On June 22, 2026, campers spent the afternoon exploring the science of flight during a hands-on aviation program led by Kyle and Gwen.
The session introduced campers to the four forces of flight—lift, weight, thrust, and drag—and gave them the opportunity to discover how these forces work together to keep airplanes in the air. Rather than simply learning from a lecture, campers participated in a series of interactive demonstrations that brought aviation principles to life.
One activity challenged campers to predict how different objects would fall when dropped, helping them understand the role of drag and air resistance. Another favorite was the balloon rocket demonstration, where campers observed how escaping air creates thrust, the same force that propels airplanes forward. Campers also explored the concept of lift by observing how moving air over a strip of paper can cause it to rise, demonstrating how differences in air pressure help aircraft stay aloft.
Throughout the program, campers were encouraged to make predictions, ask questions, and test their ideas. Their enthusiasm was especially evident during a human airplane activity, where volunteers acted out the four forces of flight and demonstrated how airplanes take off, climb, cruise, and land.
The lesson concluded with an opportunity for campers to examine balsa gliders and identify the parts of an aircraft that contribute to flight. By connecting each activity to real-world aviation, campers gained a deeper understanding of the science that allows airplanes to soar through the sky.
The aviation program combined science, engineering, and hands-on discovery in a way that made learning both engaging and memorable. Thanks to Kyle and Gwen's leadership, campers left with a greater appreciation for the forces that make flight possible and a new understanding that every airplane in the sky is constantly balancing lift, weight, thrust, and drag.
