The LaPorte Municipal Airport offered an Aviation Camp this summer from June 20th through the 24th. Students entering grades 6 through 12 grade were invited to participate in aviation-related experiments, a “behind-the-scenes” airport tour, an introductory flight and were able to speak with aviation experts like flight instructors, mechanics, retired military pilots, and airline pilots.
The students even got to spend a day at Kalamazoo Air Zoo, an aviation museum and indoor amusement park near the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport in Portage.
The camp will be celebrating the end of camp with a Community Aviation Night on Friday, June 24 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm.
Everyone in the community is invited to check out a showcase of planes and helicopters and enjoy a very informative presentation by General Dan Cherry, a Vietnam fighter pilot and the author of “My Enemy, My Friend.” The VFW will also be presenting some local veterans with medals and the Aero Club will be honoring their 40th anniversary.
The students will also be recognized for all their hard work and a slideshow of photos from their time at camp will be shared.
“Camp is all about exposing kids to aviation. Most kids don’t even consider becoming a pilot an option for them to pursue, whether as a hobby or a career,” said Diane Bos Schwarz, Manager at LaPorte Municipal Airport. “We want them to have fun and want them to learn something. Most of them will tell you the highlight was their flight.”
“The reactions as the kids get out of the plane are priceless. ‘That was awesome!’ or ‘fantastic!’ are just some of the things I hear.” said Schwarz.
The camp only charges $50 per kid thanks to generous sponsors like Braje, Nelson & Janes, Laporte Aero Club, Stuart Glenn, and Woolpert, Inc., who offset the cost.
All are welcome to come join the fun and get a taste of what the kids at Aviation Camp experienced this summer. The event will be held at the LaPorte Municipal Airport at 2341 S State Road 39.
To learn more about the camp, click here.