The info-service is working hard to answer all your questions. We have noticed that some information is requested very often so we want to give short answers here.

Applying for the camp

What is the camp like?

This is a hard question that can only really be answered by attending! To help, we have asked former participants to summarise their experiences. Have a look at the past camps section!

Does the camp involve camping?

The English word for camp might suggest tents and cooking stoves. The IAYC uses this word in a more general (international) sense. The IAYC is a cross between a summer school and a retreat, although it is very different to both. Participants stay in dormitories at the camp house usually a hostel or guest house which we book out for three weeks. Food and bedding will be provided.

We suggest that participants bring sleeping bags and insulation mats because sitting outside all night with a telescope can get cold!

What kind of working groups are available?

Every year there will normally be at least an observing group, an imaging group, a programming group and a general astrophysics group. The remaining groups could be anything from robotics to astrochemistry depending on the leader team!

Will I get a lower chance to attend if I apply for a grant?

Applying for a grant (financial support for the application fee) does not decrease your chances to be accepted for the IAYC. Camp applications and grant applications are treated separately. Therefore you might be accepted to the camp but you might not get a grant.

Does the grant include travel expenses?

No. Due to limited funding, the most we are able to offer is a grant that covers the camp fee. You are still financially responsible for making your way the camp.

How do I apply for a grant?

The grant application is part of the main online application form. If you wish to apply for a grant, simply fill out the grant section in full and you will be considered.

What is included in the camp fee?

The camp fee covers full boarding, all organised programs (excursion day, working groups, NAP). All meals are served at the camp (3 per day). Please note, that the camp fee does not cover travel expenses such as flights.

Can I attend the camp if I’m not 16 (or over 24)?

In general, no, you can only attend the camp if you are aged between 16-24 at the beginning of camp. To clarify:

• If you are aged 24 at the beginning of the camp and will turn 25 during camp, then this is fine you should expect a great party!
• If you are currently 15 and you only turn 16 during the camp, you cannot attend the camp this year, but we look forward to your application next year.

Do I need to know plenty of physics/astronomy to attend to IAYC?

Participants in the IAYC have very different levels of knowledge concerning astronomy and physics. All working group leaders therefore offer projects for all levels. The IAYC is a camp with the aim to bring together people interested in astronomy, no matter whether they are observing every night or have never seen a telescope before. More experienced participants and leaders are always happy to help and teach others.

But I’m not even studying science

It doesn’t matter as long as you love astronomy! We often have participants who are not studying science-based subjects. As above, projects will be offered to suit all levels.

How good does my English need to be?

As the first info states, your English does not need to be perfect, but you should be able to have a conversation without needing to use a dictionary. In working group sessions, you may be given books and scientific papers to read which will normally be in English. This also means that the camp is a great opportunity to improve your language skills and everyone will do their best to help you if you’re struggling.

How important is the motivation letter?

It is the most important part of your application. Application letters are anonymized in order to decrease bias in selecting participants. As such, the motivation letter is your chance to tell us who you are as a person, explain to us what you expect to get out of the camp, and why you want to attend. When writing your motivation, it is crucial that you address these points.

Other Questions

Can I attend part of the camp?

No. You must attend the camp in full and you must stay at the camp house for the entire 3 weeks unless you have a genuine emergency. There are a number of reasons for this decision, most of them are practical. Firstly, projects are normally completed in pairs or small groups, it would therefore be unfair to your project partners if you arrived late or left early. Secondly, the camp is like a big family, and it is disruptive for the camp atmosphere for people to be coming and going. The start and end of the camp are the most important both for project work and for bonding with other participants.

IAYC overlaps with my academic activity, what can I do?

Unfortunately the camp is global and it’s likely that regardless of the camp dates, we will overlap someone’s exam season. We cannot accommodate those who need to take time during camp to participate in competitions, take exams, or leave for school. We would encourage you to apply another year.

Can I visit the camp if I’m not a participant?

Unfortunately, we do not allow non-participants to visit while the camp is in progress. The IAYC should be considered a private event. This is for the benefit of the camp atmosphere and to safeguard participants and their belongings. For the same reason, we explicitly arrange with the house that we will be the sole occupants of the camp house. If you attempt to visit the camp house during the IAYC and you are not a participant, we will (politely!) ask you to leave. Please note this policy includes parents or guardians with the exception of arrival/departure day.

I would like to volunteer at the camp, is that possible?

Due to the way the IAYC works, unfortunately we do not allow any volunteers other than the leader team during the camp. If you would like to support the IAYC, then we accept donations which will be put towards helping financially disadvantaged participants attend the camp.

Do you offer letters of support?

If you are accepted and need a letter to support, please contact us and we can provide one for you.

After you’ve been accepted

How can I travel to the camp?

The IAYC does not organize the travel to and from the camp location. There will be detailed information in the 2nd info about how to travel to the campsite, including information about the closest airports, train connections etc. You will receive the 2nd info after you have been accepted to attend the camp. Nowadays, participants are able to coordinate their arrival/departure via Discord (we organise a private server for each year) and travel together in groups. We may organise a shuttle bus service from a nearby station to the camp house itself, if we do, details will be in the second info.

What should I bring to the camp?

A list of items is provided in the 2nd info document, which you will be given a link to. The list is not exhaustive, but should give you an idea of what to take.

Is there a laundry at the camp house?

We usually aim to provide participants with at least one laundry service partway through the camp. Smaller items like underwear and socks can be hand-washed. You should plan to bring enough clothes for 3 weeks.

Will there be internet access at the camp house?

No. We have found that being disconnected, the way camp traditionally has been since 1969, has a very positive impact on the camp atmosphere and participants’ experiences. The camp operates in very remote places and mobile/cell reception is usually bad.

We understand that some people may need to get in touch with schools or universities for registration and other important logistics. In exceptional cases like this, we will do our best to accommodate if you contact us ahead of time. If you do not give us a heads up, we cannot guarantee that you will be accommodated.

You will have opportunities on excursion and free day to use the internet if you need it, but you should otherwise plan to operate without internet. Leaders will make sure that materials required for your project are available before you arrive.

But I have mobile data on my phone? Is that allowed?

During scheduled activities (working group, NAP, etc.) you are not allowed to have your phones. While we can’t control what you do during free time, we strongly encourage all participants to limit phone usage while at the camp for the sake of inclusivity and a positive atmosphere.

Can I at least take pictures with my phone?

If you are interested in taking pictures, we have camp cameras available for you to borrow. Before camp, everyone has the right to approve or deny consent to being photographed or videoed via the consent form. While this is a contract between the camp and participants, please be aware that different people have different comfort levels of being recorded by other participants as well. By using camp-provided cameras we can ensure data compliance and respect everybody’s privacy preferences.

Do I need a sleeping bag or an insulation mat?

A sleeping bag is useful if you intend to do a lot of observing every night. We suggest you bring one, but people also manage with warm clothes. You should bring an insulation mat. A cheap foam one is fine!

What local amenities are available near the camp house?

Our camp houses are often in remote locations and may not have nearby amenities like supermarkets/grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. We recommend using Google Maps or a similar website to look at what is near the camp house. In general, you should not assume that there will be stores or a pharmacy within walking distance. If you take medication, you should make sure that you can bring a 3-week supply to the camp.

Do I need a laptop?

You will need a laptop to write your project report. It is usually possible to share with your project partner, but having your own laptop makes things easier! Most resources will be electronic (PDF), like scientific papers or ebooks. If your project is likely to require a laptop then your leader will tell you before the camp.

Do I need to install any software before arrival?

Yes. At camp, everybody will use LaTeX to write their reports. Those who do programming projects will likely use Python. The specific software needed will be sent out during second info, but they are typically the latest editions of TeX Live and Anaconda Distribution. Make sure your antivirus software is up to date!

Can I bring my telescope?

Yes! Please do. We will arrange a secure storage room where you can safely keep any astro equipment that you bring. Make sure you label anything you bring to the camp so that you (and others) know it’s yours. Note that we cannot be liable for any damage that is caused to any equipment brought to the camp that does not belong to IWA.