Danos Kids Take Flight at National Aviation Camp

This June, four children of Danos Group employees took to the skies—figuratively, at least—as they attended the National Flight Academy (NFA) Summer Program in Pensacola, Florida. Sponsored by the Blackhawk Flight Foundation, the program ran from Sunday, June 8, through Friday, June 13. The immersive, aviation-themed camp is designed for students between ages 11–17. To qualify, students must be currently enrolled in junior high or high school.

The Danos participants were:

     Audrey Valenzuela, daughter of Lease Operator Frank Valenzuela

     Aidan Figueiredo, son of Training Coordinator Heather Figueiredo

     Scarlett Bush, daughter of Deepwater Mechanic Wesley Bush

     Taryn Smith, son of Scaffold Leaderman Christopher Smith

Throughout the week, the students engaged in mission-based learning aboard a simulated aircraft carrier environment, working in teams to solve real-world problems using science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Parents were grateful for the opportunity—and impressed with the experience.

“It was an awesome experience for Audrey. She met like-minded kids her age from across the country,” said Frank Valenzuela. “From my family, we would like to say thank you very much.”

“Aidan had so much fun,” added Heather Figueiredo. “After the graduation ceremony, we toured the National Naval Aviation Museum—it’s massive and free to the public! We spent over two hours there and could’ve stayed longer.”

The NFA “graduation” ceremony was livestreamed on the academy’s Facebook page and featured an inspiring guest speaker.

Since its founding 17 years ago, the Blackhawk Flight Foundation, a Louisiana-based nonprofit, has sponsored more than 700 students to STEM Education, including events at the National Flight Academy, Space Camp at NASA in Huntsville, Alabama, National World War II Museum, and more. Goals of the organization include:

• To provide tutoring and guidance to children from grades six through 12 in basic math, science, grammar, and life-management skills, which will greatly enhance their chances of securing an aeronautical sciences degree curriculum scholarship.

• To provide mentoring to our aeronautical sciences student candidates by aviation & education professionals.

• To promote interest & involvement in the American Aviation Industry, aviation industry related careers, and aviation as a sport.

Danos is grateful for the opportunity the Blackhawk Flight Foundation has provided to our employees and their children.

See more photos from camp here.