AstroCamp
AstroCamp is an overnight summer camp in Southern California for ages 8-17, focusing on astronomy, space...
▌ Editor's read AstroCamp is an ACA accredited overnight camp, with its accreditation valid until 2025, indicating adherence to recognized safety and operational standards. The camp is operated by the Pali Institute, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, as stated on their 'About Us' page. They have been operating for over 40 years, demonstrating significant experience in youth programming. A staff-to-camper ratio of 1:6 is explicitly mentioned, which is a strong indicator of supervision and individualized attention. The website also clearly states that all staff undergo background checks, ensuring a commitment to camper safety. AstroCamp offers a wide range of STEM-focused activities, including astronomy, rocketry, and robotics, alongside adventure activities like rock climbing and zip-lining, catering to a diverse set of interests for grades 4-12.
Who thrives here Ages 8–17
AstroCamp is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.
Facts & Credentials
- Program type
- Overnight camp
- ACA accredited
- Yes
- Established
- 1986 (40 years)
- Operator
- Nonprofit organization
- Staff-to-camper ratio
- Published by camp see camp site →
Details
- Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
- Ages: 8–17
- Hours: Overnight
- Address: 26800 Saunders Meadow Rd, Idyllwild, CA 92549
- Phone: (951) 659-2725
- Email: [email protected]
- Cost notes: USD; $300-500 non-refundable deposit required
Runs Overnight, 6 sessions (4 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from Jun 6 to Aug 1.
Sessions ⛓
Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.
- Session 1 Jun 6 – 12, 2026 · 1 week · $2,100
- Session 2 Jun 13 – 19, 2026 · 1 week · $2,100
- Session 3 Jun 20 – 26, 2026 · 1 week · $2,800
- Session 4 Jun 28 – Jul 10, 2026 · 2 weeks · $4,400
- Session 5 Jul 12 – 24, 2026 · 2 weeks · $4,400
- Session 6 Jul 26 – Aug 1, 2026 · 1 week · $2,800
↗ What parents like
- Referral and sibling discounts
- Multi-session rewards
↘ Watch for
- Non-refundable deposit
- Cancellation fees apply
Logistics
- Lunch provided: No
- Transportation: No
- Financial aid: No
- Setting: mixed
Frequently asked about AstroCamp
- What ages does AstroCamp accept?
- AstroCamp is open to children ages 8–17. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
- How much does AstroCamp cost?
- AstroCamp publishes $1,850/week for the standard session. USD; $300-500 non-refundable deposit required Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
- What are AstroCamp's hours?
- AstroCamp runs Overnight. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
- Is AstroCamp accredited?
- Yes — AstroCamp is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 40 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
- Who runs AstroCamp?
- AstroCamp is operated by a nonprofit organization, with 40 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
- Does AstroCamp provide lunch?
- AstroCamp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
Planning guides
Editorial checklists to use before you compare AstroCamp with other camps.
- How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
- Day camp vs. overnight camp · Decide whether the format fits your child and schedule.
- Packing list and camp prep · Plan gear, medication notes, labels, and drop-off prep.
- Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Camps near here
Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside AstroCamp.
- AstroCamp - 1-Week Summer Camp · AstroCamp · Ages 8–17 · $1,795/week
- AstroCamp - Specialty Week · AstroCamp · Ages 8–17 · $1,795/week
- AstroCamp - 2-Week Summer Camp · AstroCamp · Ages 8–17 · $1,795/week
- Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Summer Program · San Jacinto Mountains · Ages 10–18
- Idyllwild Arts Summer Program · Idyllwild · Ages 5–18 · $1,865/week
- Idyllwild Arts - Piano Performance · Idyllwild Arts · Ages 18–21 · $2,450/week