La Porte Aviation Camp 2026

The 2026 La Porte Municipal Airport Aviation Camp concluded another successful year of hands-on aviation education, welcoming 60 students from across the region for a week filled with flight training, STEM learning, and unforgettable aviation experiences.
The camp was made possible through the dedication of 35 volunteers, including 10 local pilots and flight schools who generously donated both their time and their aircraft. Every student received a flight with a local pilot, giving participants the unique opportunity to experience flight in a small aircraft.
Throughout the week, students immersed themselves in aviation through classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and realistic flight training. Camp participants spent time flying the airport’s FAA-certified flight simulator, while the Civil Air Patrol also brought its mobile flight simulator, allowing each student to receive nearly 30 minutes of flight instruction during the week.
Students learned essential pilot skills including: reading sectional aeronautical charts, calculating aircraft weight and balance, creating a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) flight plan, communicating with Air Traffic Control, taking off, maintaining controlled flight, navigating, and landing an aircraft on the flight simulator.
The camp culminated with students flying the VFR flight plan they created, putting their newly learned skills into practice.
This year’s camp also featured several outstanding educational presentations and field experiences.
Larry Larmon of the Sterling Foundation introduced students to the specialized process of fabric covering aircraft. He demonstrated the tools and techniques used while displaying aircraft components in various stages of restoration. Larmon also shared exciting updates about the Sterling Foundation’s new facility currently under construction at Porter County Regional Airport. Once completed, the Foundation will relocate its 11 Howard aircrafts to the new hangar, where local youth will have opportunities to learn aircraft restoration skills while receiving mentorship and encouragement toward future careers in aviation and skilled trades.
Students also enjoyed memorable off-site educational trips. Middle school campers visited the Air Zoo Aerospace andamp; Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they participated in guided tours, explored interactive exhibits, and completed a STEM aviation lesson. High school students toured the University of Notre Dame’s Power and Propulsion Laboratory, receiving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge research and testing performed to help develop the next generation of aircraft engines and aerospace technologies.
Representatives from South Bend Air Traffic Control also visited the airport to teach students about the critical role of air traffic controllers. Campers practiced aviation radio communications and gained firsthand knowledge of how pilots and controllers work together to keep the skies safe.
In addition to flight instruction, students explored the science of flight by building airfoils and transforming them into wings while learning how fabric-covered aircraft are constructed and restored.
The La Porte Municipal Airport extends its sincere appreciation to the many individuals and organizations that made Aviation Camp possible. Special thanks go to the dedicated volunteers, local pilots, Flight Saga, Open Door Aviation, Wings Aviation, The Sterling Foundation, Civil Air Patrol, South Bend Air Traffic Control, the University of Notre Dame Power and Propulsion Laboratory, the Aero Club for its generous sponsorship, and Garwood’s Orchard for providing the transportation wagon used throughout the week.
Aviation Camp continues to inspire young people to explore careers in aviation, aerospace, engineering, and skilled trades while strengthening connections between the airport and the community. Through the support of volunteers, educators, and industry partners, students leave camp with new skills, unforgettable experiences, and a greater appreciation for the exciting opportunities available in aviation.
If you’d like to learn more about Aviation Camp or other events at the La Porte Municipal Airport, contact rachel@laporteaiport.com or call 219-324-3393.