Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival

September 20-22

Junior Balloon Camp

The wonder and magic of the hot air balloons filling the sky this September will be even more special this year, as your child has the chance to get up close and personal with these incredible aircraft. They’ll learn about the history and science of ballooning, and what it takes to become a pilot one day.

The Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival is excited to host its first-ever Balloon Federation of America Junior Balloon Event Camp. Running during the festival, this camp offers youth aged 11-17 the opportunity to learn from some of the event’s experienced pilots. The camp will be led by former High Sierra Balloon Camp (HSBC) “campers” Echo Begin and Will Vavra—now a commercial pilot and head pilot for the camp—along with HSBC’s Assistant Director, Melanee Scarborough. This event promises to give young participants a taste of what a full balloon camp has to offer.

For $150 per camper, participants will receive over 12 hours of instruction over two days, meals, and training materials to take home for continued learning.

“Sharing our sport with the next generation is how we keep ballooning alive,” Scarborough said. “The youth are the future, and we want to see them thrive.”

Details about this and future camps can be found at www.bfa.net. For more information and registration, please email Scarborough at hsballooncampmel@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you at RMBF in September!