High Flight FAQs
Where is the camp?
The High Flight Adventures is located on the grounds of Smiths Falls Airport, in the West end of the Ottawa area. Children are bused to and from the camp from a central location in downtown Ottawa..
What is High Flight Adventures?
High Flight Adventures is a resident camp, so you stay at the camp the entire time of your participation. You will share your sleeping quaters with other participants. Bedding is not supplied, so you need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.
How do I apply for the High Flight Adventures Camp?|
Use the printed application form. We will require contact information for the participant and a parent or guardian, answers for the four questions about your reason for wanting to come to the camp, and a camp deposit. Some applicants might be signed up by their local EAA\RAA\COPA chapter or another group. Please make sure your application is sent in either by you or the sponsor
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What happens after I apply?
After you have been accepted, you will receive a package containing your acceptance letter and additional forms to complete. These forms need to be returned to High Flight Adventures no later than 35 days before the camp begins. . All participants must fill in the first three pages of the form. If the camp is full, you may be placed on a waiting list for any possible openings. If you are placed on a waiting list, you will be advised.
How big is the camp?
Each camp has a maximum of 30 participants per session. The camp usually has about 6 facilitators, plus another 3-4 staff.
Do I have to find a hotel in Smith Falls?
There is no need to use a hotel. All participants stay at the High Flight Adventures camp located on the grounds of the Smiths Falls Airport. We provide bus transportation from Ottawa to Smiths Falls and back.
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How do I get to High Flight Adventures?
Participants come from all over the US, Canada, and sometimes other countries. Many are driven here by their families. Others come by air. If they arrive in a private plane, they may land at Smiths Falls Airport, and call the camp, and our staff will pick you up. If you fly in on a commercial airline, we ask that you fly into Macdonald Cartier airport (CYOW). We offer free pick-up and drop off of our campers to Ottawa Airport (CYOW). You will let us know your arrival method and time on the travel form in your acceptance package.
Which camp do I attend?
The camps are divided by date, not experience. You sign up for the correct camp session for the date you would like to come.
Are the airplanes I will fly in safe?
The aircraft used by the camp, are Canadian registered, commercially registered aircraft. These aircraft are certified by Transport Canada and occupants are insured. Your pilot will have a minimum of 100 hours as Pilot in Command, and, is volunteering his or her time and the use of their aircraft to allow your flight to take place.
What if the weather is too bad for my flights?
If flying operations must be cancelled due to weather or mechanical issues, campers that have not flown will be given flight “tokens” and we will book their flights iSeptember/October/November. Every Camp participant will be given a chance to fly.
Tell me about the food.
The camp takes great pride in providing an outstanding food service to our participants. Our camp has hired the best local caterers to insure healthy eating. You eat family-style in the dining area. We play a fun game to decide who helps clean up. (we all eventually get to help clean up)
I have a special diet/food allergies/am a vegetarian.
You will let us know about these on the medical form, so our cooks will be prepared in advance for your special food needs.
Can I bring my own snacks?
You don’t need to bring any snacks, as our caterer provides plenty of healthy snacks and drinks.
What about soda/pop?
We do not provide soda as a beverage option. Juice, milk, lemonade, and water are available at meal time.
I am on medications, how do you handle that?
Your parents/guardians will list these, your dosage and times, on the medical form. You will bring them in the original medicine bottle in a small plastic bag. At check-in, we will put it with the other medications in the office, and one of the staff will dispense it at the correct times. Diabetic and other medication will be refrigerated, if needed. Emergency inhalers or EpiPens can be carried with you, but we need to know you have them. Your parent/guardian also needs to sign the emergency treatment section on the health form, so our staff can take you to a nearby hospital if you become ill or injured.
Can I come if I have special needs?
Please discuss this with our camp director to see if we are able to meet your special needs. We have hosted children with Aspbergers Syndrome.
What about my cellphone/iPod/GameBoy/electronics?
You will be required to turn these in at the office when you arrive. You may use them during your free time, but not carry them with you during camp activities. The camp is not responsible for lost or stolen personal electronics. Your days here will be very full, we suggest some time off for your hard working personal electronics.
Is there a curfew?
Yes, we do have a curfew. The daily schedule is packed full of great programs and activities. Participants stay very active and we need to make sure everyone gets enough rest to enjoy their camp experience.
What do I need to bring?
You will get a list in your acceptance package. Some of the items on the list are: a towel and washcloth, soap, shampoo, casual clothes, a light jacket, closed toe shoes for in the shop and outside activities, etc.
How much money do I need to bring?
If you are traveling, you may need some money at airports for meals, etc. We can hold your money in the office safe if you wish.
What are the bathrooms/showers like?
On the grounds we provide "porto potties" similar to the ones seen at festivals. They are cleaned evey week and are very sanitary. Hand washing stations are provided. Our showers are unique. We have "Cabela" showers. Water is solar heated during the day, and campers take their showers after dinner. You will get a real charge out of our shower arrangements. It is a large part of our team building program.
When do I need to arrive? When do I leave?
You should plan to arrive on the first day of the camp, preferably between 8:00 and 8:45 am. The bus leaves promptly at 9:00am. You leave in the afternoon of the last day, between 5:00pm. The bus will drop you off between 6:15pm and 6:30pm.
Is there a closing program that my parents need to attend?
No, that would not be practical, since so many campers are here from long distances. On the last night of camp, there is a program, but it is just for the campers and staff.
Will I get to fly a plane?
Weather permitting, yes, you will go up in a plane and be able to take the controls, if you wish, under the guidance of one of our pilots. You will not be able to take off or land the plane.