Last Updated on February 24, 2022 by Practical Astrophotography Staff
Location – Washington, Maine
Medomak Retreat Center in Washington, Maine, has some of
the darkest skies in the Northeast, with a limiting visual magnitude of
6.3 (SQM value: 21.3 MPSAS). It’s an IDA-compliant property that takes an
active role in promoting the benefits of dark skies. Medomak’s family
camp has hosted an astronomy-themed vacation week for 11 years,
and availability routinely sells out many months in advance.
Now Medomak is taking its growing reputation as a stargazing mecca to
the next level. This summer, August 11-17, we’ll host a star party more
geared toward adults and interested adolescents. You’ll be able to learn
about astronomy and telescopes by day – and revel under our expansive
dark skies at night. This fantastic and engaging program is led by J. Kelly
Beatty (Sky & Telescope’s senior contributing editor) and veteran
stargazer, researcher, and telescope maker Bruce Berger (Amateur
Telescope Makers of Boston). But don’t just join us for the stars,
the programs, and the lectures. (We’ll even have telescopes, but
bring yours too.) What makes this a “must-go” venue are the creature
comforts. No need to bring a tent, or sleep in a sleeping bag, or eat so-so
food. Medomak has comfortable, private cabin facilities with real
beds, hot showers, electricity, and amazing, chef-prepared food. And
it’s all included in your tuition. And for daytime entertainment?
Medomak is located on a beautiful Maine lake that’s perfect for
swimming, paddling, fishing, or just relaxing. We have all kinds of gear
for having fun in the water. You can play tennis, basketball, or enjoy a
campfire as we wait for the skies to get dark. Again, all are included in your
tuition. Mornings are free time, designed to let you have fun, explore the region,
or just sleep in. Each afternoon will feature a series of presentations
designed to teach you about astronomy, the night sky, telescopes,
and how to view/photograph all those celestial wonders, also
included in your tuition.
The Stargazing
Medomak has recently upgraded
its infrastructure to accommodate dusk-to-dawn stargazing. You can set up your scope not far from your cabin, on our new power-ready observing pad, or at a secure remote site with a commanding view for astrophotography. Or just bring your binoculars and use one of the retreat center’s telescopes.
The Accommodations
Our cabins are simple and clean. All cabins are private, with comfortable
beds, hot showers, and bathrooms. If you are staying up late to watch the
sky, it is nice to comfortably sleep in through the morning, and get a nice
shower.
The Food
All our meals are chef-prepared, small-batch, and from scratch. This isn’t institutional food. We grow many of our organic vegetables, milk our cows, and bake our bread and desserts. There is always plenty to go around of our hearty, healthy, comfort food. Coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks are available all day and well into the night, so you can keep your eyes open waiting for that next brilliant shooting star.
Fun Things to Do
We are located on a beautiful lake that just begs for a refreshing dip. Access to canoes and kayaks is included in your tuition and is available all day long. We have basketball and beautiful fields and woods with trails to wander about. Medomak is just minutes from the picturesque towns of Rockland and Camden and a 2-hour drive from Acadia National Park.
Cancellation Policy
Before March 1st, 2018 tuition is refundable less the $100 deposit.
After March 1st, 2018 tuition is refundable, less a $250 cancellation fee and a $100 deposit.
Cancellations made less than 8 weeks from the date of your arrival will render tuition non-refundable unless the vacated accommodations are filled by others on our waiting list. In the case that accommodation is filled by someone on our waitlist, tuition will be refunded less a $250 cancellation fee and a $100 deposit.
Cancellations must be made by speaking with a Medomak Director.
A $25 canceled check fee will be charged for returned checks.
