DARK SKY ACADEMY: ELEVATE IT

About This Event

Great campgrounds are about more than great campsites. Spend a week at Dark Sky learning how hospitality, operations, people, and thoughtful details come together — whether you're interested in hosting, working in the industry, or owning a campground someday.

Best For: For RVers, campground professionals, newbies, and hospitality-minded people interested in learning how small details can turn a campground stay into an experience guests remember.

What to Expect

A small-group, relaxed week designed around learning, conversation, and experiencing Dark Sky firsthand. Expect short, engaging hospitality sessions, behind-the-scenes looks at campground life, a few hands-on challenges, shared meals, fireside conversations, and plenty of time to explore Kanab or simply enjoy the campground.

This is more of a hospitality retreat: meaningful conversations, practical takeaways, good people, and lots of time to relax and enjoy the calm, peaceful vibes.

Focus:

• The Dark Sky hospitality philosophy
• Service vs. genuine hospitality
• Anticipating guest needs
• Creating unexpected, memorable moments
• Guest communication + service recovery
• Building community without over-programming
• Behind-the-scenes look at how Dark Sky delivers the guest experience

Schedule

Sample Week at Dark Sky Academy, subject to change:

Day 1 — Arrive + Settle In
Check-in and time to get comfortable at Dark Sky. Kick off the week with a Welcome Cocktail Hour + Dinner, meet your fellow Academy guests, and get to know the Dark Sky team.

Day 2 — The Dark Sky Way
Morning hospitality session focused on what makes a campground experience memorable. Free afternoon to relax or explore Kanab, followed by an optional fireside chat with the Dark Sky owners.

Day 3 — The Art of Hospitality
Start the day with optional morning yoga, followed by a hospitality session exploring thoughtful service, anticipating guest needs, and creating memorable moments. Evening telescope viewing under Dark Sky's incredible night sky.

Day 4 — Behind the Scenes
A casual behind-the-scenes look at how Dark Sky brings the guest experience to life, followed by a fun hands-on hospitality challenge. Afternoon Goat Walk and plenty of downtime.

Day 5 — Creating the Experience
One or two short sessions centered around guest experience, community, and the small details that make a big difference. Evening fireside conversation with the owners and time to connect with the group.

Day 6 — Bring It All Together
A relaxed final hospitality session and group conversation. The rest of the day is open to explore, relax, or enjoy Dark Sky, followed by optional Night Photography after dark.

Day 7 — Pancakes + What's Next
Wrap up the week over a casual Farewell Pancake Brunch, good conversation, and a chance to reflect on ideas and inspiration you'll take home with you.

Campground / Venue Info

Your Dark Sky Academy experience includes a full-hookup, pull-through RV site for the duration of your stay, with water, sewer, and electric hookups.

Check-in is anytime after 2:00 PM, so arrive when it works for you, get settled, and make yourself at home before Academy begins.
Your stay also includes complimentary laundry and full access to Dark Sky amenities, including our private spa-style bathrooms, open-air terrace, pond, outdoor gathering spaces, and other campground amenities.

Everything is designed to make your Academy week feel like a getaway—not just an event.

What to Bring

Early December in Kanab means cooler days and cold evenings, and we plan to spend plenty of time outside—weather permitting. Come prepared with layers so you can comfortably move between indoor sessions, daytime activities, fireside gatherings, and evenings under the stars.

We recommend bringing:

• Warm layers — jacket, sweater/fleece, hat and gloves for evenings
• Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy walking shoes if you go off property for hiking
• A reusable water bottle
• Notebook + pen (or your favorite way to take notes)
• Yoga mat, if you'd like to participate in morning yoga
• Phone/camera for photos and night photography
• Daypack or small bag for outings
• And, of course, anything you need to make your RV cozy for a December stay

Most importantly: come ready to participate, ask questions, share ideas, meet new people, and enjoy a week at Dark Sky.

Important Notes

Who This Experience Is For
Designed for solo travelers or couples traveling without children, or with independent kids ages 12+ who can comfortably be on their own during Academy sessions.

Cancellation Policy
Dark Sky Academy follows Dark Sky RV Campground's standard cancellation policy. Because Academy is a small, limited-capacity event, we encourage guests to review the cancellation terms carefully before registering.

Weather + Outdoor Activities
This is Dark Sky in December—and we're embracing it! Most Academy sessions, gatherings, and activities will take place outdoors in our open-air gathering spaces, weather permitting. Cold temperatures alone won't stop us, so come prepared with plenty of warm layers. In the event of inclement or unsafe weather, some activities may be moved, modified, postponed, or canceled. We'll always prioritize guest safety while doing our best to keep the Academy experience rolling.

Pets
Pets are welcome at Dark Sky! They're welcome to join us for appropriate outdoor social gatherings and casual activities. During Academy learning sessions, we ask that pets remain safely and comfortably inside your RV. Standard Dark Sky pet policies apply throughout your stay.

A Few More Things to Know
Academy is designed to be relaxed, participatory, and flexible. Schedules may shift slightly based on weather, campground happenings, or opportunities that come up during the week—that's part of the experience.