On September 27th at 9:30 AM, Cub Scout pack 969, out of Westminster, visited the Arvada Associated Modelers Club for their traditional rocket launching event. Approximately 15 youngsters showed up whose ages ranged from 6 to 10 years old. They all brought rockets which were built at home and purchased from local hobby shops. Rockets ranged from mini size, A10-3t, up to a 6 foot, D12-3, multi-staged rocket. Albeit the D12-3 rocket was built, owned and flown by a parent, but he was a kid at heart. The purpose of the event was to pass an ‘achievement’ towards one of their Cub Scout badges.
The weather was perfect, an absolutely beautiful Colorado day, there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. JD started the day off by flying his Carbon Cub for a couple of touch and goes, loops and slow rolls. The kids and especially the adults seemed to enjoy the short airshow.
Once Mick, the troop leader, talked to the group to emphasize safety and the rules of the field, the Cub Scouts started to prepare their rockets for launch. Three at a time were placed on the launch pad; each scout was able to launch their own rocket. Although there were a few minor technical difficulties, as to be expected, the launches went off without a hitch. In fact the first few, that were launched, were so straight and the wind was so calm, they almost landed back on the launch pad after reaching a height of about 500 to 600 feet.
JD and Dennis McNally donated numerous hobby materials and rocket parts to help with the Cub Scout’s event.
Parents and children enjoyed a fun filled Saturday with each other while experiencing the excitement and thrill of launching rockets at the Arvada Associated Modelers Club.