Camp Aero

Where Your Mission Takes Flight

Is God Calling You to Serve in Missionary Aviation?

Camp Aero is a youth aviation camp with the goal of encouraging young people to seriously consider God’s calling on their lives to serve in missionary aviation. Participants will explore the role of aviation in missions and Bible translation while learning the basics of aeronautics and experiencing flight time with qualified pilots!

Applications for Camp Aero 2025 (June 15-20) are now closed, and applications for 2026 will open this fall.

Hands-On Experience

At Camp Aero, you’ll spend the week learning about missionary aviation through missions-themed devotionals, hands-on workshops, and flight time with experienced pilots. Here are just a few of the things you’ll get to experience:

  • Hear inspiring testimonies from missionary guest speakers
  • Experience time in our flight simulator
  • Observe a certified pilot from the backseat during a flight
  • Experience flight time behind the control with a certified pilot
  • Grow in your understanding of Scripture and God’s call to mission
  • Learn the basics of aerodynamics, flight systems, and more
  • Plan and follow your own short, cross-country flight
  • Get hands-on experience in avionics (aviation electronics), sheet metal and riveting, magnetos and aircraft maintenance

Inspire the Next Generation

Camp Aero would not be possible without our many incredible volunteers! If you're interested in supporting and encouraging the next generation of missionary aviators through this unforgettable experience, please check out our volunteer opportunities below.
Volunteer Opportunities

Explore Our Vision Flights

Take your passion for aviation to new heights with our weekly Vision Flights! From a hands-on preflight briefing to taking the controls mid-flight, it's the perfect experience for anyone interested in missionary aviation.

Learn More

Camp Aero FAQs

How and when should I apply?
Applications for 2025 are now closed; however, an easily accessible application form will be on this webpage when applications for 2026 open this fall.
When does my reservation lock in?
Filling out our online reservation form is an application to attend Camp Aero, and does not guarantee acceptance to the camp. Space is very limited, so we want to reserve this camp for only those who are seriously interested in missionary aviation. You will be notified if you have been accepted, and your spot at Camp Aero will be “locked-in” after we receive your commitment deposit within two weeks of your notification of acceptance.
Can my son or daughter apply by themselves?
Camp Aero is designed for individual participants (not groups). Your son or daughter is welcome to fill out the online application form on their own, however participants under 18 will need to provide their parent/guardian’s contact information.
How many openings are there in a given Camp Aero?
Camp Aero may have up to 12 campers.
What are the accommodations like?
Campers will be housed in JAARS’ village setting, called Belisi, that has been set aside for this purpose. JAARS volunteer staff will be on hand as camp counselors. Guys and girls will be housed in separate cabins (champas) and will be supplied hammocks to sleep in.
What about food?
All meals are included in the camp fee. Breakfast and evening meals will be prepared by volunteer staff and served at the Belisi village site. Lunch is provided by our campus cafeteria. Snacks are provided as well.
How do I know what to bring?
You will receive a packing list prior to your arrival.
Who should attend Camp Aero?
You should consider registering for Camp Aero if:
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1. You have an interest in aviation and specifically how it relates to missions and the
message of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

2. You’d like to get some flight time.

3. You want to hear true stories from missionary pilots about flying in extreme parts of the
world.
What age do campers need to be for Camp Aero?
Campers must be between 15-18 years of age.
What about transportation to, from, and during Camp Aero?
Participants are responsible for getting to/from Camp Aero (located at the JAARS campus in Waxhaw, NC). Transportation during the week will mostly consist of walking around campus. Any participants 16 and older who drove themselves will be asked to leave their car parked for the week.
What is the typical schedule like?
Arrival: Monday morning, 9:00am

Graduation Ceremony (families invited!): Friday afternoon, 3:00pm

Departure: Friday afternoon following the graduation ceremony, approximately 5:00pm
What does Camp Aero cost?
Camp Aero costs are subject to change each year. In 2025, the cost per camper was $950 including a $200 deposit within two weeks of acceptance.
Where do we send the money?
Checks or Credit Card payments are accepted. You will be provided with payment information once you've been accepted into camp.