EAA Air Academy Among MSN's 10 Summer Camps Worth the Money

March 14, 2013 - EAA's Air Academy summer camp programs have been recognized by MSN Money as one of 10 nationwide summer camps that are "worth the money," the website announced this week. Camps were chosen for not only keeping young people busy during the summer, but giving them a chance to develop passions and expand their horizons.

Since 1984, the Air Academy's week-long series of camps have been designed to immerse young people ages 12-18 in the world of aviation.

Campers are engaged through a variety of hands-on activities while staying at the EAA Air Academy Lodge in Oshkosh. Experienced aviation instructors help them delve into flight through studies, hands-on demonstrations, flight simulation, and other exciting activities.

"Kids will explore aviation through technical and learning classrooms, as well as hands-on experiences that give them life skills," said Bob Campbell, EAA director of museum and museum education. "The camps are a week of nonstop excitement where fun and discovery combine for an experience that young people can find nowhere else."

Twelve- to 13-year-olds are introduced to flight in the EAA Young Eagles Camp through small group activities taught by expert camp counselors. The EAA Basic Air Academy takes things to the next level, incorporating more hands-on projects and demonstrations for kids ages 14-15.

Introductory recreation flight experiences highlight the action-packed EAA Advanced Air Academy camp for 16- to 18-year-olds and gives students full access to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh action throughout the week. Sessions for 2013 are currently full; any additional applicants will be added to a waiting list and notified on a first-come, first-served basis if a spot opens.

A new camp added this summer is the EAA Advanced Air Academy/SportAir, for kids ages 16-19. This camps places a strong emphasis on aircraft construction, primarily composite and fabric techniques.

Air Academy enrollment is available on a first come, first served basis and positions fill up quickly. Limited openings are still available in the following 2013 summer programs:

EAA Young Eagles Camp

• Session 1: June 16-20, 2013 ($725)
• Session 2: June 22-26, 2013 ($725)

EAA Basic Air Academy

• Session 1: June 28-July 3, 2013 ($966)
• Session 2: July 8-13, 2013 ($966)
• Session 3: July 15-20, 2013 ($966)

EAA Advanced Air Academy
(Sessions Full: Applicants will be added to a waiting list and notified on a first-come, first-served basis if there's an open spot.)

• Session 1: July 23-31, 2013 ($1,210)
• Session 2: Aug. 2-10, 2013 ($1,210)

Advanced Air Academy/Sport Air

• Session 1: Aug.12-18, 2013 ($1,080)

All program costs include instruction, materials, meals, and lodging at the EAA Air Academy Lodge. Interested youth can also apply for scholarships to help fund this exciting learning experience.

For more information and to apply for a 2013 Air Academy camp program, visit the EAA Air Academy website.