The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Chapter 1685 is hosting a Young Eagles Aviation Workshop Day Camp next month at the Baldwin County Regional Airport next month.
EAA promotes various educational programs and activities to inspire people of all ages to learn and enjoy the various fields of aviation and STEM. EAA Chapter 1685 was chartered in March 2023 and, according to Chapter President Kalina Milani, has been “paying forward EAA’s ‘Spirit of Aviation’ through our many activities.”
“The Young Eagles Workshop Day Camp for Kids is part of EAA’s Young Eagles framework and provides youth, ages 11-17, with an opportunity to learn about aviation in a social setting at our airport,” said Milani.
“EAA provides the curriculum. It covers all major aviation topics, and the chapter can choose to teach that content,” explained Young Eagles coordinator Roberto Hornung. “The goal is to show them that aviation is not only commercial flying but has many career opportunities and can also be a hobby.”
Hornung is a local private pilot who teaches aviation at Baldwin High School. He said the camp's main goals are to teach youth about STEM, promote aviation as a career or hobby, and allow youth to explore aviation in a professional, experienced environment.
“Each of the workshops is taught by at least one active or retired pilot, and each workshop will have at least two volunteers connected to aviation,” said Hornung.
“Some of the instructors are also aircraft builders who are building their own aircraft, which is another aspect of what EAA is about. So, we will also teach our Young Eagles about assembling an aircraft as well,” added Chapter 1685 Secretary Andy Milani.
The camp takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 10, 17, and 24, with a different topic each day. Day 1 will be all about airplanes, including the aerodynamics of flight and aviation communication. Day 2 will focus on compass headings, flight instruments, pilotage, and sectional charts, and the final day will address weather basics, air traffic patterns, and aircraft building.
At least one workshop each day will be conducted on an actual aircraft, expanding education outside the classroom setting.
“The program includes learning modules on various aviation subjects, activity worksheets, and interactive activities such as hands-on building, fabricating projects, and role-playing related to piloting,” said Milani. “This workshop is a great opportunity for our youth to establish a good foundation in aviation basics.”
An EAA completion certificate will be awarded after all modules are completed, and Young Eagles who complete all workshop modules will receive priority for free Young Eagles discovery flights on Oct. 26. Discovery Flights allow youth to fly for free around Milledgeville to see things from the air “at a relatively low level,” according to Andy Milani.
“In April this year, we provided free Discovery Flights to 24 kids. Many participants have gone on to explore aviation further through EAA’s Student Membership program,” Kalina Milani added.
To register, visit youngeaglesday.org/?yedetail&event=8GHf3Ugo6 and follow the online application instructions. There is a $10 registration fee to cover workshop materials, snacks, and drinks, plus parental waiver forms to be signed for the registration to be complete. Registration will remain open until 5 p.m. Aug. 8 to all Baldwin County and surrounding- area youth, depending on space and availability.