Boys & Girls Club Members Visit Salisbury Regional Airport

Youth members from the Boys & Girls Club at Truitt Community Center recently had the chance to explore Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) during a hands-on field trip. For many of our members—most of whom have never been on an airplane—it was their first time seeing what happens behind the scenes of an airport, and their curiosity led to thoughtful questions and meaningful conversations. Moments when a young person shows a spark of interest in something new are a reminder of how important exposure and access are. Experiences like this can open doors, planting the idea that a future in aviation, or any field, is possible. 

The trip was made possible through a meaningful community partnership with the Richard A. Henson Foundation, which helped connect our Truitt Clubhouse with the SBY Airport staff. Adam Gardner, the Deputy Director of SBY Airport, kicked off the field trip by sharing insight into the airport’s long history, its economic impact on the region, and the many careers needed to keep it running. Gardner also spoke to the importance of workforce readiness, encouraging youth to consider how they might be a part of this dynamic industry. 

One of the highlights of the tour was seeing TSA in action and getting up close to the airport’s outdoor equipment. Youth members asked questions about everything — how the air stairs work, the purpose of a windsock, and what role each team member plays during a flight’s arrival or departure. 

The second half of the trip took place within the building for the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Aviation Maintenance School, a brand-new FAA-approved program which aims to build the aviation maintenance workforce. Chris Proscia, the aviation maintenance program manager, guided the group through the hangar full of planes, and spoke about the mechanics of a jet engine. Youth were introduced to concepts like friction, the use of titanium, and the science behind engine design. 

Proscia is preparing to launch the first class of the program this fall and aimed to inspire our youth during the visit. “If you want to see the world—if you want to travel—becoming a pilot or a mechanic is a great opportunity because companies will pay you to do it,” Proscia explained. “This is the industry to be in. And it’s more than just pilots and mechanics—it’s flight engineers, airport directors, maintenance crews, and so many other paths.” 

Members were especially inspired to hear about Ava, a talented young female mechanic who’s making her mark in a field where women are still underrepresented. Her success as a highly certified mechanic sparked conversation about women in STEM and what’s possible when given access to the right tools and support. 

The day wrapped up with an exciting hands-on experience inside the planes. The youth climbed into each cockpit, filled with questions about how the wings and tail move. One member asked about weight and balance, curious about how many people can ride in a cockpit and what would happen if there was too much weight. Another asked how far the small planes can fly (about 2.5 hours), while others wanted to know what age you can start learning to fly.  

One member was so intrigued by the mechanics of the planes that he had a hard time leaving. When asked if he could see himself flying or fixing planes one day, he said, “Definitely. I’ll be back. I really want to grow up and fix planes now.” Moments like this reflect the power of building pathways to success—when a spark of interest becomes something more. 

Field trips like this reflect what Boys & Girls Clubs are all about: workforce readiness, creating exposure to real careers, and sparking passions that lead to great futures. Through strong community partnerships like the one with the Richard A. Henson Foundation and SBY Regional Airport, we’re helping youth discover what’s possible—one experience at a time.