Camp Willa, a five-day program run by the Willa Brown Aviation Academy, is offering young people from underserved communities a unique introduction to aviation.
Camp Director Fareed Guyot explains the mission of the camp, which focuses on giving kids a taste of flying and the potential career paths within aviation: “We want them to know this world is out there,” Guyot says. “We show them everything from basic aerodynamics to an actual one-on-one flight, which is always a highlight.”
Each year, the camp hosts between 18 and 22 campers, giving participants firsthand experience with airplanes and aviation technology.
“The goal is that they come back with what I call the ‘post-flight grin,'” Guyot says. “They’re just like, ‘Man, this is awesome. I never thought of this before.’”
Susan Schwab, a pilot who works with the camp, highlights the representation gap in aviation, particularly among women and people of color.
“Right now, female airline pilots are just 6% of the industry, and pilots of color make up only 3%,” Schwab says. “I never knew about this as a girl until someone took me flying. That’s what we want to change for these kids.”
Beyond the excitement, Camp Willa aims to inspire confidence and encourage discipline. “If they can fly a plane, it opens their eyes to other possibilities,” Schwab explains. “We talk about the schooling and discipline it takes, too, so it’s a full package.”
For those who discover a true passion, Schwab has simple advice: “If you love it, do it. It’s a lot of work, but if you have a passion for it, that’s what matters.”
