Started an RC build club at school

[mvaller00]

I would love to hear how things turned out on this?

I actually started a Aviation Program at our Boys & Girls Club. We're the third oldest Club in the Country and I created this program at a test program so that I can package it and replicate it in other clubs across the country via our regional and national offices etc.

Our website (which was created with the help of our youth as well) is www.BGCAviation.org

It's a two part Aviation program but I have to say.. the RC Aviation Program is SOOOOO popular. We easily have over 230 kids a day in our club and just like he mentioned... some (most) from very disadvantaged environments.

But what I've done to take a load off from me is I've partnered with our local AMA chapter to provide the kids with a great deal of other guys who own all kinds of aircraft and are at various experience levels as well. it's great for the kids to see. And it provides them with an experience far greater than what I alone could provide.

It's my goal to work with them on scratch builds as well... I just have to find a way around giving these kids razors which I'm sure would lead to multiple trips to the ER and fundraising to aquire gear for those scratch builds...

We're off to a great start... doing well. But again... I would love to hear how this went.

Looking forward to hearing.

- Mike
www.BGCAviation.org

 

[earthsciteach]

WOW! 230 kids is AMAZING! Well done, sir.

Our club is doing great! We have yet to have a kid fly a scratchbuilt RC plane, but some are finished except for electronics. Our winter has been so mild that I can't recall missing a single Tuesday of flying. One kid bought a Sky Surfer, then the others fell like dominoes. Everyone has a plane now! Our last kid to get a plane (we all pitched in and bought him a HZ Super Cub from craigslist) flew it for the first time today. He did a great job for being new, especially considering the gusty winds!

I am so very proud of these kids and I hope they continue their interest in aviation and all things mechanically and electrically related. It has been a great experience!