Kids in Aviation Summer Camp

Students will explore the exciting world of helicopters in this hands-on learning experience. They will learn about the different parts of a helicopter, how each component works, and how pilots use the controls to take off, hover, and fly. 

In addition to classroom learning, students will have the unique opportunity to see and sit inside a real helicopter, explore the cockpit, and observe the instruments pilots use during flight. The experience also includes a visit to a helicopter maintenance hangar, where students will learn how skilled mechanics inspect and maintain aircraft to ensure safety and performance. 

Campers will learn the basics of aerodynamics, aircraft design, and control as they explore how airplanes generate lift and stay in the air. Students will discover how radio-controlled (RC) planes work, what makes them stable, and how pilots maneuver them in flight.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about building and flying RC planes, gaining insight into balance, control surfaces, and safe flying practices. In addition, each student will build their own model rocket to take home and launch with their family. 

Maintenance Day offers students an immersive introduction to the world of aircraft maintenance and aviation safety. Students will become familiar with the tools commonly used by aviation technicians and learn about typical maintenance concerns that mechanics address to keep airplanes operating safely and efficiently.

Students will also practice tying aviation safety wire, an important technique used to secure fasteners and critical components on aircraft. The group will visit an active airplane maintenance hangar to observe real-world maintenance operations and see how trained professionals inspect, repair, and care for aircraft. 

Students will explore the critical role of air traffic controllers and the airport control tower in keeping aircraft operating safely and efficiently. They will learn about the responsibilities of controllers, how aircraft are sequenced for takeoff and landing, and how communication and teamwork ensure safe operations in busy airspace. As part of the experience, students will participate in a guided tower tour at Falcon Field Airport, where they will see firsthand how controllers monitor aircraft and manage airport traffic.

In the afternoon, the group will visit the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Arizona Museum for an in-depth tour of the museum, maintenance hangar, and historic warplanes. Students will learn about the preservation of vintage aircraft, explore aviation history, and see how these remarkable airplanes are maintained and restored. This engaging day combines modern aviation operations with a unique look at historic military aircraft.

Students will explore the science of aerodynamics and discover how airplanes generate lift and move through the air. Through engaging demonstrations and hands-on activities, they will learn about key concepts such as lift, drag, thrust, and airflow, and how these forces work together to make flight possible.

As part of the experience, each student will build their own working wind tunnel to take home. Using simple materials, they will test different shapes and designs to see how air moves around objects and how design impacts performance. This interactive lesson combines science, engineering, and creativity while helping students better understand the principles that make flight possible.

Location: 

Kids in Aviation, 4562 East Mallory Circle, Suite 101, Mesa, AZ

DATES:

June 15th - 19th, 2026

June 22nd - 26th, 2026

Hours: 9am-3pm