POLK CITY, Fla. (Feb. 20, 2012) - Scouts of all ages will gather at Central Florida's premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, for the attraction's Annual Scout Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 16 through Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Troops will earn their aviation merit badges with the help of skilled aviation experts and interactive activities and experiences with some of the attraction's more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft. Fantasy of Flight has hosted thousands of boy scouts in total during the previous annual camporees, where troops have come on a mission to earn their merit badges and have enjoyed the added benefit of bonding over their fascination with aviation with their fellow boy scouts.
"There is no better place to get the aviation merit badge than Fantasy of Flight because aviation is what they do," said Lynn Brown, scout master of Nokomis, Fla.-based boy scout troop 1001. "Some places try to accomplish the program with printed materials, pictures and write-ups, but to actually be there is definitely another dimension of learning that really boosts it up. When Kermit fires up the Mustang, it doesn't get much better than that. There are enough different stations and activities provided so there is something for everyone. They can make their own planes or hear talks about the history behind them. There's something of real interest for everyone."
Scouts can practice their primitive camping skills while participating in a variety of educational and immersive aviation-themed activities. Not only will Camporee-goers tour Fantasy of Flight and visit real working aircraft maintenance and restoration areas, but they also will have the chance to talk with aviation mechanics, restoration specialists, and pilots as they participate in a variety of special merit badge stations. This year, Mid-Florida RC Club will present a special R/C flying demonstration as part of the weekend festivities as well.
As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide a unique educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation. "Fantasy of Flight's hands-on, interactive learning experience will inspire and fascinate scouts of all ages," said Weeks, who began a successful construction of an aircraft at the young age of seventeen. "I am so excited to welcome back our intrepid and inquisitive scouts for another successful Camporee!"
Cost of the Camporee three-day, two-night weekend is $32 per person plus tax. The $32 rate includes unlimited admission to Fantasy of Flight, specially tailored tours and Scout merit badge stations, activities, campsite and lunch on Saturday. Troops or individual scouts are invited. Individual scouts under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Reservations are required and admission is limited. To book, call Stephanie Conner, 863-984-3500 or e-mail [email protected].
For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
Fantasy of Flight is Central Florida's premier aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and the country's only Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting) featuring a vintage plane. General admission also includes The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit, a walking audio tour and many special events throughout the year.
New at Fantasy of Flight this year is Wing WalkAir, a thrilling outdoor attraction featuring a 600-foot zip line suspended four stories above water and a three-level ropes course complete with 33 midair challenges to be performed while tethered to an overhead line at heights of up to 45 feet. Ideal for families, couples, student/youth groups or corporate groups seeking teambuilding opportunities, Wing WalkAir is the first attraction of its kind in Polk County, located midway between Tampa and Orlando. Admission is $22 for the zip line and ropes course or $15 for the zip line and $12 for the ropes course when purchased separately. Group rates are available. Fantasy of Flight admission is not required for entry to Wing WalkAir.
Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. General admission is $28.95 for adults, $26.95 for seniors ages 55 and over and $14.95 for children, ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax. Annual passes are available for $69.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 6-12, plus 7 percent sales tax, and are good for one year from the date of purchase. Biplane rides, through Waldo Wright's Flying Service, and hot air balloon rides are available for an extra charge. For more information about Fantasy of Flight, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.
