Another reason to visit Florida!
SUN 'n FUN Fly-In, INC. Launches Year-Round
Activities to Support Aviation Education Programs
SUN 'n FUN is not only
Florida's largest Expo & Fly-In, it is a commitment to the future.
Lakeland, Florida — The
SUN 'n FUN Board of Directors has approved a diverse and exciting spectrum of
programs to be branded as; “SUN 'n FUN Education Programs: Aviation Style.” On
Friday, July 27, (9:00 a.m.) at AirVenture 2012, SUN 'n FUN CEO and president,
John R. "Lites" Leenhouts will take the podium at the EAA Press HQ to
flesh out this ambitious set of programs. In addition to sharing insights
specific to educational programs, Lites will also be talking about “Back to
Grassroots,” activities that will commence in August and continue right up
through the 39th Annual SUN 'n FUN International Fly-In & Expo scheduled
for April 9-14, 2013 at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. SUN 'n FUN's
mission is to share the aviation experience with people of all ages through
education, information, and inspiration. Lites will provide a laser-sharp
description of what you can expect to see at SUN 'n FUN on your next visit as
he extends a personal invitation to Visit Central Florida.
SUN 'n FUN is dedicated to providing an experience of real value to all
aviators, exhibitors, sponsors, vendors, and families.
Education Programs
By incorporating the rich history found in the Florida Air Museum Learning
Center and utilizing motivational staff, volunteers, and educators, SUN 'n FUN
is able to provide educational resources and opportunities throughout the year.
SUN 'n FUN created STEMtastics™ as a framework for development and
implementation of our educational offerings. Science, Technology, Engineering
and Math (STEM) are the foundation of curriculums designed to teach kids the
basics of flight while building self-esteem. Students ages 7-12 are
presented with age specific activities on the ground. Older youth are
offered free first flights through the Future Eagle Club and our Destination
Aviation camp experience. First Flights are also given free of charge to
approximately 250 students annually at Wings 'n Things, an extension of the
youth education programs, offered as a part of SUN 'n FUN's summer camps as
well as at events conducted throughout the year.
The Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) is based on the SUN 'n FUN
grounds. CFAA is a workforce academy public high school. Its students are
offered a meaningful and content-rich education that inspires and motivates
students at all levels. Students are challenged to reach high levels of
achievement in STEM curriculums as preparation for high-tech careers in the
fields of aviation and aerospace. The Academy responds to the needs of
industry by placing emphasis on teamwork, individual achievement, skill
development, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking skills. With an
enviable 100 percent graduation rate, CFAA's students are prepared to be
productive and responsible members of the workforce. Students who maintain a
3.5 GPA are eligible to fly or to volunteer during the annual Fly-In.
The Lakeland AeroClub is a unique extracurricular activity available to
students at CFAA. The club's intent is to enable students at CFAA to widen
their opportunities in aviation by attaining their Sport Pilot or Private Pilot
certificate. Any student in Polk County, Florida is eligible for
membership. Grants from the James C. Ray Scholarship Fund can pay as much as
three-quarters of the cost of flight training for qualified students. In
keeping with the school's intent to teach responsibility and professionalism,
the club members are given the reins, acting as board members and working with
experienced aviation hands to manage and perform the day-to-day work of
operating the club. Club membership is specifically designed to be an
experience that will pay dividends for the membership in the sky, on the
ground, and throughout the member's personal and professional lives.
SUN 'n FUN Activities
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, SUN 'n FUN is providing a premier
experience at each event on the ground and in the air. Sponsors,
exhibitors, guests and performers are offered southern hospitality and many
opportunities to enjoy Florida sunshine. Funds realized from events
support the education programs. Details of all events can be found at www.sun-n-fun.org.
Highlights of planned events on the SUN 'n FUN
grounds include the following:
August 18th - The
Lakeland AeroClub Back to School Event. Parents and Students will be up close
and personal with SUN 'n FUN's Resident Jet Team, the Black Diamonds.
August 24th - Fly-In for
Dinner and RAF Fire Hub Social
September 29th - Fly-In
for Dinner and RAF Fire Hub Social
November 2nd - 4th -
Wings 'n Things
November 9th - Hangar
Door Canteen MASH (Make Aviation Scholarships Happen) Theme
November 10th - Imperial
Symphony Orchestra presents a patriotic Red White & Blue Veterans Tribute
Concert on the SUN 'n FUN grounds with special ceremonies and air activity.
November 30th - December
1st - When Pigs Fly South - a Fly-In Barbeque with camping, music, motorcycles,
car show and more.