Background

The OBAP/Shawnee Summer Aviation Camp was held in Louisville, Kentucky from June 24-29, 2007. Following our extensive camp promotion/advertising via local newspapers and businesses, Jefferson County Public Schools System and local church announcements, we selected 72 students to participate in our 14th annual ACE camp. We divided 64 students into 6 teams (with one previous camp attendee serving as their team leader). Additionally, we had 5 high school students serve as junior counselors, which enabled them to develop their leadership skills and 3 high school students volunteering for community service credit. We were fortunate to field a staff of 23 volunteers from various professions (pilots (13), nurses, educators, lawyers, military personnel, and business professionals).

The primary focus of our camp was to expose middle-school aged students (6th – 8th graders) to opportunities available in the aviation industry. Our partnership with Shawnee High School introduces the parents/students to the Magnet Career Program, which includes a maintenance and aviation curriculum. This 4-year high school program is an ideal fit for students, who aspire to a career in the aviation industry and allows them to earn their Private Pilot’s license or credits towards their A&P certification.

Activities

Our activities for the week consisted of simulator rides at the United Parcel Service (UPS) Training Center, tour of FAA Control Tower and Radar Approach Control facility, C-130 flight provided by the Kentucky Air National Guard, tour of US Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio, an overnight trip to Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville, a single engine aircraft orientation flight with the Bowman Eagles and an awards picnic to recognize the students/parents/staff for their efforts throughout the week.

The TSU Aeronautical and Industrial Technology department sponsored our visit to their campus. This important facet of our aviation camp exposed the students to many aspects of college life. They received briefings from the admissions office and ROTC detachment personnel as well as students in the aviation program. These briefings, coupled with eating/staying on a college campus, will hopefully stimulate an interest to pursue a post secondary education. Additionally, our students were treated to activities at the NASA Lab, staff-directed rocket-building/launching exercises and micro-lessons about communication, goal setting and conflict resolution, which are important skill sets to have at one’s disposal.

Furthermore, our students were fortunate to receive a welcome address from Dr. Melvin Johnson, TSU President. They expressed their gratitude for his generosity by writing a ‘thank you’ letter to him. The students and staff also participated in a community service project to clean up facilities at Schrader Acres Assisted Living Center. This project allowed the kids to recognize the importance of giving back to their communities, which helps create a better society for everyone.

Sponsorship

Each year, we have reached out to the National Organization and several local companies to provide either monetary or in-kind services. This year, we were able to secure assistance from OBAP, Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund, United Parcel Service, Louisville Regional Airport Authority, Yum! Brands, Williams Food Service, TSU, and the Bowman Eagles.

The funds were used to pay for motor coach transportation to Dayton and Nashville, camp T-shirts, camp supplies (student journals, picnic items, etc) and activities at TSU.

Lessons Learned

Each year, we learn valuable lessons to enhance subsequent programs. Our students are afforded the opportunity to critique the entire week. After reviewing their critiques and our observations, we formulate a plan to modify (if necessary) upcoming camps. One of the most vocal comments is the desire from the students for a 2-week camp. Our challenge is to develop a 10-day or two separate week-long programs, which requires various personnel and organizational commitments. The ACE camp ‘whets the whistle’ of many of the attendees and ideally, we should develop a year-round program to mentor/nurture these students.