SUMMER FUN 2026 AT MG USTER

For more than 12 years, our summer camp for teens has been held as part of the Uster Summer Camp (www.ferienplausch-uster.ch). (Our website, www.mg-uster.ch, still has an article about it from 2014...) It’s amazing how our program has evolved over the past few years—it has, among other things, become a central part of our youth work.

Last year it even took place twice: the well-known “long” version with 15 participants, which was offered again this year, and the short version with 9 participants. The program has steadily improved over the years, and we now have the experience and documentation (schedules, instructions for helpers, etc.) for 4 half-days/3 full days with theory sessions, simulator exercises, and hands-on flying (long version), as well as an intensive day with theory and hands-on flying (short version).

Perhaps a few more details about the long version. The students are divided into 3 groups (Maverik, Iceman, and Goose), each with 5 flight students (tail fins in red, orange, yellow, green, and blue). The three groups rotate between the “Theory,” “Simulator,” and “Flying” stations according to a (strict) schedule.

For the theory portion, we’ve developed our own curriculum in which participants learn everything they need to know about the theory of (model) flying, the model itself and the remote control, the flying field, safety, and so on. The materials (some created by us, some from public sources on the internet) are provided electronically on tablets and can also be taken home. A highlight is the “carrot demo” at the beginning of the course, where we pulverize a carrot in the propeller of a training aircraft (at half throttle...) to demonstrate the importance of safe behavior.

For the simulator exercises, we use five (older but still functional) laptops equipped with remote controls and the Phoenix flight simulator (which is resource-efficient; unfortunately, it is no longer being developed). The Easyglider training glider is also available in the simulator, and the airfield resembles our own, allowing flight students to practice realistic takeoffs, landings, and flight maneuvers (with increasing difficulty

). The simulator setup is located in a tent and can therefore continue to operate even during rain breaks (just like the theory sessions).

Participants learn to fly using the Multiplex Easyglider 4 and Spektrum radio controls in a wireless instructor-student setup. Step by step, the entire process is practiced—from simple flight maneuvers through takeoff to landing—and the instructor can take over immediately in critical situations at any time. From experience, flying for an entire day is very taxing on the models (especially at the beginning, when the motor and ESC are subjected to greater stress than is typical for a glider....), participants, and flight instructors, so we also work with a “stand-in instructor” (in addition to taking breaks). If you’re raising your eyebrows in surprise right now: The “Vacation Fun” program will be back next year, and we’re always looking for flight instructors.

Admittedly, the staffing requirements are high. With two supervisors at the simulator, six flight instructors, a flight director, a theory instructor, a battery charging supervisor, a time manager, and an assistant at the repair station, it all adds up. And, of course, the course director, who has to keep track of everything and solve problems on the spot.

But it’s worth it—the participants are always thrilled, the feedback from parents is great, and every year, some participants in the summer camp join the model aircraft club: Last year, for example, there were seven teenagers, two of whom have already helped out with the summer camp this year, and one even served as a flight instructor. If that isn’t a success!

And let’s not forget the “after-sales support”: The teens can request additional instructor-student flights (preferably with their own model) for a whole year (they usually join the club), and there are Q&A sessions led by experienced club members on the field every Saturday morning. The result of all this effort: We have no trouble attracting new members!

If you’d like to learn more about our summer camp—including organization, documents (checklists, info letters), the setup used for the planes and remote controls, etc.—please contact our youth coordinator (jugendarbeit@mg-uster.ch) or the author of this article: martin@wunderli.ch.