VGCC to offer Drone Camp this summer
Vance-Granville Community College is offering an exciting, new summer camp opportunity for area high school students: VGCC’s first-ever “Drone Camp.”
The college will hold the innovative day camp each weekday, from Monday, June 13, through Friday, July 1, at Granville Central High School in Stem. The camp will be open to students between the ages of 16 and 18 from any high school in the region.
Participants will receive unmanned aerial vehicle (or UAV, what is commonly known as a “drone”) flight instruction using a product called the DJI Mavic Mini Drone. In addition, they will learn how to play a new team sport, “Drone Soccer,” as they build, calibrate and fly an iFlight 20-centimeter Drone Soccer ball. Campers can become part of the region’s first drone soccer team, to be nicknamed the Vance-Granville Red Tails. Participation in the sport emphasizes both STEM education and teamwork.
Other activities during the three-week camp are set to include field trips to local airports, basic training in airspace rules and safe drone operation, as well as taking the FAA-sponsored “TRUST” (The Recreation UAV Safety Test) Certification. “TRUST” is a safety test recommended for all recreational drone pilots in the United States.
Students who complete VGCC’s Drone Camp will be able to continue developing their skills in Continuing Education classes offered at the college, including Drone Piloting (for more complete training) and FAA 107 Test Prep (for those who want to become certified to operate drones for commercial purposes).
“The camp is perfect for young people interested in aviation, e-sports, drone racing, drone use in agriculture, surveying, search and rescue, aerial photography and other STEM-focused career paths,” said James Brown, VGCC’s Director of Customized Training.
Space in the camp is limited. Application information can be found at www.vgcc.edu/dronecamp. The deadline to apply is May 20.
The cost for each camper is $200. Tuition assistance is available to those who qualify.
For more information, contact James Brown at (252) 738-3520 or VGRedTails@vgcc.edu .
