School Club Launch

Last weekend I got the chance to help with the annual Rocket Club launch at a local elementary school. The kids had a blast and so did we. I would highly recommend reaching out to local groups if you can. Not only is it good for the kids, it’s good for the hobby and a refreshing break from the higher & faster flying we get caught up in!

gtg738w said:

Last weekend I got the chance to help with the annual Rocket Club launch at a local elementary school. The kids had a blast and so did we. I would highly recommend reaching out to local groups if you can. Not only is it good for the kids, it’s good for the hobby and a refreshing break from the higher & faster flying we get caught up in!


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Very nice! I enjoy the class I teach every year as well. As a teacher I get paid to play with rockets I always save a period at the end of the class to show them a couple mid power flights which is always a hit.

I enjoy it and they do too, but I don't really see many if any continue with it as a hobby. They see it as a fun class and that's it.

Dipstick said:

I enjoy it and they do too, but I don't really see many if any continue with it as a hobby. They see it as a fun class and that's it.

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I’m always surprised by that as well. I would love to know how to get better retention so we don’t have to wait 20+ years to see them again as a BAR! You would think with ready to fly models and all the info online it would be getting more accessible but it’s hard to tell.

I think its the parents, they seem to get intimidated thinking it's too dangerous to do on their own.
And/or "other activities" sports, band, dance, on weekends.
Our club does a LOT of scout events and they are always invited to come to our launches, but never seem to show.

Great picture of the kids, I always love that look on their faces!!

Wich wick can I use to ignite my powder ?

gtg738w said:

Last weekend I got the chance to help with the annual Rocket Club launch at a local elementary school. The kids had a blast and so did we. I would highly recommend reaching out to local groups if you can. Not only is it good for the kids, it’s good for the hobby and a refreshing break from the higher & faster flying we get caught up in!
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Cool. I especially like the pencil (second from the left). We've seen that before, but it's no less creative for an elementary school student.

Dipstick said:

I enjoy it and they do too, but I don't really see many if any continue with it as a hobby. They see it as a fun class and that's it.

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JJSR said:

I think its the parents, they seem to get intimidated thinking it's too dangerous to do on their own.

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Here's a thought. Invite the kids and their parents to a club launch near the end of the term. If a few of the parents get interested, or even just get why their kids are, then maybe one or two kids will come back (with or without parents in tow). Also, maybe do it in middle school/junior high when the parents might be past the "my precious little tyke" stage. Just a thought. Which is not to say don't do it elementary school too.