New Summer Session For 10- And 11-Year-Olds

Few moments compare to a child's first experience with the joy of flight. EAA agrees. This is why the organization announced Wednesday its 2004 schedule for the nation's longest-running aviation camp, the EAA Air Academy. The Academy presents a complete, and improved, schedule of residence programs this summer. 

This year's youth program schedule will begin on June 12 and end on Aug. 9. The individual camps range from five to nine days in length and are designed for youth ages 12-18 and adults. In addition, three EAA Fantasy Flight Camps for adults are scheduled for October, with each three-day session featuring a different vintage aircraft.

Four separate youth programs are offered at the EAA Air Academy. New in 2004 is the Young Eagles Camp I, designed specifically for 10- and 11-year olds. In addition, the Young Eagles Camp II is aimed at 12- and 13-year-olds; Basic Air Academy for those 14 and 15 years old; and Advanced Air Academy ages 16-18. All sessions are based at the EAA Aviation Center and the Air Academy Lodge in Oshkosh.

"Since 1984, the EAA Air Academy has hosted thousands of young people from around the world, launching them on their own voyages of self-discovery and aviation adventure," said Chuck Larsen, EAA's Director of Museum and Residence Education. "Each participant will learn that the sky is not the limit - it's a beginning for aviation fun, adventure, friendship and knowledge."

The EAA Air Academy programs, which are accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA), are staffed with instructors with more than 180 years of experience at the Air Academy and more than 225 combined years of teaching and counseling background.  The Air Academy's mission is to provide a fun aviation learning experience and develop bonds with other young aviation enthusiasts.

In addition to the events designed for children, adults can enjoy three EAA Fantasy Flight Camps:

• Spirit of St. Louis Fantasy Flight Camp (October 1-3).
• Ford Tri-Motor Fantasy Flight Camp (October 15-17).
• B-17 Fantasy Flight Camp (October 29-31).

FMI:  www.eaa.org/education/airacademy.html