The US Air Force recently announced opportunities for three Air Force teen summer camps in 2012.  The camps are intended to inspire future careers in space and aviation and are open only to dependents of active duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees, and Air Force civilians.  More information can be seen at the Air Force Services website:  www.afyouthprograms.com.

These events are free — including flight time in a Cessna, rope courses, and space center tours.  The only cost is the travel necessary to get to the camps, presenting a very affordable opportunity to have some unique experiences.

The camps are as follows: 

The Teen Aviation Camp is scheduled for June 2-7 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and is designed to give youth an experience that will help them decide if aviation or the Academy is a career choice. Participants will get to fly inside a Cessna 145 among other aviation activities.

The Teen Leadership Camp is scheduled for July 8-13 at the University of Texas at San Antonio. This camp will give youth a glimpse of what university life is like while developing their leadership skills. Activities include team building, rope courses, conflict resolution and public speaking.

The Air Force Services Space Camp is scheduled for July 22-27 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. The camp allows youth to experience, imagine and interact through space shuttle mission simulations, tours of the space center and the chance to witness everyday challenges faced by astronauts.