Basic Camp - 5 to 6-day Overnight Camp –Camp for those who want to have a traditional summer camp experience.  Topics will include introduction to ballooning, safety, flight and pilot decision making skills.  There will be field trips, time together for socialization and community building.

The BFA Basic Youth Balloon Camp is a program-oriented overnight camp targeted for youth aged 13-17 who are interested in an introductory hands-on experience and exposure to hot air ballooning in a week long traditional summer camp format. 

PREVIOUS BALLOONING EXPERIENCE IS NOT REQUIRED!

They will be mentored by FAA certified commercial pilots and staff who are focused on providing training and experiences in a safe environment.  They will be working with various balloon systems including set-up, tethering and if weather permits, maybe even a flight.  The focus will be to provide the campers with introductory level knowledge and skills to encourage them the expand their knowledge about hot air balloons and set them on a pathway to become crew members, educate them on how to become a pilot and encourage them to further participate in ballooning events and activities.

The BFA Basic Camp tuition covers all meals, 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 our youth protection policy CLICK FAQs.

A nonrefundable $100 registration fee is due now and the remaining $700 tuition balance will be due 35 days before start of camp, for a total of $800.  Limited scholarships are available, see scholarship information below. 

2025 Camps Planned

Basic Overnight Camps 

BFA Southeastern Balloon Camp (FULL as of April 14, 2025)

Director: Duncan Dunavent

Cordele, Georgia

June 17-22, 2025

BFA High Sierra Balloon Camp (Still available)

Director: Karalyn Mumm

Reno/Tahoe, Nevada

June 22-27, 2025

Camp Registration Process

March 1 - Camp registration begins.

March 31 - Campers will be informed of their registration status.  After 90 days campers can only register if space is available.

April 15 - All scholarship essays and letters of recommendation are due to YouthPrograms@BFA.net

April 30 - Campers will be informed of scholarship status. All campers who have camp tuition balance due, will be invoiced.

30 days before camp - Full camp tuition due or spot in camp may be forfeited.

Scholarships

The Balloon Federation of America grants a limited number of scholarships for youth attending BFA Youth overnight camps. In addition, many local balloon clubs and service organizations provide varying levels of scholarships for campers. Contact balloonists in your area to see if local scholarships are available.

If you wish to apply for a national scholarship, these are the requirements.

• Campers must pay the nonrefundable camp registration fee to be considered for a scholarship.
• Campers must write a 200-500 word essay on one of the following topics.
  • Why do you want to attend a BFA Youth Balloon Camp?
  • What does the sport of ballooning mean to you?
• Email completed essay toYouthPrograms@BFA.net with the name of the camper and the camp location by April 15.
• Provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member. This can be someone associated with ballooning or a teacher, coach or other adult familiar with the camper. This letter should be sent to YouthPrograms@BFA.net with the name of the camper and camp location attending by April 15.
• Essays and letter of recommendation must be received by April 15 to be considered for scholarship award.
• Any additional applications and scholarships received by April 15 will be awarded based on need, requirements met and timeliness of application.
• Camp Directors will inform campers of their scholarship status by April 30.
• If a camper completes the application process as written and no scholarship is available and they cannot find other means of paying for camp, the BFA Youth Chair will consider a refund of the camp registration fee.
• Campers receiving scholarships will be required to write a thank you during camp.

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 you are interested in joining our camp staff, please click the box below for BFA Summer Camp Volunteer Registration.

Questions – Contact our youth director here:

Duncan Dunavent

BFA Youth Program Chairman

youthprograms@bfa.net

704-928-7882