Camping and Stargazing at Cherry Springs

Overview

Join us car camping and stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park. Cherry Springs, named for a large stand of Black Cherry trees in the park, is atop the dissected Allegheny Plateau at an elevation of 2,300 feet (701 m). It is popular with astronomers and stargazers for having "some of the darkest night skies on the east coast" of the United States. Come enjoy a fun evening of camping, campfire stories, dinner, and stargazing with us.

Location

We'll first meet at our Basecamp on Bucknell's campus. From there we'll commute over to Cherry Springs State Park.

*GoogleMaps link provided

Pre-Trip Meeting: 4/19/2023 @ 8pm (Subject to change with advanced notice. May be virtual - Zoom)

Field Session: 4/29/2023 - 4/30/2023

Saturday, April 29th:

• 8:00 AM - Meet at our Basecamp on Bucknell's campus.
• 8:30 AM - Depart for Cherry Springs State Park.
• 10:30 AM - Arrive at campground. Establish camp. Dinner. Stargaze. Relax.

Sunday, April 30th:

• Morning - Wake up. Breakfast. Pack up camp.
• 2:00 PM - Arrive back to campus.

What's Provided?

• Some clothing as needed (rain jacket/pants, insulated jacket, baselayers)
• Camping gear (sleeping bag, tent, headlamp, etc.)
• Saturday night dinner.
• Sunday morning breakfast.
• Transportation to/from

What To Bring

• Clothing that's comfortable to camp in (e.g. athletic type clothing  that can get dirty, etc.)
• Rain jacket (just in case)
• Insulated warm clothing layers
• Warm beanie
• Hiking boots or a pair of sturdy sneakers
• Optional insulated warm boots
• Small backpack or duffel bag to keep personal items in
• Personal water bottle
• A hat
• Sunglasses

Cost

This trip is complimentary (FREE / NO COST) to Bucknell students.

Registration Information

This trip is open enrollment to all current Bucknell students. A Bucknell ID number is required to register.

Cancellations & No Shows

Complimentary (FREE) OEL Trips & Outings provided to Bucknell students have limited capacity. If a student signs up and doesn’t show for the program, it’s disruptive for everyone involved and takes away from other student’s experience.

We understand that things come up and life happens. We get it. We simply ask that you notify us at least 48 hours after your pre-trip meeting (approximately 1 week in advance of a Trip or Outing) and let us know of your cancellation. You can do this by going back to our Portal and clicking on the “CONTACT” button in the upper right of the screen.

Failure to contact us of your cancellation in this predetermined timeframe is noted by the OEL Admin Team. After 3 instances (not showing up or cancelling less than a week prior to the trip 3 times), a student will not be allowed to register for future OEL Trips & Outings here at Bucknell.