Golden State Star Party
An annual four-night amateur astronomy gathering held under dark skies at Frosty Acres Ranch in Adin, in far Northern California. The event welcomes newcomers and families alongside experienced astrophotographers, with telescope viewing, educational talks, and camping on-site.
You might also like
Fremont Peak Observatory Association
A volunteer-run nonprofit that operates a public observatory at Fremont Peak State Park near San Juan Bautista, offering free astronomy programs, telescope viewing, and multimedia presentations most Saturday evenings. The association also welcomes school, scout, and youth group visits by advance arrangement and offers observer memberships for continued involvement.
Fresno State Lyles College of Engineering Summer Engineering Experience Camp
A one-week, in-person summer camp hosted by Fresno State's Lyles College of Engineering that introduces students in grades 9-12 to hands-on engineering, architectural, and construction management activities, taught by faculty and industry professionals.
Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program (California Wing)
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force; its Cadet Program lets youth ages 12-18 train in aerospace education, leadership, and emergency services, including orientation flights in CAP aircraft. California Wing operates dozens of local squadrons across Northern California offering weekly meetings, encampments, and flight training opportunities.
Criminal & Forensic Science at UCLA (Summer Springboard)
A two-week residential pre-college course on the UCLA campus teaching forensic investigation techniques - fingerprint, fiber, blood-spatter, and DNA analysis - through crime scene simulations and team case studies, taught by a 36-year veteran Forensic Identification Specialist from the LA County Sheriff's Department. The program includes a field visit to a real police department crime lab and ends in a moot court presentation.
Sacramento Mineral Society Junior Rockhound Program
A monthly youth-focused meeting series run by the Sacramento Mineral Society to engage students in rockhounding, mineral identification, and earth science through hands-on activities and a badge/achievement system. Meetings are held alongside the society's main educational meetings at the Sacramento County Cooperative Building.
Sacramento State Summer Youth Academies - Engineering Track
Sacramento State's College of Continuing Education runs week-long Summer Youth Academies for students entering grades 7-12, including an engineering-focused track taught by campus faculty and industry professionals combining hands-on projects with career exploration.