Teen camp packs lessons in aviation, leadership in one week Published June 25, 2008 By Holly Birchfield 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- Tyler Heck has always wanted to be a pilot. The 16-year-old Houston County High School junior, son of Maria and Lt. Col Amand Heck, recently joined 35 other teens Air Force-wide at the Air Force Services Teen Aviation Camp at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., to get insight into a possible future as a military pilot. "I've wanted to go to the Air Force Academy my entire life, so it was a really good opportunity for me to see what it was really like," he said. "I've heard all of the stories, but I really wanted to experience firsthand what the Air Force Academy was truly like." That experience included a jump school, physical training, and flying. "The most memorable part for me was flying the Cessna," Heck said. "There was a pilot next to me, but (I) got to do everything. This was like the pinnacle of the entire camp. It's what we all were waiting for." Marvin Hawkins, Robins School Age Program coordinator and Teen Program director, said the competitive program packs lessons in aviation, leadership and the Air Force Academy into one week. "It's just a good opportunity for them to learn more about the career field of aviation because they're involved in quite a bit while they're at the camp itself," he said. Kimber Bergo, 16-year-old daughter of Michelle and Lt. Col. Kurt Bergo, also attended the six-day camp. She was excited by the opportunity to take flight. "I want to be a pilot and this was a great opportunity to help me get closer to my goal," she said. "Anyone who wants to be a pilot shouldn't hesitate to apply. Kimber said the camp was "amazing." "The staff of the Air Force Academy helped us a lot and gave us a ton of information, not only on piloting, but also on the academy itself," she said. "It's possibly the best experience I've had to date." Mr. Hawkins said becoming one of the 38 teens selected for the camp isn't easy. To qualify, teens must be enrolled in high school and must enter their junior year the following fall. Teens must first complete a nomination form and a familiarization exam. Once information is verified, teens are interviewed and Mr. Hawkins compiles a list of teens for final selection at the Air Force Services headquarters. Mr. Hawkins said about 150 teens compete for a spot in the camp each year. Caleb Pyle, son of Kimberly and Master Sgt. Steven Pyle, attended the camp and said the experience is worth it for people who want to make aviation a career one day. "It gives you a good insight into aviation and into the Air Force Academy," he said. "They basically told you everything you needed to do in order to be eligible and on par with everyone else who has applied to the academy."