I chose Embry-Riddle because of Spy Camp

Hi my name is Jessica Embrey. I am a freshman here at Embry-Riddle. I am majoring in Global Securities and Intelligence Studies. I have always been interested in this line of work. I think it would be cool to work as an analyst, in an embassy, doing field work, or in counter intelligence.

My brother had just started at Embry-Riddle so I was learning more about the school and the different majors when one really caught my attention – Global Security and Intelligence Studies. GSIS, it was everything I wanted to do concentrated in a college major. Then I heard about spy camp. It was the perfect way to try out my interests so I signed up!

My experience at spy camp was amazing. I met so many cool people that I am still friends with to this day. I also learned a lot more about what I wanted to do in my future. I experienced what it’s really like, not just what you see on TV (even though TV was a big part of how I decided I want this). The camp was very in formative and a lot of fun! We did so many cool activities like encryption and surveillance. It really helped to show me a different side of gathering intelligence. Attending Spy Camps is something that I recommend to everyone who wants to go into this field of work. No matter what summer camp you go to here at Embry-Riddle you will have fun and learn a lot of things. Whether it is an engineering camp, flight camp, or spy camp you will learn a lot and have a good time while also getting a look into a perspective career field and even getting a look at Embry-riddle to see if you want to come here one day! So take my advice, come to camp!

Being a Summer Programs Coordinator

Embry-Riddle offers a large variety of summer camps during the months of June and July.  Overnight, day, athletic, you name it, we got it.  These camps are designed for high school students who are just beginning to explore their college options or making a final decision.  I had the pleasure of working with about a dozen other ERAU students and our wonderful Summer Program’s Department in making sure the summer of 2013 was the most enjoyable for all attendees.  Being a Summer Program Coordinator is an ideal job for students who are taking summer courses, flying, or just want a steady pace job during the summer months.  Before our first group of campers even got to campus, we had spent months preparing.  This meant tons of paperwork, organization of supplies, coordination with our professors, moving into the dorms where the campers would be staying, and of course, becoming CPR and First Aid Certified.

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The first couple weeks were hectic but my team of coordinators and the campers made it all a little bit easier.  I was shocked at how eager and bright the high school students were.  I mean, when I was 15, I definitely would not have been able to tell you every detail of a UAV.  I learned very quickly that this was not the type of summer camp where parents drop off their kids like a day care.  These students wanted to be here and they were ready to learn as much as they could in the week.  I think that living in the dorms with the counselors made the campers comfortable and made their experience more enjoyable.  However, when living in the dorms, as incoming students will learn their first year, stuff gets mixed up easily.  Like, say if your name is Adam White and you work an entire shift as Jeffrey Boudoin.

IMG_3623This kind of thing happened often but there’s nothing wrong with a good long laugh.  We honestly might have been having more fun than the campers at times.  Our team was made up of pilots, CFI, GSIS majors, engineers, and me (the lone physicist) which made for a creative environment.  The different mind processes brought innovative ideas to the table every week during our meetings.  This diversity also helped with our wide range of camps that we offer which can be found here, http://summercamps.erau.edu/camps/index.html.

For many, an Embry-Riddle Summer Program was a camper’s first experience away from home.  That being said, it was part of our job to make it as much fun as possible outside of the classroom lectures.  This included trips to Sedona, Ghost Tours in downtown Prescott, dinners, movies, camper vs. counselor kickball games under the lights, hikes though the Dells, and anything else we thought they would enjoy.  Activities varied from camp to camp because of the different types of students.

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The end of the summer came much too quickly as most summers do.  I was sad to see it was over but I also felt a sense of happiness.  I had just spent the prior months encouraging younger students to become inspired, to follow their dreams, and to keep exploring things that they don’t understand.  I had created a entirely new group of friends on campus through working with Summer Programs and the campers even stayed in touch with me via Facebook, Instagram, and yes even Snapchat.  I received many messages like this one,

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and the coolest part of it all? Now that I am a senior, I see so many underclassmen on campus that attended the camps and they look happy here at Embry-Riddle, which means I did my job.

Summer Camps Helped Me Choose My Degree

Hi Everyone! I’m a current student at Embry-Riddle that went to two different summer camps before choosing Riddle. The Embry Riddle Summer Program really helped me to decide my future.

It all started in middle school when I decided that I would love to be an aeronautical engineer. When I found out about the Aeronautical Engineering Summer Program I immediately signed up. I wanted to see what being an engineer was really all about.

June came and I arrived at the first day of Aero Camp. That evening I met my first friends who I would hang out with for the rest of the week. I loved camp! I had a blast making Balsa Wood Planes and designing, printing, and testing bridges. I met faculty who teach the real classes because they were the ones teaching me. After camp I could not wait to go to Embry Riddle for real.

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The following summer my friends and I decided to go back to camp. We decided on the Spy Camp because one of my friends was planning to join that program the following fall. I was beyond excited to return to Embry Riddle for summer camp.ECSSE Summercamp spy camp

From day one Spy Camp was awesome. I loved it! We got to learn some of the basic codes used for cryptography and also we got the chance to uncover a spy at an embassy reception! I learned so much about what the program would prepare me to do. Spy Camp was a great introduction to the Global Security Intelligence Studies. By the time the camp ended it had completely changed my mind. I no longer wanted to be an Aeronautical Engineer but rather a security professional and now I’m a student at Embry-Riddle.

You should definitely come to camp at Embry-Riddle!

Sin Cera,
Seraphina