Alconbury High School JROTC Hosts Camp Air Power for Elementary Students

Fuller, Joann

May 08, 2025

An Alconbury Elementary School student practices first aid techniques during a hands-on activity at Camp Air Power.

Students from Alconbury Elementary School practice hand-to-hand combat during Camp Air Power, a youth outreach event led by Alconbury Middle High School JROTC cadets. The camp offered students hands-on experiences with military equipment and training, aiming to build awareness of service roles and foster leadership skills.

When RAF Alconbury was unable to host its annual Camp Kudos this year, cadets from Alconbury Middle High School’s Junior ROTC program stepped up to fill the gap—launching Camp Air Power, an engaging and educational initiative for students at Alconbury Elementary School.

Designed to introduce young learners to military careers through hands-on experience, Camp Air Power offered a week of immersive activities, ranging from presenting the Colors to navigating obstacle courses. Participants also learned practical skills like self-defense, fire safety, personal finance management, and even simulated emergency medical response.

"It was an excellent experience for our Dragons to participate in and to see the outstanding organization that the AMHS JROTC cadets carried out for us," said Alconbury Elementary School Principal Scott Finlay.

The effort to organize the camp was spearheaded by JROTC cadets in collaboration with Fire, Security Forces, and Medical units stationed at RAF Alconbury.

"We have supported the program (Camp Kudos) for 10 years and it was a shame that students wouldn't get to participate," said Col. John R. Pardo, Jr., USAF (Ret), Senior Aerospace Science Instructor at Alconbury Middle High School. "So, we put it on with Fire, Security Forces, and Medical."

Camp Air Power not only provided a memorable and enriching experience for the students but also offered a meaningful look into the roles and responsibilities of the service members in their community. For many, it deepened their understanding of military life and gave them a new appreciation for their families' contributions to national defense.