Join the students of the IAAS at Star Haven Observatory for a night under the stars watching the Perseid Meteor Shower under the dark skies of eastern Colorado.
Please note that the final event paperwork is still pending with Arapahoe County. Should the event permit be denied, the event will be cancelled and all reservations will be cancelled and reservation fees refunded.
Each person in your group must have a ticket (including children) & a signed event waiver to be allowed on the property.
This event is being held on a working ranch in rural Arapahoe County. It is NOT 100% accessible as much of the land is prairie and farm land. There are holes and other hazards (both natural & man made) that may not be clearly marked.
Star Haven Ranch is full of creatures that could be dangerous to humans (both kids & adults). Entry into and participation in the event is entirely at each participant's risk.
Accommodations will be made for service animals in accordance with ADA regulations. We request that participants notify organizers of their intent to bring a service animal by indicating such in the notes section of the reservation form so organizers can be aware of the presence of the animal at the event.
RV parking is available however it is "Dry" (no water/sewer/electrical hookups). Please also include a no-charge "RV Ticket" when reserving your space. RV space is limited to 10 RVs.
Astrophotographers are also welcome to utilize the event and the site's dark skies to their advantage. Please include a no-charge "Astro Photo Ticket" when reserving your space. Astro Photo space is limited to 10 slots.
Portable toilets/wash stations are on site – please use them instead of a tree or bush.
Bring your own chairs, tents, food, etc. This is a "dry camping" event. We will have beverages available (2 included with reservation per person & additional available for purchase).
For your information, here are our SAFETY PRE-PLANS...
Fire Plan –
All guests & staff will evacuate to the “Safety Zone” which is the gravel driveway south of the Moravec house while staff calls 911.
Notify staff on radio of fire emergency.
Chris or Jim will respond to scene to coordinate response.
Must keep Moravec driveway & field access clear for responding fire trucks.
Adult staff will attempt (if safe to do so) contain/extinguish fire.
Chris will coordinate with arriving fire units on VFIRE 21 (Chris – callsign “JeffCo 1423”) & transfer command to first arriving unit.
Medical Plan –
Provide first aid if trained.
If snake or animal bite, attempt to safely determine type of snake/animal for treatment purposes.
Notify staff on radio of medical emergency.
Chris or Jim will respond to scene to coordinate response.
Do not move patient unless in eminent danger.
Staff will call 911 if needed (and alert onsite medical personnel if available). Staff to provide 911 with all patient details via landline.
EMS will use field access or Moravec driveway to access patient.
Medivac LZ is at discretion of EMS units on scene however pre-plan designates the large gravel area in front of Moravec house as LZ.
Coordination for Medivac will be on VFIRE 21 (done by EMS/Fire unit).
Severe Weather Plan –
Notify staff on radio of weather emergency.
Lighting/Rain/Hail/High Winds – move guests/staff to garage bay of lab building.
Tornado sighted in close proximity – move guests/staff to basement of Moravec house.
Tornado Watch – Alert guests to be ready to seek shelter.
Tornado Warning (but no actual sighting) – move guests/staff to garage bay of lab building with readiness to move to Moravec house.
Below is a listing of the Campout Rules.
A copy will be included in the email sent to each participant with a copy of the event waiver.
First & most important – SAFETY FIRST…
Star Haven Ranch is home to wildlife that could be dangerous to humans (both kids & adults).
Site is NOT 100% accessible; entry is at participant’s own risk.
Parents are responsible for the actions of their children.
Unsupervised or disruptive children (along with their family) may be asked to leave.
Please be aware of your surroundings and use care when walking around the site.
<span style="background-color:transparent">This is a WORKING RANCH and there are holes (both natural & man made) that may not be clearly marked.</span>
USE A RED COLORED FLASHLIGHT after sunset.
Respect your fellow campers and staff members.
Decisions of the staff are final.
The “No” Rules –
1.NO FIRES –
a. NO smoking - even in cars due to fire danger.
b. NO campstoves (of any type - gas/electric/etc), BBQ grills or other items that could cause a fire. Arapahoe county has a fire ban in effect and the IAAS fully supports that fire ban.
c. In the event of a fire, notify staff immediately.
i. If safe to do so, attempt to contain/extinguish.
ii. Staff will direct participants to safety zones setup for the event.
2. No Drugs or Alcohol
a. This is a “family friendly” event so water & non-alcoholic beverages only please.
3. Family Rules -
a. No Kids under age 8
i. For everyone's safety, children under 8 are not permitted.
b.Kids (of all ages) must be supervised by their parents at all times.
i. Unsupervised children & their family may be asked to leave.
4.No Pets
a. Star Haven Ranch is full of creatures that could be dangerous to pets and other animals.
i. We don’t want your pet to be dinner for the local wildlife.
ii. Pets cannot be left in vehicles for the event. Just don’t bring them.
b. Accommodations will be made for service animals in accordance with ADA regulations. We request that participants notify organizers of their intent to bring a service animal by indicating such in the notes section of the reservation form so organizers can be aware of the presence of the animal at the event.
i. The handler is responsible for caring for and supervising the service animal,
1.Includes toileting, feeding, grooming and veterinary care.
ii. Handler is responsible for all actions of their service animal - the organizers will not supervise or otherwise care for a service animal.
1.Disruptive service animals may be asked to leave the property.
2.They can not be left in a vehicle during the event.
5.No Entry after 8pm & no re-entry
6.No crossing event boundaries.
a.This is a private ranch and some areas are closed off & "out of bounds" for the safety of guests.
b.Star Haven Ranch is full of creatures that could be dangerous to people.
7.No bright light sources (of any color) in or near the AstroPhoto Area after sunset.
a.In the event of an emergency, attempt to notify others in area before turning on a bright light.
8.No loud music.
a.Use headphones if you want to enjoy your tunes so it doesn’t disturb your fellow campers.
9.No Refunds –
a.If no show;
b.If Inclement Weather;
c.If asked to leave.
Other General Rules –
Entry to site is limited to IAAS & event staff, participants who have completed the reservation process, residents of Yellow Jacket Road and invited guests.
Every participant must have a ticket.
Every participant must sign waiver and present waiver with ticket to gain entry at Yellow Jacket Road entry point.
RV Parking is available but limited to 10 slots. This is "dry" camping. An RV dump and full facilities are available at the Strasburg KOA for an additional charge (payable to the operators of the KOA).
Space in the AstroPhoto Area is by reservation and limited to 10 slots.
