28th Alpine Model Aircraft Camp, Hahnenmoos – Despite COVID-19

In the past, the models were called Amigo, Dandy, Airfish, Panda, Skeeter, or Sommerwind and were mostly constructed from balsa wood, plywood, and pine strips; the wing blanks were covered with paper or even silk—later, iron-on film was introduced, which, due to its smooth surface, often resulted in more unpredictable flight behavior.

Today, the models are labeled Concendo, Easy Glider, Alula, Wiesel, Libelle, Zagi, or MUxy and are mostly constructed from foam, reinforced with CFRP profiles or tubes; an electric motor often prevents the glider from stalling or even encourages other daring flight maneuvers...!

What remains are beautiful surroundings, impressive weather-driven atmospheres, great colleagues, and a dedicated team of camp leaders. In addition, camp participants continue to learn how to use knives, planes, and sandpaper while building a balsa glider.

We’ve already held 28 camps; that speaks to the camp’s concept—more on that below!

This year, due to the pandemic, holding the camp was anything but a given; all the more reason for the participants to enjoy this wonderful week—their comments, at least, speak volumes:

Glen: It was really cool because you make friends very quickly.

Nils: The counselors were very friendly and helped with test flights and repairs.

Frédéric: Thanks to the leaders’ support, the models made it through their first flight unscathed.

Andrin: I learned how to land and take off at this camp; the scenery is also very beautiful!

Mischa: The scenery is very beautiful because there are so many beautiful flowers.

Noel: Cheating on the Ka-8 test was a lot of fun.

Valentin: We had lots of adventures with our new friends.

Noel: During the week, the wind often blew from the west; I prefer the Bise because it’s better for dogfights.

Ryan: I really liked the scenery. It was great for “combat,” and the food was excellent!

Mark: It’s great to enjoy the camp experience in the mountains with friends.

Michèle: The Hahnenmoos camp was really great, but unfortunately, the time flew by.

It’s not just about flying model airplanes—it’s about sharing beautiful, exciting moments together in a lovely setting, all thanks to model flying—these sentiments come through in many of the camp reviews.

Another factor that certainly contributes to the positive atmosphere is that the young people get plenty of flying time: The flying field is literally right outside the door and, regardless of the wind direction, just a few steps away. And should a crash ever occur—which can happen—superglue and an activator, along with the help of experienced instructors in the nearby workshop if needed, ensure that the model is airworthy again after a quick repair; you can immediately rejoin the action in the air.

The camaraderie experienced at the youth camp has a surprisingly lasting impact: A group of seven former campers brought plenty of action to the slope with their youthful energy! The fact that it’s not just the much-admired high-tech models that play a role is demonstrated by the formation flights and the extremely creative homemade designs made from model scraps and beer cans...! That thing flew surprisingly well, by the way!

The leadership team and the hotel staff provide the framework for all these activities: years of accumulated experience and a calm, patient approach to working with young people ensure that camp operations run smoothly, with the focus on the fun of model flying against a beautiful backdrop and on camaraderie! Anyone who has ever organized an event like this knows that a tremendous amount of work goes into it...!

The atmosphere at the lodging and in the restaurant is also extremely important: The hotel staff supports the leadership team and takes the young people’s concerns seriously—that should really go without saying, but it’s far from the case everywhere! The goodwill shown toward the camp creates a great atmosphere and is the reason why so many participants come back year after year...!

The same goes for me: I’m looking forward to the next camp week in the summer of 2021—certainly because of the beautiful flights over impressive scenery, but above all because of the great atmosphere during that week and the chance to reconnect with longtime model-flying friends!

Text: Camp participants, Res Dauwalder Photos: Beat Hofmann and Res Dauwalder

Anyone interested in participating in the 29th Youth Camp at the Hahnenmoos Pass can now find the necessary information and registration forms at www.alpines.ch. The camp will take place from July 24 to 31, 2021. Space is limited!