Youth Testimonials
Thank you so much for giving us all the opportunity to be here. Sugarbush is such a special place. The environment that is fostered here makes everyone feel included. This has truly been one of the best experiences of my life – between teaching us the responsibilities of handling gliders to playing manhunt in the dark, I have never felt so lucky to be a part of such a wonderful community. The kindness each instructor and staff member has shown makes us campers feel welcome and free to take safe risks. This empowers me to give back to my community in ways and hopefully give back here someday. For the second time this camp has made me love aviation even more.
~ Catherine
power of the programs you all have worked so hard to create. The opportunities that you provide are invaluable to young adults like myself trying to find their way in the world. Thank you again for everything you do.” ~ Dane Lieberman
Raphaela Sulley was the recipient of the 2022 Youth Soaring Camp scholarship for female, transgender or non-binary youth.
“I had an amazing time at the camp. The experience of being immersed in aviation with all the amazing people around is an unforgettable experience. The scholarship was also able to help me towards my goal of soloing this year. During the camp I was able to do 3 solo flights all of which were incredible learning experiences.” ~ Tim
Tim Wilson was the recipient of the 2022 Luke Hammer Youth Soaring Camp scholarship. He is from Fayston, VT and soloed for the first time during camp.
Chris Gibson was the recipient of the 2022 Youth Soaring Camp scholarship for African American youth.
“This summer I was honored with the FEFY scholarship, this makes it so people who are underrepresented in aviation get an opportunity to be represented. My experience at soaring camp was like nothing I have ever partaken in.
It was a great environment to learn and grow in. This camp was the first time I have ever flown in a glider, and I am definitely going to do it again. I'm used to using a power plane, so being in a glider was definitely a different experience than flying in Cessna. Once I got used to using a stick and rudder I was a pro! The staff at Sugarbush Soaring are such positive people who all have the love for aviation.
I had such a good time at camp and can't wait for what the future holds for me in aviation!” ~ Raphaela
“Chris is back in NYC safe and sound. Filled with so many stories of his past week, from his first time trying tacos (he’s a very picky eater), how delicious the chocolate chip pancakes were for breakfast, his experience flying a glider the first time, swimming, driving golf carts, etc. He had a great time and the time flew by. Thank you for keeping him safe, and providing memories that will last a lifetime!”
— Marlena Gibson (Chris’s mother)
“I want to thank all of you on the FEFY BOD for the work that you do. Learning how to fly and getting my private pilot certificate would not have been possible without the support of FEFY, from the line crew to the 2019 camp scholarship to the FAA exam and checkride fees.
While getting my private pilot certificate was a big personal accomplishment for me, the real value of FEFY's support shows in my personal growth over the years. As some of you can testify to, I entered the line crew as a shy, dependent highschooler. Between the line crew and the soaring camps, I have grown into a confident, responsible leader. I cannot emphasize enough the