Rocket Night – June 15

Rocket night will be held on June 15 beginning at 7:00pm in the St. Patrick’s upper parking lot. Advance reservations is required!

COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES

Each family will need to stay in their parking spot. Each scout can come up to the stand and shoot off their rocket but only the scout with his or her family. They are the only ones who can retrieve the rocket. Once they retrieve the rocket they are to stay next to their car while others take their turn. The cars should park every other spot to maintain social distancing. We also ask that all participants wear a mask while outside of their vehicles.

What if I don’t have a rocket?

We encourage you to purchase a kit to build your rocket as soon as possible, and put it together prior to the event.  Rockets can be purchased at stores like Walmart or at the Gallomod’s Hobby Shop in Baldwin Place.  Please check their website as they are only open for curbside pickup.  Kits are also available online through Amazon, but please note that some online orders have been delayed.

Rocket Safety

Conducting rocket academies is a long-standing event for many Scouting packs, troops, and camps. These events are a good way to showcase the broad spectrum of activities and learning associated with Scouting, and can educate participants and attendees about the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program. Scouting.org has published several articles about rocket academies.

We will shoot off as many as possible before dark, and we expect to end around 8:30 or whenever it is deemed too dark to safely continue launching.  Only A or B engines are permitted, and anyone with a launch pad who could lend it would be greatly appreciated.

Safety considerations should be on the top of everyone’s list when dealing with projectiles that, if misused, could cause serious injury or damage. Follow these guidelines:

• Only use lightweight, non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins on any rocket.
• Only use certified, commercially made rocket motors appropriate for the rocket, and make sure that nobody tampers with or modifies them.
• Find out if there are any rules and regulations regarding the type, size, and launching of rockets within your community.
• Always use a countdown when launching a rocket to make sure everyone knows the launch is about to happen. Minimum safe distance is 15 feet for small rocket launch.
• Only use a manufacturer approved launch rod or tower.
• Always use protective eyewear when launching. This can protect your eyes from being injured by rocket exhaust or nearby objects blown through the air by the launch.
• Do not use model rockets for shooting a payload, firing at a target, or launching into clouds or near aircraft.
• Do not attempt to recover rockets from power lines, tall trees, or other potentially dangerous areas.
• Take a PAUSE for safety prior to a launch: Pause before you start. Assess possible hazards. Understand how to proceed safely. Share your plan with others. Execute the activity safely.