November 5, 2023 | 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Scouts who join Cub Scouts this year will receive a rocket that they can design, build, and launch at Rocket Day. Remember to bring the rocket you received when you joined. The district leadership will supply the rocket engine. Scouts already in Scouts can bring their own rocket and engine (see details below). Youth in kindergarten through fifth grade who are interested in joining Scouting may also attend; the membership committee will help you find a pack near you and get signed up for Scouting. New Scouts can attend any Rocket Launch Day event in the council that fits their schedule.
Bring a friend to join Scouting; they can receive a rocket onsite.
Scouts in Troops can bring a rocket and complete the Space Exploration Merit Badge part of requirement #3; volunteers are also needed for the event; please RSVP and let us know if you can volunteer.
Registration
The Rocket Day event is free; please RSVP so we can make sure we have an engine available for your Scout.
Parking is available in the Greenbriar Lot for $3 or in West Lot 2 or Central Campus garage for $12 (Map).
Cub Scouts: RSVP for Rocket Day Scouts BSA and Volunteer Registration
What to Bring
- Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A & B for all Scouting events) for every participant*
- New Scouts: Rocket that you received from your pack leader (with the Scout's name on it). Scouts may decorate their rockets with stickers or markers, but no additional weight should be added. View the rocket prep video.
- Returning Scouts can bring their own rocket and engine. See details below.
- Closed-toed shoes good for running^
Optional:
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Camp chair
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Extra engine (rockets can be shot more than once if time allows)
*Medical Record: We require all participants to bring an Annual Health and Medical Record to every Scouting event. The Scouting adventures, camping trips, and having fun are important to everyone in Scouting—and so is your safety and well-being. Completing the Annual Health and Medical Record is the first step in making sure you have a great Scouting experience. Completing a health history promotes health awareness, collects necessary data, and provides medical professionals critical information needed to treat a patient in the event of an illness or injury. It also provides emergency contact information. Please download the form and have the form with you at all Scouting events for every member of your family.
^Closed toed shoes are highly recommended for all Scouting events. Many of our outdoor venues have snakes and sticks that can injure toes. Many of our activities include active games, so shoes that Scouts can run in (e.g., tennis shoes) are recommended.
Extra Rockets
Scouts may bring extra rockets (e.g., for a sibling who is a returning Scout). The rocket must be a skill level 0 to 2 and the engine must be an A or B class engine. Rockets should not exceed 22 inches in length
Packs may purchase additional rockets for returning Scouts in bulk from the local Scout Shop. Allow two weeks for delivery.
Individuals may purchase additional rockets and motor engines at the local Scout Shop or Hobby Lobby.
If Scouts bring their own rocket(s), the rocket should be built prior to arrival at the launch site and they must provide their own appropriate class A or B rocket engine. Remember that only adults are allowed to handle the engines. Ensure that you review the rocket kit instructions and select the recommended engine size.
Watch this video for a very good briefing on prepping rockets prior to launch: https://youtu.be/hC6evC1N05c.
Rocket Launch Safety
The safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees is an important part of the Scouting experience.
Only adults are allowed to handle or load rocket motors. Adults should always closely supervise ALL rocketry building, launching, and recovery activities.
National Association of Rocketry (NAR) Safety Code and other safety guidelines will be followed:
- Launch safety – countdowns, 15-foot safety circle
- Launchers – End of launch rod must be above eye level.
- Launch site – 200-foot open area required for a type B engine; monitor wind and dry grass conditions
- Every rocket should be safety inspected prior to launch.
- If a rocket misfires or does not launch, be sure to wait a minimum of 30 seconds before approaching it.
- Lightning, winds, or any adverse weather should immediately stop the launch.
- Recovery safety – Do not attempt recovery from power lines, tall trees, etc.
- In case of inclement weather, the launch will be rescheduled.
Photographs
Notice! Please be advised that promotional videotaping/photography may be in progress at any time at an event. Your entrance constitutes your agreement that the council and district has the right to reproduce your likeness in videography/photography for promotion (e.g., publications, internet, newspaper).
Communications
Join our council Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shac.bsa.
Scouting Safely
The BSA's Commitment to Safety is ongoing and we want you to know that the safety of our youth, volunteers, staff, and employees cannot be compromised. BSA Guide to Safe Scouting policies must be followed and all participants must follow youth protection guidelines at all Scouting events. Highlights include:
- Two-deep leadership on all outings required.
- No one-on-one contact between adults and youth members.
- The buddy system should be used at all times.
- Discipline must be constructive.
Youth Protection Guidelines Guide to Safe Scouting Enterprise Risk Management
Contacts