WILMINGTON — Air Transport Services Group recently shared the success of its Aviation Camp 2024, which took place throughout June at Wilmington Air Park. This annual event aims to inspire and educate the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and professionals, according to a news release.
The Aviation Camp offers a unique opportunity for students in grades six through 12 to immerse themselves in the careers available in aviation. Through a series of interactive hands-on activities curated by experienced instructors from all areas of the ATSG network of companies, participants gain valuable insights into various aspects of the aviation industry, including aircraft maintenance, flight operations, logistics, and aviation safety.
“ATSG is committed to fostering a passion for aviation to inspire future employees,” said Mike Berger, chief executive officer of ATSG. “Our Aviation Camp is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation sector and the exciting career opportunities it offers. We believe that by investing in education and training activities like Aviation Camp, we can help build a strong pipeline of future aviation professionals.”
Highlights of Aviation Camp 2024 included:
Aerospace Manufacturing: Each camper designed and built a cell phone holder using various manufacturing equipment resources.
Aviation Maintenance: Participants executed a maintenance check in the cockpit of a Boeing 767-300 aircraft, testing systems that ensured proper aircraft operation; and additionally engaged in a hands-on avionics exercise.
Airport Operations: Campers operated de-icing vehicles, simulated Wilmington Air Park’s 19-acre water filtration system, and joined air traffic controllers in the tower.
Flight Operations & Safety: Activities included building skids, loading and unloading freight containers with a K-loader, and marshalling a Boeing 767-300 freighter.
Pilot Careers: Campers flew Boeing 767 and Boeing 757 simulators with an instructor, constructed 3D-printed motorized cars, and learned the principles of flight.
Applications for Aviation Camp opened in May, with applications doubling from the prior year. Twenty campers were selected from nearly 50 applications received. This year’s campers included:
Justin Scarberry, Ben Zerguit, Wilmington City Schools
Laural McCoy, Jaxon Pierson, Fairfield Local Schools
Aaron Stinger, Clermont Northeastern Schools
Josiah Guentter, Loveland City Schools
Emory Holbrook, Serenity Roth, Grayson Goldschmidt, Blanchester Local Schools
Brayden Warne, Kylie Scott, Connor Goff, Kourtney May, Lynchburg Clay Local Schools
Elijah Curry, Mercy Persing, Noble Persing, Patience Persing, Homeschool
Lauren McCreary, Clinton-Massie Local Schools
Jonny Cunningham, East Clinton Local Schools
Waylan Erwin, Greeneview Local Schools
Mike and Judith Berger again provided a $1,000 scholarship to the camper who earned the top camper award. This year’s recipient was Lauren McCreary, who impressed all the instructors with her understanding of mechanics and aerospace manufacturing principles. McCreary plans to pursue a career in aerospace engineering.
The 2023 winter scholarship recipient, Serenity Roth from Blanchester High School, will use her scholarship to further her aviation maintenance career as she starts the A&P Technician program at Laurel Oaks Career Campus in Wilmington, Ohio, during the fall of 2024.
Kym Parks, director of marketing, who oversees ATSG’s workforce pipeline initiatives, emphasized the importance of early exposure to aviation careers: “The Aviation Camp is an excellent platform for students to explore their interests while being exposed to the many career opportunities available in aviation. We are proud to support the growth and development of the next generation of aviators.”
For more information about Aviation Camp 2024 and to apply, please visit ATSG’s website or contact the camp coordinator at [email protected].
