An Unforgettable Campout at the JB Andrews Air Show
By A.K., Scout
More than 70 Scouts, parents, and siblings of Boys’ Troop 128, Girls’ Troop 128, and Pack 665 joined together for an unforgettable camping trip to participate in the 2025 Air Show at Joint Base Andrews.
An air show is an event where aircraft perform aerial displays for a crowd watching from below. Growing up near military bases means I've seen my share of military aircraft, but an air show is a special treat because the planes perform special maneuvers that are not part of regular test flights.
This camping trip was also different from other trips in that we were fortunate to be invited by a T128 parent to camp inside the base. We passed the airfield on the way to the campsite. It was hard to imagine how the quiet field would soon come alive with airplanes. Separated into our Troops, we settled in for the night after a game of Manhunt. If you haven't played with us, you must! It is one of our favorites.
Saturday morning, the air was abuzz with excitement. There were STEAM hangars full of interesting booths and experiments. There were airplanes ranging from tight one-seaters to a huge Boeing C-17. There were parachutes spiraling down. There were historic planes that were flown during WWII showing off their stalls and recoveries. The air show culminated in the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstrating the prowess of F-16 fighter jets.
Our Scouts set up a booth of our own, promoting Scouting America and its benefits to air show visitors. We also volunteered at a hot dog booth that sold "Specialty Sausages/Drinks." We stayed there the whole day, from the first plane in the air until the Thunderbirds had performed. Those of us working towards the Aviation Merit Badge were given a tour of a working hangar and a lesson on aircraft maintenance. Then we were able to meet the Thunderbirds pilots and their team! What a day!
