Charles W. Harris
Youth Aviation Center
“Dream It and Let Your Spirit Soar”
Vintage Aircraft Association President Susan Dusenbury, along with special guests including young aviation enthusiasts and members of the VAA Board of Directors and VAA Youth Program, at the 2024 Grand Opening of the Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center
The Vintage Aircraft Association’s Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center opened at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 and serves as an exciting place for future generations of aviation. Kids and teens are able to take part in educational programs and workshops, as well as meet other people their age who share their interests. The Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center is a valuable addition not only to the Vintage area, but also to the education of the young people who benefit from it.
Led by Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center chairmen AC and Sue Hutson, along with other talented volunteers, kids ages 8 – 12 are given the chance to learn how to properly use tools such as hammers and pliers. Some of the projects even involve small make and take items that kids can proudly show off as an example of what they’ve learned! Parents are always encouraged to attend and watch their children’s progress.
A few of our amazing volunteers preping a workstation for fun learning opportunities!
Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center
Co-Chairmen Sue and AC Hutson
Reading is fun with EAA’s aviation comic, Aviore!
Teen Programs
The Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center isn’t just for kids! Teen Night at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2024 drew in a crowd of over 100 young people for an evening of fun including a group glider building and flying compitition, root beer floats, and the chance to get to know other teens who share a love of aviation!
More events and programs aimed at the 13 – 18 crowd are being developed for 2025, so be sure to look for information in the months leading up to AirVenture next summer!
We’re Looking for Volunteers!
If you enjoy working with kids and teens, consider spending some time volunteering at the Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center during your time at AirVenture. Help with setup, guide kids during our Children’s Hands-On Workshop, or just be available as a mentor! We’ll be developing more programs for the future, so our need for volunteers will increase. We’re also open to additional ideas for activities and events, so join our team and help inspire the future generations of aviation!
Show Your Support by Purchasing a Brick
You can make an investment in the next generation of pilots, aircraft mechanics, and aviation enthusiasts with your purchase of a commemorative brick to be placed on the patio of the Charles W. Harris Youth Aviation Center. Click the button to be taken to the online order form via the EAA website . If you prefer to pay by check, call our office at
920-426-6110 and Amy will be happy to send you a form in the mail that you can return with your payment.
In order for your brick to be engraved and installed prior to AirVenture in July, your order must be placed NO LATER than April 1st.
You’ll be able to choose from two brick sizes:
Small Brick
4" X 8"- Two rows of text
- 12 characters per line
Large Brick
7.75" X 15.5"- Three rows of text
- 16 characters per line