Students interested in aviation have one more chance to sign up for a unique summer camp at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, with limited spots remaining before registration closes.
The two-day Aviation Summer Camp, scheduled for July 13-14, is hosted by the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport in partnership with the Kentucky Aerospace Education Center, home of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. The camp is open to students ages 10-17 and costs $299 per participant.
Airport Director Tristan Durbin said this marks the second consecutive year the Lexington-based program has brought one of its traveling camps to Owensboro.
“Last year was our first year being added to their schedule for one of these satellite camps, and so we’re really excited about having it here for the second year in a row,” Durbin said.
The camp is designed to introduce students to aviation through a variety of hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities. Participants will tour the airport’s control tower and aircraft rescue and firefighting facility, learn about avionics, use flight simulators, and receive instruction in aeronautics and navigation.
Perhaps the biggest highlight is an opportunity for each camper to take part in a flight and spend time at the controls of an aircraft with an instructor.
“They will also get to go on about a 45-minute flight each and have the opportunity to actually fly the airplane,” Durbin said. “Obviously, with some help and assistance.”
The camp can accommodate 36 students.
Durbin said the airport views the program as an opportunity to expose young people to the many career paths available in aviation.
“Anytime that we get to have kids or youth from around the community come out to the airport and introduce them to aviation, it helps hopefully spark interest in aviation,” he said. “It also gets to show them multiple different career fields in aviation, not just being a pilot.”
Students will interact with professionals from several areas of the industry, including air traffic control and aircraft rescue and firefighting.
Durbin said organizers have also worked to make the camp accessible by partnering with community organizations and sponsors to provide scholarships.
“We work really hard to try to limit barriers to entry for this camp,” he said. “Of the 36 slots that are available, we worked with multiple different people and organizations to help sponsor scholarship opportunities for 13 of those this year.”
Lunch, snacks, and drinks will be provided during the camp, though participants with allergies or specific dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own food. Campers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes.
Registration information is available through the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport, and officials expect the remaining spots to fill quickly.
