The Olympic Astronomical Society (OAS) is thrilled to announce the upcoming Spring 2025 Camp Delany Star Party, scheduled from April 23 to April 27, 2025. This bi-annual event, a cornerstone of the OAS community since 1991, offers astronomy enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to observe the night sky in one of Washington's most picturesque settings.
OAS Spring Camp Delany Star Party 2025: April 23 to 27, Eastern WA
Nestled in the heart of Eastern Washington, the Camp Delany Environmental Learning Center is located within Sun Lakes State Park, just north of Ephrata. This unique venue is renowned for its dark skies, making it an ideal spot for stargazing and astronomical observations. The park's diverse geological features, including ancient canyons and serene lakes, provide a stunning backdrop for both daytime exploration and nighttime sky viewing. For more information about the park and its attractions, visitors are encouraged to explore the official Washington State Parks website.
Dates and schedule
The Spring 2025 Camp Delany Star Party spans four nights, from Wednesday, April 23, through Sunday, April 27. Participants are welcome to arrive on Wednesday afternoon to set up their equipment and settle into their accommodations. Each day will feature a blend of scheduled activities and free time, allowing attendees to customize their experience.
Daily schedule highlights:
- Mornings: Begin with a hearty breakfast, followed by optional workshops and seminars covering various astronomical topics.
- Afternoons: Free time to explore the park's natural beauty, engage in informal discussions with fellow astronomy enthusiasts, or participate in organized group activities.
- Evenings: After dinner, prepare for nightly observation sessions. The dark skies of Eastern Washington provide excellent viewing conditions for both novice and experienced astronomers.
Registration and pricing
To ensure a comfortable and organized experience, pre-registration is required for all attendees. The registration fee for the Spring 2025 event is set at $100 per person, with a discounted rate of $80 for students. This fee encompasses all meals, accommodations, and access to event activities throughout the four-day period.
Registration process
- Download the Sign-Up Form: The registration form is available on the OAS website's Camp Delany Star Party page.
- Complete the Form: Fill out all required fields, including personal information, accommodation preferences, and meal considerations.
- Submit Payment: Instructions for payment submission are detailed on the form. Please note that RV spots are limited and currently full; interested participants can request to be placed on a waiting list in case of cancellations. Bunkhouse and tent spaces remain available.
- Volunteer Selection: Camp Delany thrives on community involvement. Attendees are encouraged to select preferred volunteer roles, such as assisting with meal preparation or facility clean-up, to contribute to the event's success.
A little Camp Delany teaser
Accommodations
The Camp Delany Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences:
- Bunkhouses: There are eight shared bunkhouses, each accommodating up to 10 individuals with five bunk beds. These facilities are equipped with heating and air conditioning to ensure comfort in varying weather conditions. Restroom and shower facilities are conveniently located nearby.
- Tent Camping: For those who prefer a more rustic experience, designated tent areas are available. Please be aware that these sites are approximately a 10-minute walk from the main telescope field.
- RV Parking: While RV spots are currently full, interested participants can contact the event coordinators to be placed on a waiting list. It's important to note that RV parking is limited, assigned, and lacks utility hookups.
Meals
One of the hallmarks of the Camp Delany Star Party is its inclusive meal program. The registration fee covers all meals, ensuring participants are well-nourished throughout the event.
- Breakfast: Served from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM (Sunday breakfast is from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM).
- Lunch: Available from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Dinner: Served between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
In addition to regular meals, attendees are invited to participate in potluck dessert nights on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Bringing a favorite dessert to share fosters a sense of community and provides a delightful end to each day's activities. The Camp Delany Star Party offers a rich program designed to engage both the mind and senses:
- Guest Speakers: Esteemed astronomers and educators will present on a range of topics, from the latest in astrophotography techniques to discussions on celestial events. These sessions aim to enrich participants' understanding and appreciation of the cosmos.
- Observation Sessions: Each night, weather permitting, the dark skies over Sun Lakes State Park become a canvas for stargazing. Whether you're equipped with a high-powered telescope or a simple pair of binoculars, the experience is both humbling and exhilarating.
- Workshops: Hands-on workshops will cover various subjects, including telescope setup and maintenance, star chart reading, and astrophotography. These sessions cater to all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enhance their astronomical pursuits.
- Community Engagement: Beyond the scheduled activities, the star party is a social event. Participants can engage in informal discussions, share experiences, and build lasting connections with fellow astronomy enthusiasts.
What to bring
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, attendees should consider bringing the following items:
- Bedding: Sleeping bag or bed linens, along with pillows.
- Personal Hygiene Items: Towels, soap, and other toiletries.
Bunk houses have 10 beds, 5 up and 5 down