March 07, 2007

SIUC to host week-long summer aviation camp

by Chase Goble

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Department of Aviation Management & Flight at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will present Summer Wings, a week-long aviation camp designed to give interested high school students an opportunity to experience first-hand the thrill of flight.

Summer Wings offers those attending the chance to explore a career as a pilot by providing ground and flight training similar to the training that SIUC flight students undergo. Participants will attend ground school classes, fly university flight training devices and aircraft (weather permitting), and enjoy evening activities on campus. Organized social activities are planned and all campers are supervised by camp staff on a 24-hour basis. All flights will be conducted under the strict supervision of the Department of Aviation Management & Flight faculty members.

The commuter fee includes one evening meal, four lunches (Monday-Thursday), souvenir polo shirt, limited accident medical camper coverage, and all flight instruction. Included in the resident fee are all the above and supervised evening activities, all meals (Sunday dinner-Friday breakfast), and five nights lodging in the University's air-conditioned residence halls. Campers will enjoy excellent housing accommodations with two campers per room. Resident campers may choose their roommate.

There are two sessions for this camp, with each limited to eight students. Students must be completing their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. Applications will be accepted on a first-come basis. The first session of Summer Wings will take place June 17-22. For more information visit www.aviation.siu.edu. To register, contact the SIUC Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751 or visit www.dce.siu.edu. You may also contact camp director Lorelei Ruiz by calling 618/453-9251 or emailing her at lemiller@siu.edu.