The Eileen Collins Aviation Camp (ECAC) originated in 1996, and was sponsored by the National Soaring Museum (NSM) and the Schuyler-Chemung-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (SCT-BOCES). It was funded by a gender-equity grant awarded through the NYS Development of Education. The first year was for girls only. Kris Reuland and David Smith, SCT-BOCES School-To-Work Specialists and James W. Swinnich, Director of the NSM initiated the camp. Their intent was to inspire young girls to tackle math and science courses and to choose non-traditional, technical careers. With the many aviation resources available in our region they believed the camp experiences would give the girls the confidence to "soar among the clouds" no matter what career they ultimately chose.
The day camp is named after Elmira native, Col. Eileen Collins, the first woman pilot in the nation's space program. Collins is a graduate of Elmira Free Academy, Corning Community College and Syracuse University. She was the first American woman to pilot a spacecraft and was chosen to be the first woman commander in the Space Shuttle program. Collins, herself, epitomizes the ultimate that young girls can achieve in careers.
In 1997 NSM administered the camp, and Kris Reuland and David Smith continued to be involved and act as counselors/teachers. NSM received many requests to add a week for boys. The camp now runs two weeks every year; one week for girls and the second week for the boys.
Planned activities include a sailplane ride from historic Harris Hill, a power plane ride from the Experimental Aircraft Association Local Chapter 533, and a tethered hot air balloon ride. Bus trips to the Eileen Collins Observatory at Corning Community College, Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Elmira-Corning Regional Airport flight tower, and the Schweizer Aircraft Corp. translate the sciences into real-world experiences and give the campers exposure to aviation-related careers.
The structured program includes presentations by the National Weather Service, hang gliding, Finger Lakes Skydiving, the global positioning system (GPS), ornithology, and rocket building and launching. Campers will build a replica wing section from the Wright Brothers 1902 glider and enjoy an overnight stay at the National Soaring Museum. In between will be swimming and picnic lunches.
Enthusiastic support from the Elmira community has produced over 20 scholarships for youth attending the camp. The successful camp is for girls and boys ages 9-14. For further information, please contact the National Soaring Museum.
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