I saw a discussion on another Board, perhaps USCGA, about sending kids alone for summer programs. Coming from Utah, it might be tough to get DS to BWI or DC by Noon, so you might consider getting hotel room near the Airport. If you do that, you will want to call ahead and make arrangments, since many hotels won't accept guests under 18.
Sending kids alone the first time might be scary ..but this is actually a good lesson in independence. A year from now DS will be leaving the nest for good, so letting him test his wings in pretty controlled environment is a good start.