BY MILES LAYTON
For one week in August, the night skies over Tangier Island became a classroom for young scientists, as students gathered for an astronomy-themed space camp hosted by the University of Virginia’s Dark Skies, Bright Kids program.
The camp, held at Tangier Combined School, gave local children a chance to explore the universe while learning to “think like scientists.” Activities throughout the week encouraged students to ask questions, test ideas, and work together to understand everything from the planets in the solar system to the vastness of distant galaxies.
Watch the skies — check out that moon! Here are some photos from the astronomy-themed space camp: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zHRfVDNCpqKKk8vG6 Some of those photos appear in a gallery at the end of the story.
Worth noting, Tangier is in the running to become a “Dark Sky Sanctuary” after the readings taken during that same week. This designation will encourage astral tourism and give Tangier another advantage, hopefully assisting in securing funding for projects aimed at protecting this island sanctuary.
Got to say — Tangier is a great spot to watch the stars. No light pollution — clear skies so much so that you almost feel you can reach out to touch the stars.
Back to camp — In a message to families after camp ended, organizers thanked participants for their enthusiasm and curiosity.
“Everyone did a wonderful job thinking like a scientist to learn about the universe last week, and we hope you all had a great time,” wrote Annika, Daphne, Kaia, and Katherine, the UVA student leaders who directed the program. “It was truly special to spend a week on the island — we are grateful that you all shared your love of the island with us, and we enjoyed the opportunity to share our love of astronomy with you.”
Parents and community members were invited to view highlights from the week through a shared photo album, which captured children observing the night sky, building models, and taking part in hands-on experiments. The organizers also encouraged families to keep in touch and expressed hope for future collaborations with Tangier Combined School.
Dark Skies, Bright Kids, founded in 2009, is a UVA outreach initiative that brings astronomy programs to rural and underserved communities across Virginia. By combining classroom activities with outdoor stargazing, the group aims to spark curiosity and foster confidence in science among young learners.
For Tangier, the program was more than just a science camp — it was an opportunity to connect students with mentors who brought both expertise and excitement. Camp leaders said they were impressed by the island students’ creativity and eagerness to explore big questions about the universe.
As the campers returned to their normal routines, they carried with them a week of memories spent under the stars — and perhaps the beginnings of a lifelong interest in science.
Tangier Island, Virginia 