WMU's College of Aviation Summer Camp
In past years, Western Michigan University has ran a week long summer camp for high school students focusing on the exciting field of aviation. Previous Aviation Summer Camps have been a great success filled with good memories, friends, flying, and exceptional content! Please take a moment to see what Aviation Summer Camp is all about.
2024 Aviation Summer Camp information
Aviation Summer Camp is open to current high-school students who are interested in exploring the world of aviation! Please read all of the information thoroughly as we've made some big changes this year!
There are four sessions to choose from for the upcoming 2024 Aviation Summer Camp program:
- Session 1 | June 21 - 24
- Session 2 | June 28 - July 1
- Session 3 | July 12 -15
- Session 4 | August 2 - 5
All sessions will offer the same/similar activities to explore a variety of experiences in flight, aviation operations & management, and aircraft maintenance. Each session will allow for 16 high-school students and their guardian to attend. IMPORTANT: One guardian must be present with their camper during specified activities. Specific programming and schedules are subject to change based on weather, partner availability and other factors outside of our control.
activities & Details
Activities Include:
- Flight in our Cirrus Aircraft
- Simulator Experience in our state-of-the-art simulator
- Flight Planning with our Certified Flight Instructors
- Corporate Aviation Tour with our Industry Partner
- Aircraft Riveting & Restoration at the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo
- Airport Operations & Safety Planning Simulation with WMU Aviation Alumni & Airport Management team
- Aircraft Engine Run-Up Activity in our Engines Lab & Test Cells
- Composite Activity in our Air Frame & Composites Lab
- Campus Tours & Program Information Session: Main Campus & Aviation Campus
- Food & Fun at one of our local entertainment centers
...and more!
UPDATES TO 2024 PROGRAMMING
DAYTIME ONLY:
This year our programming will NOT include over-night activities. Additionally, 1 guardian is required to be present for specified camp activities. We are not offering lodging on-campus, see further details in the next section.
LODGING:
This year we will NOT be offering on-campus housing. Campers and guardians will be responsible for their own lodging accommodations and costs. Payments towards the camp deposit and remaining balance do NOT cover lodging.
There are a variety of lodging options available for non-local campers at local hotels. If you are in need of lodging information, click the check-box and session specific information will be sent to you. Special rates for rooms are available to campers and their guardians at specific hotels for each session.
Room block reservations must be made in advance! Blocks will close 30 days prior to each session's start date.
Note: You are in no way obliged to book a stay under the blocked rate. We encourage all non-local families to explore their options and arrange the lodging that best fits their needs.
TRANSPORTATION:
This year we will NOT be offering transportation. Camp participants and their guardians are responsible for their own transportation to all camp activities on and off campus. The camp schedule and address information will be provided in advance.
MEALS:
Some meals will be provided for lunch and/or dinner however, breakfast will NOT be provided. Campers will be responsible for any meals had outside of camp programming and operation hours. Meals that occur during camp programming and operation hours are covered in the camp tuition.
camp cost information
Total Camp Cost: $1500.00 due by 6/1/2024
Registration Deposit Amount: $500 (applies towards the total cost but is due at the time of registration) **Deposits are non-refundable, so please review all of the information on this page in detail prior to submitting your deposit payment.
REMAINING BALANCE:
The remaining balance for camp is due no later than June 1st 2024 regardless of your session's start date. Payment plans may be orchestrated upon request. Requests for payment plans should be made as early as possible to ensure balance is paid by the due date.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE:
Partial scholarships are available while funding lasts. Early application is encouraged as scholarship funding is limited. Applications will be reviewed on a fist-come, first-served basis. Campers may apply for a partial scholarship towards their remaining balance after their registration is complete. If your camper would like to apply for a partial scholarship, please check the box and a scholarship application will be sent to you. Awards and amounts will be determined based upon the camper's passion for and dedication to aviation as demonstrated in their scholarship application essay.
To help students prepare their scholarship essays in advance, we've uploaded a digital copy of the application form and essay prompt below.
View Scholarship Essay Prompt Here
HOW TO REGISTER:
Registration Opens On February 4th 2024! Beginning at 12:01am EST on 02/04/2024, follow the steps below to secure your spot!
1. Visit the payment portal to submit the $500 deposit for the session of your choice.
2. Once you've paid the deposit, complete the registration agreement here: https://wmich.edu/aviation/summercamp-registration-agreements to indicate you understand the payment process, registration process, and your responsibilities considering the changes that have been made to our program for 2024.
3. A registration packet will either be mailed or emailed to you based on the preferences you elected in the payment portal. Complete all information forms, the student essay and waivers. Mail these completed documents back to us within 30 days of your deposit payment. Virtual/ Digital submission of completed documents cannot be accepted.
4. If interested, submit your completed scholarship application ASAP.
5. Arrange for your lodging and transportation. Note: blocks close 30 days prior to the session start date.
6. Pay your remaining balance by the due date of June 1st 2024.
__________________________________________
CAMPER PACKET INFO:
The Camper Information Packet will include:
Waivers (required)
- A student essay prompt (required) - This is NOT the same as the scholarship essay prompt.
- Personal information forms (required)
- Medical information forms (required)
- Lodging information for your session (for your reference and coordination), and
- General information about camp programming (for you to keep)
MAILING ADDRESS FOR CAMPER PACKETS:
WMU's College of Aviation Summer Camp
C/O: Camp Coordinator
237 N. Helmer Road
Battle Creek, MI 49037
**Completed documents must be mailed. We do not accept these documents virtually. Digitally submitted packets will be automatically deleted without being opened.
Questions?
All questions can be directed to Tom Thinnes
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