Fantasy of Flight Boy Scout Aviation Camporee

Scouts of all ages will gather at Central Florida's premier aviation attraction, Fantasy of Flight, for the attraction's Third Annual Boy Scout Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 18 through Sunday, March 20, 2011.

Troops will earn their aviation merit badges with the help of skilled aviation experts and interactive activities and experiences with some of the attraction's more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft. Fantasy of Flight has hosted more than 400 boy scouts in total during the two previous annual camporees, where troops have come on a mission to earn their merit badges and have enjoyed the added benefit of bonding over their fascination with aviation with their fellow boy scouts.

"The Fantasy of Flight Boy Scout Aviation Camporee is always a favorite with our troop," says Tom Rogers, assistant scoutmaster for Eau Gallie, Fla.-based Troop 300. "Our younger scouts have the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit badges in one weekend, learning from knowledgeable and experienced staff, while our older Scouts continue to learn about the history of military aviation, the men involved and the craftsmanship of restoring various aircraft. It's a great campout that's different from the standard Scoutcraft agenda."

Scouts can practice their primitive camping skills while participating in a variety of educational and immersive aviation-themed activities. Not only will Camporee-goers tour Fantasy of Flight and visit real working aircraft maintenance and restoration areas, but they also will have the chance to talk with aviation mechanics, restoration specialists and pilots as they participate in a variety of special merit badge stations. This year, Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park will present a special hang-gliding demonstration as part of the weekend festivities.

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide a unique educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation. "Fantasy of Flight's hands-on, interactive learning experience will inspire and fascinate scouts of all ages," said Weeks, who began a successful construction of an aircraft at the young age of seventeen. "I am so excited to welcome back our intrepid and inquisitive scouts for another successful Camporee!"

Cost of the Camporee three-day, two-night weekend is $30 per person plus tax. The $30 rate includes unlimited admission to Fantasy of Flight, specially tailored tours and Scout merit badge stations, activities, campsite and lunch on Saturday. Reservations are required and admission is limited. To book, call Stephanie Conner, 863-984-3500, ext. 220 or e-mail sconner@fantasyofflight.com.

For more information, call 863-984-3500 or visit www.fantasyofflight.com.