how to keep 'em interested?

[Dot_AK]

This week I 'm going to be a counselor for an aviation camp (high school juniors and seniors).

Anybody have any suggestions on how, in the off hours and spare time, to keep these kids interested and excited about aviation? We're covering ATC and lots of piloting, and taking a glancing blow at A&P as possible careers.

All advice that requires less than half a roll of duct tape appreciated!

 

[ShawnC]

If your camp isn't already doing it, see if you can arrange a set of Young Eagle flights.

 

[wickedpilot]

A fellow CFI @ my flight school told me about his experience instructing at an aviation camp a few weeks back. He said all the staff/instructors simulated ATC procedures by giving the kids taxi and takeoff clearances. They'd explain what it would look like from the twr controllers point of view. They had borrowed real strips and everything.

"Billy, you're cleared to taxi to the red chair after passing by the bookshelf." etc (I'm sure the kids had their arms spread wide the whole time!)

 

[cherokee]

Hey ShawnC who that in the avatar?

 

[JJJ]

Like ShawnC said see if you can get them a ride in an airplane if that is not already part of the program. Talking about flying all day might be cool for a kid, but flying for 15-20 min is REALLY cool.

In the off time, I would make them run the distance it takes a 747 to take-off. That way they can see how far it is, and expel some of the energy built up by sitting all day.

 

[hobbsmeter]

The HOTTIE in ShawnC's avatar is Keira Knightley, she's in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie, which is pretty good flick.
Hope that helps

 

[ShawnC]

Hey ShawnC who that in the avatar?

Yep it's Keira Knightley, she's mega hot.