Wally Boeck calls it "a monumental morning" -- that Sunday this spring when 74 kids boarded planes at Rancho Murieta Airport, 68 of them for the first time, as part of the Young Eagles program. Three times a year local aviators like Boeck provide the plane rides and share their passion for flying.

Wally Boeck heads a group that's offering an aviation summer camp this year.

"At least 50 percent of the children who have participated in the Young Eagles program really want to continue to do something" in aviation, Boeck said at this month's Rancho Murieta Association meeting.

In July they'll have that opportunity.

The Young Eagles Summer Day Camp is a week-long introduction to the world of aviation for ages 13 through 18. It offers hands-on activities and instruction in aviation history, aerodynamics, aircraft design, weather, communications and flight rules. Campers will be taught by aviation professionals and use flight simulators during a field trip to Mather Field.

Sponsors include the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Sacramento City College, according to Boeck. All ground school time and flight time will be logged in a pilot log book and can be used to meet Federal Aviation Administration requirements for either light sport or private pilot certification.

The camp begins July 28 and concludes Aug. 1 with an Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles flight event at the airport.

Boeck, who has been selected president of the Rancho Murieta EAA chapter, sees the camp as the first step in a long-term plan to organize and formalize activities for youth who are interested in aviation. The chapter is in the process of incorporating.

The program can accommodate 50 campers and registration is now in progress. The cost is $199. For information, contact Boeck at 354-8764 or wboeck@boeckna.com.

Parents are required to attend a meeting with the Young Eagles Summer Camp staff prior to the start of the session. During the parent meeting, questions regarding the syllabus will be answered, and parents will be asked to sign all necessary paperwork.