Drones can be found everywhere, from news reports on military action overseas to the hobby enthusiast at the local airfield or park. As quality models can be purchased at affordable prices, drones have grown in use and popularity. According to recent reports by consulting firm PWC, the drone industry could be worth $127 billion by 2020. It also reported that some of the greatest increases could be in logistics, business, farming and special effects applications.Â
Drones belong to a class of aerial vehicles known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. What makes them so revolutionary is their ability to take flight without on-board pilots, taking humans to places they’ve never gone, while all but eliminating risk to the pilot. Over the last decade UAV’s have revolutionized flight, and offer an opportunity for a new field of study in this innovative field of technology.Â
Tioga Economic Development and Enel Green Energy North America recognize this trend in technology, and will host the second annual Drone Camp for Kids in Tioga on Saturday and Sunday. The camp runs 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days.
This event will be held in conjunction with local STEM tech camps across western North Dakota. Tioga Drone Camp for Kids was awarded the 2016 Impact Award for Community Development by the Economic Development Association of North Dakota. Â
This two-day, 80-student camp in Tioga will be for grades 5 through 12. It will focus on drone use, safety, privacy, competitive flight and vocational opportunities. The camp will be taught by Erin Wood of Lake Region College and Keith Aubin of Enel Green Energy North America Inc. A drone obstacle course for students will be conducted by Minot Aeroport Hobby Shoppe.Â
After successfully completing the program, students will have a personal practice drone to take home. A 3D printer will also be donated to Tioga Public Schools.Â
In addition to the camp, Tioga is hosting other activities throughout the weekend.
The latest event to be added is a Constitutional Handgun Carry training class beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Tioga Senior Citizen Club.
Adult students may apply for the North Dakota Concealed Weapon Permit by paying the testing fee of $50 and being fingerprinted for $30.
Also at 11 a.m., there will be a Tioga Film Festival, to which more than 600 movies were submitted this year.
At noon, competitors in the Innovation and Invention contest will vie for a $2,500 grand prize, sponsored by Williston Economic Development Corporation. The Innovation and Invention conference is a two-day event, with a number of other associated activities.
There will be karate classes on Main Street at 2 p.m., and Dancing with the Stars coach Alona Toranova will hold a couples’ dancing class on Main Street at 5 p.m., followed by the Street Dance, with Boomtown performing, beginning at 9 p.m.
