Tom Schultz
Tom has been an amateur astronomer for over 50 years, with a focus on deep-sky observational astronomy. He was the first AstroCamp volunteer and has been a volunteer for most of the years of AstroCamp since it’s inception. He is most known for the 12.5" Portable and his “couch potato” binocular chair he brings to the camp
each year. Tom has a B.S. degree in Applied Math & Physics. Tom is also an adjunct professor at Lewis University, teaching accelerated night-time classes in math and computer science.
Joan Schultz
This is Joan’s 4th year as an AstroCamp volunteer. Joan provides much assistance to the AstroCamp astronomy instructors and assists with the various projects and activities throughout the week . You’ll see her preparing smores for everyone on non-observing nights and helping kids “dark-adapt” their flash lights by putting a red balloon or red cellophane over them. She also leads the effort to safely walk kids back to their cabins at night. Joan is 1/4th of the way to obtaining her Messier certification.
Jim Hopkins
Jim is a retired teacher having taught physics and astronomy at the high school and college level for nearly 40 years. He is also an experienced amateur astronomer who has three telescopes that are used for outreach at schools, park districts, churches, etc. Jim knows the sky well enough to mentor many other amateurs, and routinely speaks at astronomy clubs and star parties on various aspects of astronomy.
Ruth Craft
Ruth has been the director of the Kennedy Planetarium in South Bend providing astronomy programming for students in grades K - 6. She is also involved with the Michiana Astronomical Society and have been very active with public outreach events, sharing her love for the night sky through telescope viewing and interactive astronomy activities with children and adults.
Dave Vance
Dave was Head of Astronomy at Camp Eberhart in 1971/72 after being on the Astro staff from 1967-1970. Following his love of astronomy, he went to MIT to pursue astrophysics but discovered he enjoyed political science and economics even more. Dave has doctorate from Note Dame in Economics, a masters from Indiana in Business Administration and a bachelor’s degree from MIT in political science. He was Chief Economist and head of Business Intelligence for Caterpillar Inc. before founding Caterpillar University in 2001 which provides training and education for Cat employees. Dave retired from Caterpillar in 2007 and now lives in Colorado with his wife and their two dogs where he consults and writes.
Franklin Marsh
From Sycamore, IL, Franklin has segued from an AstroCamper himself to an AstroCamp counselor while still in high school. Franklin reflected on his AstroCamp experience in his college application essay. He's the founding member and president of the astronomy club at Sycamore High School, and is a member of the Northwest Suburban Astronomers in Illinois, and is now off to Pomona College. He has been interested in astronomy since he was 10.
Jason Blaschka
I am a long time amateur astronomer, Cloudy Nights.com Administrator and Lead Volunteer/Coordinator for Fox Park Public Observatory near Potterville (teaching Astrophotography and Astronomy basics). Spend my free time imaging our night sky using all sorts of equipment, most recently with a Modified Canon DSLR or attending the many events that my wife and 5 children are involved in.
And more great talent
Elliott Pearson
Chuck Rupley
Debra Lazar-Pearl
Peter Burkey
Patrick Stonehouse
Michael Chauvin
Preston Stahley
Linda Mark