Photo By Staff Sgt. Carlynne King | U.S. Air Force Capt. Brannon Ferguson gives an F-15/C ‘tour’ and answers questions...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Members of the 125th Fighter Wing (125FW) had the opportunity to bring their children to base to attend a week-long summer camp from June 13-17. This annual event was offered through the STARBASE (Science, Technology, and Reinforcing Basic Aviation Space Exploration) program, and was structured with activities created just for kids to entice their minds with the world of science and technology.
The week started with the children learning how to use an Auto Computer Design (CAD) application, in which they created, colored and altered backgrounds for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). They also experimented with a flight simulator, getting the opportunity to “fly” a variety of aircraft over different types of terrain.
However, the program involved not only classroom instruction and computer-based learning, but also the chance for the kids to take part in hands-on activities and tours of different areas of base.
On one such tour, the campers visited the firehouse, where they got to operate the fire hose and observe firefighters demonstrate real-world maneuvers used during emergency situations.
Todd Jennings, one of the state firefighters at the 125FW, used one of the fire engines to drive the kids around in groups of four.
“Children love a firetruck, and are always attracted to the sights and sounds unique to that vehicle,” he said. “It was fun to have them on the truck. They all thought it was very cool.”
Master Sgt. Moises Colon, First Sergeant and acting Fire Chief for the 125FW, was equally enthusiastic about sharing his profession with the kids.
“My dream job was to be a fireman,” said Colon. “This was a wonderful opportunity to share what I do for a living. This is a calling! We are jacks-of-all-trades who are expected to perform at a master’s level at the drop of a hat. It is always a privilege and an honor to share our knowledge and experiences with those whom we serve.”
Another event the campers took part in was the “Eggbert Contest,” in which they competed to design the best “air bag” design to protect an egg, which was placed within a model wooden airplane before being zip-lined into a solid wooden board. They also built bridges out of Popsicle sticks, testing their creations’ weight durability with a radio controlled car.
On the final day of camp, the kids were taken to the hangar and the flight line area to witness pilots stepping to their jets to prepare for take-off. Capt. Brannon Ferguson, F-15 pilot and 159th Fighter Squadron Chief of Training, showed them a static jet and answered any questions they had about the aircraft or what it’s like to fly it.
Keeping the kids on point and ensuring the success of the camp was a dedicated team of passionate instructors, including Mark Frank, Mario Marchan and Lee McCook.
Frank has also made a tradition of bringing his 15-year-old son, Wyatt, out every summer with him. With all that experience, Wyatt – who hopes to one day join the Marine Corps – is now able to help instruct the younger students.
The instructor team starts camp every year by gauging each child’s level of understanding, and then determining how to best move the whole class forward.
“To me, engineering is just the bomb,” said Frank. “And to get this across to the kids, that’s the challenge.”
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.10.2016 09:43 |
| Story ID: | 203520 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FL, US |
| Web Views: | 371 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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