Arkansas Nonprofit Puts Drones in the Hands of Students and Teachers With Conservation at the Core

She’s not just learning to build a drone; she’s discovering how KWF Foundation protects wildlife with technology

One mission. Two workshops. Endless possibilities.

The Kashmir World Foundation (KwF) is empowering the next generation of engineers and educators by combining hands-on technology with a mission-driven approach to conservation. At Montevia Sky Ranch, near Greenwood, Arkansas, students and teachers experience drones, artificial intelligence, and environmental stewardship firsthand in a one-of-a-kind immersive program.

This is where the wild meets innovation. 🌿 Montevia Sky Ranch, where KWF trains the next wave of conservation technologists, explorers, and changemakers.

A Living Classroom in the Ouachita Mountains

Each morning, mist rises over the

while horses roam the pastures and chickens scatter across the ranch. On this 150-acre property, KwF runs two distinct workshops, one for students and one for teachers. Though designed for different audiences, both programs share the same philosophy: learning by doing, solving real problems, and connecting technology to conservation.

Adventure Meets Innovation for Students

The DaVinci Challenge: Build a Drone Camp (July 19–24) gives students five immersive days to construct, program, and fly their own quadcopter drones. Using mission planning software, they simulate wildlife conservation operations, exploring how drones and AI help protect endangered species worldwide.

Hands-on. Eyes up. Hearts in it. 🚁 Our students aren't just learning about conservation; they're doing it.

Ranch life complements the tech experience. Students feed horses, care for goats and donkeys, collect eggs, and explore the surrounding forest, connecting their engineering projects to the natural world.

With a maximum of eight campers per session, every student receives personalized mentoring and guidance, ensuring a hands-on, deeply engaging experience. By the end of the week, students not only leave with a fully operational drone but also gain confidence, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of how technology can make a real impact on conservation efforts.

Teachers Take Flight: Transforming Education

Running from July 6-9, 2025, Teachers Take Flight is KwF’s professional development program for educators. Each teacher receives a drone kit and builds it from scratch, wiring, assembling, programming, and troubleshooting, mirroring the challenges their students will face.

The culminating day of flight is a rite of passage. Teachers witness their creations soar in both manual and autonomous modes, gaining a tangible sense of accomplishment. More importantly, they experience the “productive struggle” of problem-solving, which transforms how they guide students through challenges.

When teachers take flight, so do their students. ✈️ Proud to train the educators who will inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors.

“Seeing the drones that they built from scratch flying in manual and autonomous modes made them very excited,” said Dr. Burchan Aydin, engineering professor at East Texas A&M University. “Teachers requested additional support to apply these lessons in their classrooms.”

The workshop is designed for educators across disciplines, not just STEM. By connecting technology to real-world environmental purposes, teachers develop strategies to foster critical thinking, iterative problem-solving, and creativity in every classroom.

A Shared Mission: Technology + Nature

Both workshops unite students and teachers around a single principle: technology and nature can work together to protect and conserve our environment. Participants experience firsthand how innovation, mentorship, and immersive learning cultivate curiosity, resilience, and purpose.

Why This Camp Is Unique

Montevia Sky Ranch offers more than a summer program; it provides an experience where STEM, AI, engineering, environmental conservation, and exploration intersect. Students and teachers build, program, and fly drones while engaging with nature, animals, and the outdoors. Each day challenges participants to think creatively, solve problems, and connect technology to conservation in meaningful ways.

For students, this program inspires curiosity, confidence, and a sense of agency. For teachers, it transforms instructional practices and enhances engagement in classrooms of all disciplines. Together, they embody KwF’s vision: empowering people to use technology for a better world.

Registration and Information

The DaVinci Challenge: Build a Drone Camp

• Dates: July 19–24

• Limited to 8 students

• More info: kashmirworldfoundation.org/event-details/drone-camp
  

Teachers Take Flight 2026

• Dates: June 22–25

• Registration open through mid-May

• More info: kashmirworldfoundation.org/workshops
  

Both programs are held at Montevia Sky Ranch, 8947 AR-252, Greenwood, Arkansas 72936. Private and custom sessions are available year-round for schools, districts, and organizations.

Kashmir World Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contact: info@kashmirworldfoundation.org | 703-906-3149