<p>Congrats you have a normal 13 yo. I would focus on the tools that will make them successful in high school and if he displays continued interest then spend the day at the yard and take the escorted tour. Other options - Space Camp in Huntsville, Al (Aviation Challenge) between sophmore and junior year and summer seminar between junior and senior year.</p>
<p>Self-motivation will be the key to their success and that’s still a few years away. </p>
<p>Leaning on a child to attend a service academy is no different than trying to force a child become a doctor. It won’t work and if they stick it out they’re not going to be any good at it. It’s just too hard if you’re not “all in.”</p>