The Eileen Collins Aviation Camp. This is where it all starts. With 25 eager and capable students, |
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| A snazzy T-shirt graphic sets the proper tone for the week. | The first day includes registration in the morning and a camp-in overnighter at the Museum. Note the sleeping bags. |
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| Air Force Colonel Eileen Collins, left, with an ECAC camper. Col. Collins is an Elmira area native, a veteran astronaut, and the first woman to become a Space Shuttle Pilot and Shuttle Commander. | Occasionally, Eileen Collins may drop in on a camp session and discuss aviation and science careers with the students. |
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| Campers are taught to use the construction methods of the Wright Brothers in building their own wooden wing ribs. Actual airfoil patterns from the Wrights' famous 1903 glider are used. | The work can be exacting, but instructors take their time with each ECAC camper. Campers get to take their wing ribs home as a memento of their week of aviation discovery. |