For more information, please check out 
www.aviationsummercamp.net. You might also enjoy reading this post, featuring a note from one of ASCEND participants. ​

On 4/12- 4/14 a large boy scout camporee was held at SVA. Over 100 scouts participated in a variety of aviation related activities, including young eagle flights, which allowed many the opportunity to  earn their aviation merit badge.  A number of EAA-chapter 1083 volunteers, some representatives from CAP, as well as SVA volunteers offered their generous service, creating a memorable experience for all involved.
Please enjoy the below clip that wonderfully captures the spirit, resources and beauty of that event.

Many of us know Sandra Smith — the SVA Aviation Ground School instructor, CAP Sugar Valley Composite Squadron and Young Eagle pilot, from among many other roles we may know and recognize her. Recently Sandra was awarded by The Ninety-Nines International an Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship, specifically the Vicki Cruse Memorial Scholarship for Emergency Maneuver Training. Only one such scholarship is awarded each year to those who apply out of the more than 5,000 members worldwide. The course covers not only “upset recovery,” but also spin training and an introduction to aerobatics, the purpose of which is to enhance piloting skills and safe operations.  

Sandra represents a beautiful example of focus, dedication and persistence, and we are proud to know and have her on our team of volunteers who make Sugar Valley such a flourishing place.

Audrey Floyd (Scholarship Chairman of the Kitty Hawk Chapter of The Ninety-Nines) expressed it this way:  We all know about Sandra’s service and dedication to the 99s, and she is also very committed to promoting aviation to the community in general.  Her hard work and sacrifice has made her extremely deserving of this award.  Please join me in congratulating her on this prestigious award!

​We are indeed joining in celebration of this meaningful accomplishment. Sandra will be an amazing ambassador for women in aviation and as a representative for The Ninety-Nines. There could not be a more lovely ambassador! Congratulations, Sandra!

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​~ 4/12-4/14 SVA hosted a large Boy Scout Camporee. We had over 100 scouts plus their leaders. On Saturday they participated in many aviation ‘stations’ in order to get their aviation merit badge, including young eagle flights. A number of EAA-chapter 1083 volunteers, some representatives from CAP, as well as SVA volunteers offered their generous service, creating a memorable experience for all involved.

~ ​2/23 Safety Meeting. The theme was "HOW TO MAKE FLYING SAFER IN 2019" and covered a variety of topics for young pilots, seasoned (old) pilots, students and pros.  It was open to all pilots in the area and offered a chance to meet other pilots and understand different types of flying. It was an informative and interesting session, held in the large classroom of the Blue Hangar. 

Here is another group of happy students who completed private pilot ground school on 1/25/19. Congratulations to all the participants and a special thanks to the instructors Sandra Smith and Lee Kosub, who generously share their knowledge, skills and time. SVA Aviation Ground School is a free training offered twice a year by our amazing volunteers. The next session begins on May 24, 2019. Sign up if you'd like to take advantage of this opportunity and spread the word. Learn more here.

Look at all these bright faces! They sure do have a reason to shine, as they've just completed the spring course of our free aviation ground school. Next session begins in October! Find more info here.

​The past two Saturdays, Ray Travis and Michael Oliphant led a 2-part raku sculpture workshop. Here is a short clip for all to have a glimpse at the creative happening that took place.

Our friends at EAA Chapter 1083 in Rowan County are once again hosting the spectacular ASCEND aviation camp this Summer (June 18 thru Saturday June 23, 2018), open to youth of 13-18 years of age. The camp has proven to be a great success for budding aviation enthusiasts, and has inspired many young people to pursue aviation as their carrier.
 
Just recently this note was received from one of the ASCEND graduates Delante' V. Sykes (see photo), who now got his private pilot license. “Please let everybody know who helps put the camp together of my success, and I thank all of them for embracing me and helping me fall in love with aviation.” 

Click here to learn more about the camp and the program offered.
You can also check out their Facebook page. 

We have a treat for your eyes today. Though this event took place last September, the memories are still fresh, and this new video clip will revive the magical moments that happened then, yet can be enjoyed now.  Check it out! 

To read more about this fun event, see our earlier post.

​One of SVA friends, Steve Fritts, has offered 3 wonderful classes to some children (and a few adults 😊). The first class was about building a toy airplane, followed by a class in which they worked on constructing a radio.   In a recent class, the theme was electricity and magnetism.  
 
Since early childhood, Steve has been fascinated with “how things work.” What he wasn’t able to learn about electricity tinkering in the family’s garage, he made up for by joining 4-H where he discovered many opportunities to learn more.  This only increased his interest in all things electric.   After his service in the Air Force, Steve became involved in a career as an A&P (Airframe and Powerplant mechanic) in the aviation industry with a focus on avionics.  Steve is now retired and owns and flies his Cessna 140 at every opportunity.   A gifted and enthusiastic teacher, Steve continues to share his enthusiasm for “how things work” with youngsters all over the Piedmont Triad. Enjoy a few photos from these sessions, and see the children participating in and focused on learning “how things work.”
 
In addition to classes with Steve, children and young adults have enjoyed some pottery classes, art classes, as well as woodworking classes with local volunteers.
 
If you are interested in exploring what opportunities might be found at Sugar Valley Airport for you or your children, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. SVA offers a beautiful platform for people to share, connect, learn with and from each other. Come and experience for yourself!