech that is hateful, derogatory, or intentionally offensive.

Technology

We strive for a balance between the amazing abilities technology gives us to explore the universe around us, and the distraction it can also provide.

Technology is a great help in studying the universe. PARI is proud to be able to provide all the tools and software necessary to do this. Our computer lab is fully equipped to allow campers to do research, work with data, and present their findings.

Other times the best way to learn about the universe is hands-on experiments and projects that can be done without a computer or electronics of any kind. Whether its building a model rocket, creating a landing craft, or observing the night sky, we set technology aside when our hands and brains will get the job done.


Phones

Campers should not bring phones to camp. There are no camp activities or challenges that require them, and we find that their presence serves as a strong distraction from learning and building friendships between campers.

We recognize that some campers may need to have a phone while traveling to or from camp. If this is the case, phones they bring will be set aside once they have safely arrived and returned when they depart. Campers traveling with a cell phone should note that most phones do not receive signal on the PARI campus or in the areas we visit due to the remoteness and the surrounding mountains. Land line phones are available.

PARI has land-line phones that can be used to stay in touch with family and in case of an emergency.


Computers and Tablets

Campers should not bring personal electronics such as laptop computers, tablets, gaming consoles, etc. to PARI. A computer lab with all necessary equipment and software to complete the camp program is provided and available to all campers.



WiFi

A large portion of PARI's campus, including classroom areas are covered by WiFi. Campers will have access to a WiFi network, but it may be restricted in the types of sites it can access and its use may be monitored. WiFi access points may be turned off after lights out at night or during certain activities.



Respect of license and use agreements

PARI does not permit the use of software or other resources, digital or otherwise, in any way that violates license or use agreements. Any software that is necessary for a camper to participate in camp will be available on PARI owned equipment and will not be required to be installed on camper owned equipment.

Violation of license and use agreements, or any pirating of software or digital media or resources, will not be tolerated and may result in loss of access to technology.



Instruments and Equipment

Campers will be trained on the proper and safe use of any scientific instruments and equipment they use. This may include:

  • Radio and optical telescopes, manually and remotely operated
  • Computers
  • Laboratory equipment
  • Robotic equipment
  • Electronic and soldering equipment
  • 3D printers
  • Archival materials, data, and artifacts

Lodging and Dining

HAPPY AND COMFORTABLE IS OUR GOAL

Lodging

PARI has both dormitory style, and cabin style lodging. Campers are assigned lodging based on gender and age and the facilities used are dependant on the proportions of campers registered for each camp.

Rooms have up to four sets of bunk beds. Shared desks and dressers are in each room. Counselors share rooms with campers, but do not share bunks. Restroom facilities are present in all lodging buildings and are shared by other campers of the same gender and age range.

All lodging buildings have common areas where campers in that building can mingle, collaborate or work. Campers may not enter a bedroom that they are not assigned to or a lodging building in which they do not reside.

Laundry facilities are present on site. Their use will be scheduled to allow fair opportunity to all campers. Campers must bring their own detergent.



Dining

PARI provides three meals a day and snacks. Indoor and outdoor dining areas are available.

PARI can accomodate most dietary restrictions so long as they are communicated during the camper registration process or with sufficient advance notice. We may not be able to accomodate any dietary changes that are made after camper arrival.

Campers may bring additional snacks so long as they remain stored in a sealed plastic container. Campers may not store food at any time that is not sealed. Additional snacks beyond those provided may be available for sale in the gift shop.


Click to learn more about lodging and dining

Traveling to PARI

Don't get stuck in the transporter buffer!

For those driving to PARI

The arrival window on the first day of camp will be communicated for each camp session well in advance of the start of camp. Families needing to make arrangements to arrive outside of these windows should contact us as soon as possible.



For those flying to PARI

We pick up on the first day of camp and drop off on the last day of camp from the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) within specified time periods free of charge. The airport pick up and drop off times are specified during the registration process for each camp. Airport trips outside of those times may be possible for a moderate fee.

Campers flying alone who are minors must make appropriate arrangements with their airlines to fly as an unaccompanied minor. This should be done at the time of ticket purchase.


Click here for PARI's Location

Packing List

Be prepared for a successful camp!

  • A laptop computer if you have one - Most of the software necessary for camps will run on Windows, Mac, or many Linux distributions. A few will work on ChromeOS. PARI's computer lab is available for those who do not bring a computer and is fully equipped with all necessary software.
  • Pens, pencils, notebooks
  • Flashlight & extra batteries - red colored light is preferred
  • Rain gear and layers - temperatures can range from 50⁰ - 85⁰ F with rain many afternoons
  • Shoes appropriate for hiking
  • Shoes suitable for getting wet - river tubing and similar field trips
  • Swim suit
  • Day pack or bookbag
  • Water bottle
  • Bug Spray
  • Sun Screen
  • Books, Games, Puzzles, etc.
  • Linens - bed sheets, towels, washcloths, pillow & pillow case, blanket
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Toiletries - a tote to carry them is suggested
  • Shower shoes or flip flops
  • Books or materials specific to your camp, if applicable

Campers can receive packages, addressed to them, at:

    1 PARI Drive
    Rosman, NC  28772

* Some camps may have adjusted or additional items that should be packed. A packing list specific to your camp will be sent after registration. If extra snacks are brought they must be packed and remain stored in a container with a sealable lid.

Take a look at some of PARI's out of this world designs!

Each is available on a huge variety of items, like apparel, art prints, phone and laptop cases, backpacks, mugs, blankets, and more! Click one to customize it at our store on Redbubble. All proceeds benefit PARI's education mission.