Story from: Volker Löschhorn (Germany) as told by Student Pilot, Pauline Claude, aged 17 from France (pictured).

For 2021, the French German Youth Office (FGYO) Balloon Youth Camp took place in the region of Franconia, about halfway between Frankfurt/Main and Nuremberg Germany from 24-31 July. This is a place that is conducive to learning about ballooning, as well as meeting new people. With a total of 28 Students, six flights and four balloons participating during this week, we discovered the world of hot air ballooning. For a large majority of attendees, this was their first experience with ballooning. And we improved our learning & skills as future pilots. 

The flights were all different, with new weather conditions every day.  This allowed us to discover many different sensations in flight and on the ground.  We had the opportunity to have a complete experience of ballooning.  We approached the world of hot-air ballooning from flights along with some theoretical lessons during this week.

Hands-on experiences for the young balloon pilots

But the activities were not limited to ballooning. Of course, the balloon was the main subject of our week. But the meetings, social activities and the learning of foreign languages (mainly German, French and English) allowed us to create a united and welded group, within an exceptional atmosphere and an unforgettable week.

For me, having participated in many events organised by the FGYO Camp, this was by far the best.  Indeed, many of us want to keep in touch after the creation of new friendships and are eager to meet again next year for a new stay, next time in France.

We would like to thank Max, Volker, Théo, Serge, Youssif, all attentive pilots, who gave us their time and shared their experiences.  A big thank you to Marvin, Claude, Martine, Alicia, Anke, Valentin and Lothar, who without them the trip would not have been possible.

See you next year!

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