Contributed Photo: The Boy Scouts will be offering a drone flight school this summer.
Contributed Article
SCOTTSDALE – The Boy Scouts of America’s Grand Canyon Council (GCC), an independent nonprofit organization chartered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in Arizona, is hosting its annual Camp Geronimo with one exciting new addition – a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) technology-based Drone Flight School this summer.
Beginning May 30, GCC will host weekly summer camp sessions at Camp Geronimo outside of Payson, Arizona through July 24, 2021. The pilot Drone Flight School camp will be available for two sessions – June 6-12 and June 13-19 and will feature an introduction to drone piloting. Youth not currently registered in the Scouting program can still experience Camp Geronimo programs by registering through https://www.azoutdoored.org.
Children 13 years and older will learn about the physics of aviation while building and flying his or her own custom Modit™ Drone System. This full-week, action-packed overnight camp will encourage critical thinking and creativity as participants collaborate to solve challenges and role-playing missions.
“We are excited to launch the first Scout Drone Flight School camp option in the United States located right here in Arizona,” said GCC BSA Camp Director Alan Chambers. “We believe that this will be one of our most popular offerings and we look forward to welcoming Scouts from all states.”
This journey not only teaches them how to fly, but how all the parts of a four-propeller quad-copter work together to perform maneuvers at speeds up to 15 mph and reach a flight range of more than 1,000 feet. All participants will master the beginner level skills and most of the intermediate level skills and no prior experience is necessary.
Chambers added, “It’s no secret that kids are overwhelmingly drawn to emerging technology. Drone Flight School provides a unique opportunity for the Scouts to unplug in Arizona’s tall pines while staying connected with emerging STEM-related technology.”
Camp Geronimo, located north of Payson in the Mogollon Rim on nearly 200 acres of forest and meadows, is surrounded by more than 5,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest. There are many scenic trails that lead from camp to the top of the rim where camp-goers can stand at the edge of the Colorado Plateau and take in the views.
Recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic is still a real concern, the GCC staff and health supervisors are coordinating with state and local departments to ensure the health and safety of all participants is their top priority. Last summer there were zero cases of COVID-19 at Camp Geronimo.
There are six programs at Camp Geronimo in addition to the new Drone Flight School dependent on skill and age level in which participants can partake in different activities to gain new life experiences.
“We offer a wide variety of camp experiences for boys and girls at any age level with experience ranging from beginners to experts,” Chambers added. “Camp Geronimo is an amazing Scouting experience that shouldn’t be missed.”
Youth looking to get involved with BSA can visit www.BSAscout.org to learn more. To reserve a spot at Camp Geronimo, visit www.campgeronimo.org.
About Camp Geronimo
Camp Geronimo is a year-round facility. In addition to the Scouts BSA summer camp program held June through August, Camp Geronimo hosts several events ranging from unit camping opportunities to training courses and district events. Visit www.campgeronimo.org for more information.
About the Grand Canyon Council, Inc.
The Grand Canyon Council, Inc., Boy Scouts of America is a legally and financially independent nonprofit organization chartered by BSA to deliver Scouting programs throughout most of central and northern Arizona, a small part of southern Utah, and a small part of southwestern New Mexico. Their mission is to prepare young people make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law. For more information, visit www.grandcanyonbsa.org.
The Boy Scouts of America Programs
- Cub Scouting is a family and home-centered program for boys and girls who are in kindergarten through fifth grade.
- Scouts BSA is for boys and girls ages 11-18 and is designed to achieve BSA objectives through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with adult counsel. The Motto, “Be Prepared” is recognized worldwide.
- Venturing is a coed program that focuses on outdoor and hobby activities as well as peer leadership.
- Exploring is for young men and women, ages 14-20, that provides real opportunities to explore career choices and other vocational opportunities. This is accomplished in association with business and community partners as well as local school systems.
