Fiona’s Air Academy Adventure
This year, I had the honor of attending EAA’s Air Academy Camp. This was a week-long camp that focused on many aspects of aviation and gave me life long friends.
Throughout the camp, we had many opportunities to make workshop projects. I learned to work with materials like composite, sheet metal, and wood. I even got to weld and 3D print. Most of these things were new to me and the camp gave me the opportunity to try them. We also had many different activities like flight simulators, ground school work, mock NTSB investigation, paper plate parachutes, and much more. At Air Academy, I also got to ride in a helicopter for the first time. I was one of the lucky campers who got a ride in a Cessna 162 SkyCatcher with one of the counselors.
When we had time to relax at the lodge, the basement was filled with games and I could always find a person to talk to. Because Air Academy overlaps with Oshkosh, we also had some time on the grounds. For many campers it was their first time, so it was fun to show them around. The week was packed with activities, but they were always fun and exciting.
Air Academy was such a helpful resource for me in making more connections in the aviation world. Many of the counselors were super sociable and could answer any question you had. The counselors were beyond helpful and you could always rely on them. Each camper had their own story and it was fun to get to know them, too.The week was exhausting at times, but I had so much fun and would do it again in a heartbeat. It was really hard leaving and I kept thinking about camp in the days after. It is definitely an experience that I won’t forget and will cherish for many years. Thank You, Chapter 846
Congrats Fiona Burke and Xavier Wilson!
Congratulations to Fiona Burke and Xavier Wilson for being chosen as the recipients of the 2025 Chapter 846 Explore Aviation Camp Scholarships. Fiona will attend the Session 3 camp from July 15 - 23 and Xavier will attend the Session 4 camp July 25 - August 2.
Many thanks to Amy Tytko for also applying for the scholarship. Unfortunately, the chapter only had two scholarships with three very qualified candidates. Hopefully, Amy will apply for the 2026 scholarship.
Do you know a young person who loves aviation as much as you do? Let them know about the EAA Air Academy and our scholarship to attend!
Chapter 846 of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) offers two full scholarships to attend the EAA Explore Aviation Camp in Oshkosh, WI, each summer, to deserving area youth who have an interest in aviation. The EAA Camps are fun-filled nine-day aviation camp experiences for youth ages 16-18. Since 1984, experienced instructors and dedicated staff have shared their knowledge and love of aviation through hands-on workshops, classrooms, and outdoor experiences.
The Scholarships cover the entire cost of each camp ($1,650) as charged by EAA, which includes room and board. The recipients of the scholarship will only need to provide his/her own transportation to and from Oshkosh. More information about the Explore Aviation Camp can be found at HERE. There are two camp sessions that can be applied for. The Session 3 camp runs from July 15-23 and Session 4 camp runs from July 25-August 2. One scholarship is available for each camp session. Applicants may apply to both camps but only one scholarship will be awarded for each session. Do not apply on-line. Deadline is February 1, 2025. Additional instructions and requirements are noted on the application form. The application can be found HERE. **Note** The scholarship has been awarded for 2025. Check back in November for information on next year's scholarship to Explore Aviation Camp.
The completed application and letters of reference must be sent to Gary Baker, Scholarship Coordinator, eaachapter846@gmail.com by February 1, 2025.
2024 Chapter 846 Air Academy Recipient, Ian King
Congratulations Ian!
2023 Chapter 846 Air Academy Recipient, Douglas Tytko
Douglas Tytko was awarded the Chapter 846 EAA Air Academy Camp scholarship during the February 2023 Gathering. The Advanced Air Academy Camp will be held July 18-26, 2023.
Congratulations Doug!
