10 Aviation Summer Camps for High School Students
- Stephen Turban
- Mar 31
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 14
If you are a high school student fascinated by flight, aviation summer camps provide flexible, focused hands-on opportunities to explore aviation. These camps expose you to college-level academics, practical flight training, and industry connections, all in a short, intensive format that span a few weeks. If you are considering a career as a pilot, aerospace engineer, or aviation mechanic, summer camps allow you to gain real-world experience without the long-term commitment or high costs of pre-college programs!
How are aviation summer camps different from pre-college programs in aviation?
Unlike traditional pre-college programs at universities, aviation summer camps are shorter, more focused experiences often hosted by flight schools, independent organizations, or military academies. These camps emphasize hands-on training, including flight simulations, aircraft maintenance, and air traffic control exercises, giving you a practical introduction to the aviation industry.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 aviation summer camps for high school students.
The WMU College of Aviation Summer Camp, hosted by Western Michigan University (WMU), is a week-long aviation experience designed for high school students interested in flight training, aviation technology, and aerospace careers. The camp offers a comprehensive introduction to aviation through hands-on flight experience, simulator training, and industry exposure.
You will participate in flight training on WMU’s Cirrus aircraft, use state-of-the-art flight simulators, and learn flight planning from Certified Flight Instructors. The program also includes tours of corporate aviation facilities, a visit to the Air Zoo aerospace museum, and hands-on activities in the Air Frame & Composites Lab. Additionally, you will also explore WMU’s aviation campus and main campus.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: ~30 students each class
Dates: Multiple sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Registration opens January 6
Eligibility: High school students
Location: Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
Cost: $2,250
Air Camp USA offers an interactive, hands-on aviation experience designed for high school students interested in aeronautics, flight science, and aviation careers. The program immerses students in real-world aviation training, including flight simulations, aircraft navigation exercises, and visits to aviation facilities.
Throughout the program, you’ll work with experienced aviation professionals, gaining insight into aircraft operations, aerodynamics, and flight safety. The camp also includes team-based projects and challenges, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for future aviation careers.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not enough information to be asserted
Dates: High School Camp: June 9 - June 12 | Overnight High School Camp: June 15 - June 18
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: Students entering grades 10 – 12
Location: Greater Dayton area, OH
Cost: High School Camp (4 days, no overnight) – $775 | Overnight High School Camp (4 Days, 3 Nights) – $1,145
The Wayman College of Aeronautics Aviation Summer Camp is a three-week immersive program designed for high school students interested in aviation and flight training. Hosted at South Florida’s premier aviation college, this program provides a strong foundation in private pilot ground school, along with hands-on flight experience.
You will attend daily ground school classes, covering fundamental aviation principles, flight navigation, and safety procedures. The program also includes two discovery flights, allowing you to fly over South Florida with an FAA-certified flight instructor, as well as a full-motion flight simulator session. Special events and networking opportunities with aviation professionals further enhance the experience.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Small class sizes of around 8-10 students
Dates: June 17 – July 8
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: High school students (ages 15+)
Location: Wayman College of Aeronautics, North Perry Airport, Pembroke Pines, FL
Cost: $1,997
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the nation’s top institutions for aviation and aerospace education, offers immersive summer camps for students eager to explore flight, engineering, robotics, and space sciences. The program offers two camps:
Summer Overnight Camps: You will live on campus, exploring careers in aviation, mechanical engineering, global security, and space exploration.
Summer Day Camps: Held at the Daytona Beach Campus, these week-long sessions focus on specialized topics such as aviation, robotics, math, and space sciences.
Camps are led by Embry-Riddle faculty, graduate students, and industry professionals, ensuring high-quality instruction and hands-on engagement. These programs provide a mix of academic challenge and hands-on learning, allowing you to experience campus life while engaging with cutting-edge technology and industry experts.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fairly welcoming (varies by program)
Dates: Multiple sessions based on camp selected
Application Deadline: Varies by camp
Eligibility: High school students (age requirements depend on the camp)
Location: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach, FL & Prescott, AZ
Cost: Varies by program
The Rising Aviation Summer Camp is a four-day structured program designed to introduce high school students to fundamental aviation and STEM concepts. You will participate in a variety of hands-on STEM activities, field excursions, and interactive learning experiences, offering insight into flight operations, drone technology, and aircraft maintenance. The Rising Aviation Summer Camp provides students with practical exposure to aviation careers, technical skill development, and foundational knowledge in flight operations.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fairly welcoming (varies by program)
Dates: June 2 – June 5
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: High school students entering grades 9 – 12
Location: Rising Aviation Academy
Cost: $495
The Saint Louis University (SLU) Aviation Summer Camp is a six-day, five-night residential camp designed for high school juniors and seniors interested in aviation careers. You will explore various aviation disciplines, including flight science, aviation management, aerial navigation, aircraft design, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and air traffic control.
Guided by SLU faculty, certified flight instructors, and student mentors, you will participate in hands-on learning activities and take flights in SLU aircraft with professional instructors. The program also includes off-campus field trips and a campus tour, offering students an inside look at aviation education and career pathways.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fairly welcoming
Dates: June 9 – June 14
Application Deadline: March 19
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5 required
Location: Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
Cost: $1,000
The Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) Aviation Summer Camp is a two-week immersive program designed for high school students in grades 9-12 interested in aviation. Held in two sessions, this camp provides hands-on experience in both manned and unmanned flight training. You will receive expert instruction, engage with guest speakers, and take weekly field trips to explore various career paths in aviation.
The program consists of two key components:
Flight Training – You will train in R-MA aircraft and flight simulators, receiving both ground and air instruction while learning from industry professionals.
Drone Applications – You will gain hands-on experience in drone operations, including aerial photography, mapping, and 3D modeling, with the option to complete the FAA remote pilot certification.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 12 students per session
Dates: Session I: June 22 – July 5 | Session II: July 6 – July 18
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Rising 9th – 12th graders
Location: Randolph-Macon Academy, Front Royal, VA
Cost: Inquire here
The US Aviation Academy Aviation Summer Camp is a five-day hands-on program designed for students ages 13 to 18 who are passionate about aviation. This camp introduces you to the principles of flight, aviation careers, and aerospace fundamentals, providing an engaging and educational experience for aspiring aviators.
Throughout the week, you will engage in interactive learning activities, aviation workshops, and career exploration sessions. The program culminates in Discovery Flight Day, where you will receive a Discovery Flight Voucher and have the opportunity to fly an airplane alongside a certified instructor.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Open enrollment, fairly welcoming
Dates: Multiple cohorts available from June 10 to July 19
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students ages 13 – 18
Location: US Aviation Academy, location details provided upon registration
Cost: $599 per student
The Summer Wings Aviation Camp, hosted by the Aviation Flight Program at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, is a week-long immersive program designed for high school students interested in aviation and flight training. You will experience ground and flight training similar to that of SIU flight students, offering a firsthand look into a career as a pilot.
You will also attend ground school classes, train on university flight simulators, and fly SIU aircraft (weather permitting). The program includes evening activities on campus, allowing you to engage with peers and explore aviation education in a university setting.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Limited to 8 students per session on a first-come, first-served basis
Dates: Summer Wings I: June 22 – June 27 | Summer Wings II: July 6 – July 11
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until capacity is reached
Eligibility: Students completing their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school
Location: Southern Illinois Carbondale Airport (residential lodging at SIU Carbondale campus)
Cost: $200 non-refundable deposit + Program fees
The Centennial Aviation Academy (CAA) Summer Camps provide a hands-on introduction to aviation for students ages 12-17. This three-day program offers an engaging mix of classroom learning and flight experience, giving you an early start in aviation training.
During the camp, you will learn aviation fundamentals, explore aircraft systems, and gain insight into flight operations. The program culminates in a flight experience on the final day, where you will fly a real aircraft under the guidance of a certified flight instructor.
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Fairly welcoming
Dates: Multiple sessions available throughout the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions until spots are filled
Eligibility: Students ages 12 – 17
Location: Centennial Aviation Academy (specific location provided upon registration)
Cost: $392.27
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research in aviation or aerospace engineering, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.
Image Source - Western Michigan University Logo
