Toured Facilities, Learned About Aerospace Careers

More than 500 Boy and Girl Scouts, and their leaders, from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York pitched their tents for a three-day campout on the Sikorsky Aircraft grounds in Stratford over the weekend. As part of the campout, the scouts learned about aerospace, electricity, emergency preparedness, energy and other Merit Badge subjects. Sikorsky subject matter experts from a cross-section of different company departments will share their knowledge with the scouts. Many of these Sikorsky employees are former scouts and continue to volunteer for other scouting activities throughout the year. The scouts also toured the production facility, including the avionics labs and final assembly lines, getting a bird's-eye view of helicopter manufacturing.

"Some of these scouts may one day choose careers in aerospace. We are proud to offer them a chance to visit our facility and spend three exciting days getting familiar with the inner workings of Sikorsky Aircraft," said David Adler, President, Sikorsky Aerospace Services.  "Scouting teaches valuable skills and encourages these young folks to become involved in their communities and to be responsive to the needs of others. We share these values at Sikorsky and welcome the opportunity to help mentor our young scouts," said Adler, a former assistant scoutmaster and a Connecticut Yankee Council Executive Board member.

"Camp Sikorsky makes a real difference in the lives of scouts. My daughter Grace – whose dream is to be a pilot and eventually an astronaut – had a chance (at a previous campout) to interact with excellent role models," said Susan Poe, Troop 63193 of Groton, Conn. "Sikorsky staff took the time to provide her with thoughtful career advice and encouragement. In these hard economic times, scouts need this program more than ever."

Throughout the years, Camp Sikorsky has been an inspiration for many young Scouts interested in the aerospace industry. Today, two former scouts who attended the camp as kids are employed by Sikorsky. "One of the highlights of the event was the outstanding address by the Eagle Scout who attended the very first Camp Sikorsky and who today enjoys his career as an electrical engineer at Sikorsky. His story resonated with our scouts and has stretched their minds about their own career potential in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math," said Bill Purcell, President, Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, and a committee member of Troop 63 of Woodbridge, CT.

FMI: www.sikorsky.com/About+Sikorsky/Events/Camp+Sikorsky