Students ages 13 to 18 can get a taste of the lighter side of aviation this summer. The Balloon Federation of America is hosting summer camps in Michigan and Massachusetts.
During the camps, students will learn about topics including balloon systems, weather, crew safety, ballooning rules and regulations, and more. The camp also will include hands-on activities for the students like balloon tethers, according to the website.
The camps are scheduled for July 18 through 22 at Albion College in Albion, Mich., and Aug. 1 though 4 at Great Barrington Airport in Great Barrington, Mass. The camp costs $395 per child.
“Never before have I seen something involving so much teamwork as crewing a hot air balloon!” wrote Grace McDonald, a 2007 balloon camp participant. In the letter posted on the association’s website, McDonald recalls the aviation history and weather information that she learned from the experience.
The camps aren’t just for students; the organization also is accepting volunteer applications from pilots who want to help with the Michigan event.
The Balloon Federation of America, founded in 1961, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that is dedicated to advancing the sport and science of lighter-than-air aviation.