The BFA Junior Balloonist Summer Camp Program is for teenagers (age 13-17) who are interested in hot air ballooning. These camps are a fun filled and action packed experience. Previous ballooning experience is not required.

Campers will join FAA certified pilots and experienced staff who are trained to act as mentors and counselors. They make sure everyone learns in a safe environment.  This is an opportunity to work with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight. 

There will be hands-on sessions where topics may include Crew Safety, First Aid, Pilot Training and Career Exploration, Weather Theory, Mapping, GPS and more. Campers leave with the knowledge and skills to be a more valuable crew member, better prepared for becoming a safe pilot, and make lasting friendships with teens from around the country.

Junior Balloonist Summer Camp tuition covers all meals and housing, balloon activities, field trips and all the fun.  Balloon camp is staffed by volunteers who are subject to background checks and trained to provide a safe and rewarding camp experience for all. To view Frequently Asked Questions about the youth protection policy CLICK FAQs.

Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. CST on March 1, 2021. A nonrefundable $75 registration fee is required and the remaining $550 tuition balance is due May 15. The total camp tuition cost is $625 and limited scholarships are available.

2021 Camp Dates and Locations

High Sierra Balloon Camp – Reno, NV – June 20-25, 2021 
Southeastern Balloon Camp – Gaffney, SC – June 22-27, 2021
Rio Grande Balloon Camp – Albuquerque, NM – July 10-15, 2021

Note – Hot Air Ballooning is the perfect way to get outside and safely enjoy a week of your summer learning new skills and meeting new friends.  The 2021 BFA Junior Balloonist Camp Directors and their staff are planning for campers to enjoy a safe camp experience.  Individual camps will run based on federal, state, and local policies.  For more information about the COVID safety plans and policies CLICK COVID POLICY.

Volunteers

The BFA Junior Balloonist Camps are run by a dedicated group of volunteer FAA Certified pilots and crew members who share their knowledge and passion for ballooning each summer with youth from across the country.  Camp Staff are required to complete a BFA Background Check and are trained to make sure campers have a safe and rewarding week nurturing their natural curiosity in ballooning.  If interested in joining the camp staff, please visit the BFA Summer Camp Volunteer Registration.

The Mission of the BFA Junior Balloonist Program is to encourage the natural curiosity of youth to pursue involvement in the lifelong sport of ballooning.  The BFA Junior Balloonist Program encourages and supports members to develop programs and activities to expand the knowledge of youth who want to learn more.  BFA Junior Balloonist Program activities are designed to nurture the skills and develop interpersonal connections that will connect youth to the balloon community and help them become pilots or crew thus ensuring the future of ballooning.

For more information please email: YouthPrograms@BFA.net.