We are now accepting applications for 2025 Camp Counselors! Please click the volunteer application button to get started.
PreFlight has a staff of highly trained and decorated military veteran and civilian pilots, creating an inspiring atmosphere that forms the backdrop of the PreFlight Aviation Camp experience.
Please note that all camp counselors, post-camp mentors, and scholarship mentors must be at least 18 years of age and it is preferred to at least be enrolled in a flight training program but interest in aviation and passion about our mission is the most important quality. If you are applying to be a Jr. Camp Counselor, you must have completed at least one year of high school.
Positions are also available on one of our non-profit committees: Volunteer Committee, Camp Committee, Mentorship Committee, Fundraising Committee, Marketing Committee, and Outreach Committee.
To fill out an application, click the button below. If you have questions, please email [email protected] or call 833-FLY-CAMP.
VOLUNTEER FAQ’s:
When is camp?
Dates change every year and are dependent on camp location. June and July are the typical months. Expect Saturday-Saturday. Counselors arrive the weekend before camp starts. Camp is Monday-Saturday for campers.
Does PreFlight pay for my plane ticket if I’m out of town?
PreFlight will reimburse the cost of a plane ticket for volunteers who are still college students.
Where do I stay while at camp?
An AirBnB is paid for by PreFlight that you are encouraged to stay at for team cohesion.
What is the food situation at camp?
Food is not provided except lunch on graduation day, which is catered. Please be prepared to pack a lunch every day for camp.
Do I have to be a pilot?
Nope! We love having volunteers with all kinds of experience as well as just getting started or with 40 years in their career.
How old are the campers?
Our campers are 10-14 years old.
Is the camp strictly female?
Camper applications are open to girls only. Volunteer applications are open to anyone with a passion for or a job in STEM/Aviation ready to inspire the next generation of female aviators!
I can’t make it to a camp. Is there any other way to volunteer?
Yes! We have many positions for volunteers that are all remote. Additionally, we are always looking for volunteers for our Mentorship Program that runs post camp from Sept to December. We are currently in need of year-round volunteers to serve on our marketing, outreach, camp planning, and volunteer committees. If you have a special talent that you’d like to bring to Preflight we’d love to hear how you want to help, just contact us at [email protected].
If I can’t make the whole camp, how early do I need to notify the camp director?
As early as possible. If you are a brand new counselor you MUST be at camp for the two days prior to camp. If you have meetings, class, appointments during camp let us know if your interview or let your camp director know and they will work with you as much as possible.
I was told to teach a lesson. What are the best ways to prepare for this?
We have lesson plans laid out for each lesson and experienced volunteers at every camp. Start by reviewing the lesson plan and notes and work with your camp director. The weekend before camp is primarily to practice lessons and do run-throughs so you’ll be fully prepared.
How much time can I expect to commit before camp?
Once the interview process is complete and you have been hired on you will be sent a link for required online training. These must be completed prior to camp and take approximately 4 hrs. Lesson preparation can be 1-2 hours on your own time and there will be one required virtual volunteer meeting prior to camp.
Can I bring my own car to camp?
Absolutely! Additionally, it helps with carpooling for those who fly in and don’t have transportation.
What should I wear to camp as a counselor?
PreFlight will provide a shirt that we will wash nightly at the AirBnB. It’s hot during camp so we recommend wearing pants/shorts you will be comfortable in doing a wide range of activities. Same goes for shoes. Make sure you bring at least one pair of closed toe shoes for simulators/field trips that require. If you have a uniform you wear in or aviation related job please bring this for graduation.
What does the application process look like to become a counselor?
You’ll apply here https://www.preflightcamp.com/volunteers/
Once you’ve submitted your application our Volunteer Coordinator will review your application and send you an email. They will work with you to schedule an interview via Google Meet with at least two members of our board or planning committee. Interviews usually last 30-45 minutes. After your interview we ask you to submit a short video (5-10 minutes) of yourself teaching a topic of your choosing (can be any topic!). The board will make a decision based on the interview and the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you with their decision.
What channels can I expect to be communicated through?
Email will be the primary form of communication during the application process. We use WhatsApp for communication amongst individual camps.
Do I need experience working with kids or a teaching background to volunteer?
We do not require prior experience working with kids or a teaching background to volunteer. However, prior experience is always a positive.
Will I need a background check?
Yes, due to nature of interacting with minors, all Preflight Volunteers will need to pass a background check prior to camp and/or mentorship program.
What if I have a CPR/First Aid certification? How can this be useful?
We require a minimum of 2 counselors to be CPR/First Aid certified per camp. If you have a valid certification please inform your camp director. If there aren’t enough certified counselors per camp and are interested in becoming CPR/FIRST AID certified, please reach out to our volunteer coordinator and we will pay for the certification.
If you’ve gotten this far, thank you for your interest! We see measurable impact in the short week we spend with the girls at camp. Seeing the light ignite and seeing them gain confidence is worth the time volunteering. If you’ve ever wanted do something about the lack of diversity in STEM and aviation, this is your chance to make a direct impact.
