Bell’s Flight Camp Sparks Early Interest in Aerospace Manufacturing

Inspiring the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning and exploration

Bell proudly hosts Flight Camp each summer in Amarillo, Texas, giving local middle school students an early look into the world of aerospace and advanced manufacturing. The weeklong program introduces participants ages 11 to 13 to engineering, aviation, supply chain and other STEM pathways that shape the region’s future. For many students, Bell has always been part of the landscape: flying over their neighborhoods, supporting their community, and powering innovation in the Texas panhandle. The opportunity to learn directly from the people behind the aircraft sparks real excitement and possibility.

Bell’s Amarillo Assembly Center plays a critical role in building some of the company’s most advanced aircraft, including the V-22 Osprey and H-1 helicopter platforms. The site is recognized for its strong culture of safety, quality and innovation, and its teams consistently deliver aircraft that support missions around the world. With a workforce rooted in the local community, the Amarillo site is also a hub for hands-on learning and professional growth, making it an ideal location for inspiring the next generation of talent.

Bell’s Flight Camp operates through the ‘Badger Kids College’ program at Amarillo College and is part of a broader collaboration to strengthen the region’s future workforce. Throughout the week, students explore a wide range of careers at Bell, from engineering and manufacturing to operations, and take part in hands-on activities that mirror real-world problem solving. By the end of the program, campers recognize how their unique interests and strengths can contribute to Bell’s mission and to the innovations of tomorrow.

“Our hope is to have participants who love Bell and continue the path to become interns and employees,” said Sonja Clark, Amarillo Site Leader. “People in the community often share how special and memorable the Flight Camp experience was for their friends or family.”

Since 2019, Bell has led the charge in creating the curriculum and providing an enriched learning environment, courtesy of Amarillo College. Campers learn about the different engineering disciplines through projects like building rubber band helicopters, model plane circuits, and robotic arms. Students gain hands-on experience with problem-solving, manufacturing disciplines, and other valuable tools.

Summer interns are an integral part of Bell’s Flight Camp, serving as “camp counselors.” They contribute to each student’s success by assisting with classroom activities, supporting logistics, providing mentorship, and serving as positive role models. Through sharing their educational and career experiences with students, they also help promote professional development and interpersonal skills. Together, interns, engineers, and operational managers inspire the next generation of aerospace enthusiasts.

At the end of the week, students visit Bell’s Amarillo Aircraft Assembly Center and see the magic in person.

“The whole exercise broadens their awareness of the Bell operations. They understand you don’t have to be a pilot or someone who builds aircraft,” added Clark. “You can work in design, repairs, purchasing the parts or another support team entirely.” Students start to understand the teamwork and collaboration that happens behind the scenes. They see how everyone works together to advance the Bell mission and leave inspired by future career opportunities.

For more information on Bell Flight Camp, visit https://www.actx.edu/kidscollege