INSPIRING
THE NEXT
GENERATION OF
HOBBYISTS
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadb@modelaircraft.org
INSURANCE, safety, club support, advocacy, event management, and this magazine are all great services that AMA provides for its members. These efforts help fulfill AMA’s vision to make modeling the foremost hobby in the world. In its vision statement, AMA also expresses a commitment to leadership, quality, education, and scientific/technical development. In June, AMA staff hosted Camp AMA, which was a shining example of how we are actively fulfilling this vision.
From June 7-11, 2021, students from across the country congregated at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Thanks to our members and staff, AMA created a week-long program incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) into aeromodeling.
Students were challenged to engineer, scratch-build, and kit-bash various models from Free Flight (FF) to RC. One student reengineered, and then successfully flew, a 5-foot scratch-built,
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cardboard version of the AMA BETA FF model.
During camp, scattered throughout the Claude McCullough Education room at the National Model Aviation Museum, were rows of tables filled with foam, balsa, CA adhesive, and tools. It was reminiscent of the older days of Nats, when hangars would also have rows of tables with hobbyists tinkering, refining, and building model aircraft. It was an exciting sight.
Many notables, from AMA member and astronaut Neil Armstrong, to contemporaries such as AMA member Matt Keennon, the technical lead for the Mars Ingenuity project, were inspired by model aviation as children. Modeling has led thousands of hobbyists to exciting careers. I am confident that many of the youth who attended Camp AMA will also become inspired to be our country’s next generation of engineers, teachers, aviators, and scientists.
Perhaps equally important, Camp AMA allowed these students to build relationships and enjoy the hobby with like-minded youth. After all, this hobby is not just about the models; it is about the people and relationships.
Look for coverage about Camp AMA in Kyle Jaracz’ “Education Through Aviation” column in this issue, other media outlets, and on social media, such as AMA’s Facebook page. You’ll find some great testimonies, photos, and videos.
I encourage you to sponsor or invite a youth to Camp AMA next year. Until then, visit www.modelaircraft.org or www.amaflightschool.org to learn about other AMA youth programs, such as the Model Aviation Student Clubs, Quick Build Projects, or our free, virtual AMA Jr. Camp. I also encourage you to bring your daughter, son, grandchild, or relative to the flying field, along with a sibling or friend, so that they can experience the joys of the hobby. And who knows, you might inspire the next Neil Armstrong in the process.
Stay safe.
