Jersey Shore Scouting Council Honors Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Educators
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE–DIX–LAKEHURST, N.J. (June 16, 2026) — The Jersey Shore Scouting Council recently presented Certificates of Appreciation to New Jersey Wing Director of Aerospace Education Lt. Col. Michael Castania and Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Member Pamela Bogdan for supporting the council's 250th Anniversary Camporee Celebration at the Joseph A. Citta Scout Reservation.
"It was rewarding to see Scouts actively engaged in hands-on aerospace and STEM activities that encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creativity," Castania said. "Programs like these help inspire the next generation of aviation and community leaders."
Held May 29-31, the event brought together more than 150 Scouts from across the Jersey Shore district for interactive educational activities exploring American history, aviation, aerospace and innovation.
Castania and Bogdan led two aerospace education activities during the camporee. The first, NASA's "Survival on the Moon," challenged Scouts to work together to prioritize survival items following a hypothetical lunar crash landing, demonstrating the value of teamwork and collaborative decision-making.
The second activity featured the FPG-9 Foam Plate Glider, a hands-on project designed to teach basic aerodynamics, aviation physics and aircraft control surfaces. The activity is also part of the Scouting Aviation Merit Badge program and is widely used in Civil Air Patrol aerospace education initiatives.
At the conclusion of the event, the Jersey Shore Scouting Council recognized Castania and Bogdan for their contributions to youth aerospace education and STEM outreach.
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and supports communities through emergency services, cadet programs and aerospace education.
About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
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For More Information:
Lt. Col. Bill Petzinger, CAP
1+ 609-306-0966
Email: public.affairs@njwg.cap.gov
