Redefining Astronomy Summer Camps in the Age of the Pandemic: a Break from the IAYC's 50-Year History

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the 50-year-old International Astronomical Youth Camp adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by transitioning to an online format, maintaining engagement through talks, projects, and social activities.

Contribution

It presents the first implementation and evaluation of an online version of a longstanding astronomy summer camp during a global pandemic.

Findings

Successful online engagement through talks and workshops

Participants completed independent research projects

The online format informed future planning for the camp

Abstract

The International Astronomical Youth Camp (IAYC) is a 50-year old summer camp, where participants work independently on astronomy projects. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 and 2021 instalments of the IAYC were cancelled, a first in the camp's history. An online format was established dubbed the eIAYC, consisting of three types of activities: (1) an engagement series with astronomical talks and workshops; (2) small independent research projects; and (3) a non-astronomical program involving a range of social activities. Here we present the experience of adapting an in-person camp into an online alternative in order to further the IAYC's mission. We discuss organisational challenges, experiences with online engagement, and how the 2020 eIAYC informed plans for this year's eIAYC.