Fire in the hole… 3… 2… 1… Blast off!!! It’s the Annual Pack 9 Rocket Launch!
Be sure to arrive no later than 1:00 PM for the Event Kickoff and Safety Discussion.
Boys bring their own rockets and launch them under safe and supervised conditions. You don’t need to know anything about rockets to try it, but you do need to come prepared.
(Don’t have a rocket? Reach out and and you can borrow one!)
If you’re completely new to it, just understand that you need to buy a couple of things: (1) a rocket and (2) several “engines” for it. Four engines = four flights which should be enough. You only need one rocket, which you use over and over. That said, some enthusiasts have multiple rockets. The Pack provides the launchers, wadding, safety glasses, etc.
There are all kinds of options for rockets on-line, or you can buy them in the store at RC Excitement in Fitchburg. Hobby Lobby in Framingham or Nashua have rockets, too. For a super-simple, inexpensive rocket you can purchase on-line that will fly right out of the box, try the Athena from Estes. These are great for the first-time rocketeer or as a backup just in case the first one gets stuck in a tree 😮
You can build the rocket from a kit and decorate it, which is a lot of fun to do with your son. If so, you should probably start soon. On the other end of the spectrum, some boys are happy just to have something to launch and have the most fun just running around chasing all the rockets with their buddies. If that sounds like your son, a pre-made rocket like the Athena is probably fine. For about $40 all-in and you’re good to go w/ a rocket and 4 engines.
There’s a lot to know about the engines – most people use A, B or C engines (they’re all the same size, just differ in performance attributes) and the C’s are most powerful, the A’s the least powerful. The package shown to the left gives you an idea – you don’t have to get A8-3 engines, that’s just to give you an idea.
So if you don’t have rockets and you’d like to participate in the November 18th Rocket Launch, put a trip to RC Excitement on your Calendar this weekend. I think that’s probably the best way to get started if you’ve never done it before.
Finally – fall sports season is over and the Rocket Launch is a great event to invite a friend to who might have been too busy to try Cub Scouts earlier. The Pack has extra rockets and engines available to guests who are potential joiners. Just let your den leader know in advance that your son is bringing a friend who will need a rocket.