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30 students attend STARBASE summer camp

  • Published
  • By Kennith Green
  • Public Affairs
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  Thirty children received a special treat here in the form of a four-day STARBASE summer camp July 13-16.

Founded in 1990, STARBASE is a Department of Defense program that stands for Science and Technology Academics Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Education. It is a science, math and life skills reinforcement program sponsored at Dobbins by the Georgia National Guard and nationwide by the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.

"The main goal of the camp is to focus kid's attention toward ... science, technology, engineering and math," said Bill Wells, STARBASE director.

During the camp, the children learned about military careers that use science, math and technology through various demonstrations and tours.

"My favorite part of the camp was the flight simulator because it was like a giant video game," said Hunter Spurlock, a STARBASE student.

Students also got a first-hand look at the 94th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Flight, viewing the explosive disarming robot and experienced the challenge of maneuvering in a bomb suit. Members of the 94th Security Forces Squadron demonstrated their jobs and put a variety of weapons on display.

Certified instructors taught all of the classes, ensuring the students got the best education possible. Other areas demonstrated were; hands-on exploration of the forces of flight and aerodynamics, flight training in the Lockheed Martin Technology Lab, flight simulation of the F-22 and C-130J aircraft, navigation training and instrument reading instruction and team problem solving exercises.

"This camp was a great opportunity for my daughter, Sianna, to get a working knowledge about science, technology, engineering and math," said Tech. Sgt. Lena Tamplin of the 94th Mission Support Group.

The grand finale was a rocket launching event, followed by a graduation ceremony. Both were attended by Maj. Gen. James T. Rubeor, 22nd Air Force commander.

"My favorite activity was launching the rockets," said Chase Cobb, a STARBASE student. "I didn't know they could go so high!"

The 30 attendees were part of total 150 that will attend STARBASE camps at various locations this summer.

"The program was a great success this year," said Mr. Wells. "The kids walked away with a great deal of knowledge about subjects that will be needed in their near future." (Air Force Reserve Command News Service)