GCC Announces Release of Poetry Book: In Old Sky by Lauren Camp

Grand Canyon, Ariz.—Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, proudly announces the publication of In Old Sky, a captivating poetry collection by acclaimed poet Lauren Camp. The book, born out of Camp's residency as the fourth Astronomer in Residence at Grand Canyon National Park promises readers an extraordinary journey through the depths of Grand Canyon and its iconic dark skies.

In Old Sky marks a historic milestone as the first poetry book published by GCC. Currently serving as the Poet Laureate of New Mexico, Camp spent an immersive month exploring the pristine natural darkness of Grand Canyon National Park, delving into the night phenomena, and reflecting on the vast power emanating from the canyon. The collection includes vivid color photos capturing breathtaking landscapes from within the canyon to the cosmic wonders beyond. One of the highlights is an epic poem crafted from hundreds of responses by visitors to Grand Canyon National Park during Camp's residency, creating a unique narrative of collective experience.

In the poem “Arena,” Camp articulates the essence of Grand Canyon’s dark skies:

“The sky is out again, galloping on its inherited ribbon. It’s so easy
to stand under it: the whole pulse

of the world, the dead stars, clouds slinking around, thinking rain,
thinking landless, then giving up on that

and wandering slow with a thought of tomorrow.”

The book features an insightful foreword by Grand Canyon National Park’s Dark Sky Ranger, Rader Lane, who expresses admiration for Camp's intuitive understanding of darkness as an entity to be explored and lived in. “There is a long history of poets who have attempted to capture the sublimity of both the Grand Canyon and its night skies through the written word,”said Lane. “Yet, no poet I have ever read has approached the impossible task with such beauty, maturity, and respect as the brilliant mind of Lauren Camp. This collection shines with a strong emotional intelligence towards our complex relationships with natural darkness. It also comes with a needed tenderness towards our over-lit 21st century.”

Camp, an accomplished author of seven other books, brings her poetic prowess to illuminate the natural wonders of Grand Canyon National Park in In Old Sky. The book is a testament to the intersection of art and nature, inviting readers to embark on a literary and visual odyssey through the heart of one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes.

In Old Sky is available for purchase at https://www.grandcanyon.org/store.

On Thursday, April 18, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. PST, GCC will host a virtual Book Club event with In Old Sky author Lauren Camp. To register or to learn more, visit https://www.grandcanyon.org/experience-grand-canyon/events. 

About the Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence Program: The Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program, launched in the summer of 2021, offers professional and amateur astronomers, educators, scientists, writers, and artists the opportunity to practice and share their discipline under one of the most pristine night skies in the United States. The program is modeled after the Artist in Residence program, which is popular in parks nationwide. The park hosts a chosen applicant on-site for a short-term residency; the resident, in turn, completes projects in their discipline through direct experience of the park’s resources and engages in public programming. To learn more, visit https://www.grandcanyon.org/experience-grand-canyon/residency-program/astronomer-in-residence. 

About Grand Canyon Conservancy: 

Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park, and providing educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. Our members fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife and their natural habitat. Grand Canyon Conservancy inspires generations of park champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon. For more information, visit www.grandcanyon.org.