Art & Astronomy Camp
Montauk State Park, Missouri
Four days making art under some of the darkest skies in Missouri — and every evening, looking up through a telescope at what you just learned to find.
Why This Camp
Most art camps stop when the sun goes down. Ours is just getting started.
By day, you’ll work alongside veteran art teacher Sharon Jeffus, creating portfolio-quality pieces across drawing, painting, sculpture, graphic art, and mixed media. By night, Jay will guide you through the Summer Milky Way using a 6″ Newtonian reflector — picking out star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies most people never see from a city sky.
A real working studio paired with a real working observatory, in one of the best stargazing locations in the state.
Open to middle school through adult. Some exceptions considered.
We are a missionary family living in Kenya. Our daughter wanted to take an AP art class, but we needed a tutor who could mentor her through the art-making process. Sharon was very helpful in giving our daughter guidance via regular online meetings. It was reassuring to know that there is someone guiding our daughter who knows all about AP requirements and processes.
Contact me →
A Day at Camp
Studio with Sharon
Two structured lessons and completed projects each day across:
- Drawing
- Painting (canvas and miniatures)
- Sculpture
- Graphic art
- Mixed media
Every project is portfolio-worthy. High school students seeking art credit receive all materials and personal help assembling a digital portfolio.
Observatory with Jay
Hands-on lessons, including building your own telescope and learning to map the night sky. When the sky goes dark — around 8:45 PM — we set up the 6″ Newtonian and start hunting:
- The Summer Milky Way overhead
- Double and multiple star systems
- Open and globular star clusters
- Planetary nebulae
- Distant galaxies
☀ Solar filter for daytime sunspot viewing.
★ Optional 5:00 AM session: Saturn at its most spectacular.
☁ Clouded out? Indoor PowerPoint lessons and hands-on telescope training continue.
Pricing
A $50 non-refundable deposit reserves your spot. Contact us about on-site lodging — or stay nearby and come just for the daily sessions.
Want a Private Camp?
Homeschool co-ops, youth groups, or families — we’ll come to you on your own dates. Group coordinators receive a discounted rate.
Also Coming Up
A July 2026 camp in Kansas City, MO is in the works. Email or call for details.
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces are limited. Secure yours with a $50 non-refundable deposit.