By: Duncan Dunavent (USA), Balloon Federation of America (BFA) Youth Program Chair
Top image: Group picture of all staff and campers at SEBC

This past year was an extraordinary one for youth ballooning in the United States, as the Balloon Federation of America (BFA) proudly hosted two Hot Air Balloon Youth Balloon Camps: The Southeastern Balloon Camp in Cordele, Georgia, in June, and the High Sierra Balloon Camp in Reno, Nevada, in July. Together, these two camps welcomed 52 young campers eager to learn the art, science, and spirit of ballooning.

Southeastern Balloon Camp in Cordele, Georgia

At the Southeastern Balloon Camp, 28 enthusiastic youths filled the skies of Georgia with excitement:

After flight crews on pack up at SEBC

High Sierra Balloon Camp in Reno, Nevada

And in Nevada, 24 aspiring aeronauts gathered in the scenic High Sierra for a week of unforgettable learning and adventure. 

Skills for life

Each camp provided a hands-on introduction to ballooning, offering not only flight experiences but also lessons in safety, teamwork, and aviation fundamentals, all while having fun in a summer camp setting.

Comstock, the propane company who donated propane to the HSBC

In addition to the countless hours of instruction, both camps conducted multiple hot air balloon flights and tethered operations, giving campers the opportunity to log valuable flight instruction time. More than 20 campers, along with a few dedicated staff members, earned their student pilot certificates during camp, marking the start of their official journeys into aviation.

Each camper also received a completed BFA Safety Seminar credit and a one-year digital BFA membership at no cost, ensuring that their connection to the ballooning community continues well beyond camp week.

The classroom at SEBC

Many thanks to the volunteers

Across both camps, over 70 volunteers and pilots generously gave their time, energy, and expertise, traveling at their own expense to make the programs possible. Their dedication is the heart of what makes these camps successful. Quite simply, these experiences could not happen without the incredible volunteers who show up year after year to share their passion for ballooning with the next generation.

HSBC visits Lake Tahoe Ballooning

These programs are possible only through the generosity of countless supporters, sponsors, and organizations that believe in the power of aviation education. 

The BFA Youth Program extends its deepest gratitude to all donors and especially to the CIA FAI Ballooning Commission, whose annual contributions help make these life-changing experiences a reality.

From the first pre-dawn inflation to the final flight of the week, the spirit of ballooning was alive and soaring high. Each year, the BFA Youth Camps continue to inspire young dreamers to look skyward, reminding us all that the future of ballooning is as bright and boundless as the skies we share.
 

More information
 

• Visit the BFA website to see 2026 dates
   

After flight crews on pack up at HSBC

HSBC visits Lake Tahoe Ballooning