ROCKET LAUNCH
Embedded Files
Don't forget to order your Class B T-Shirt and purchase tickets for events at the Pack Store!
The annual rocket launch in Cub Scouts is a fun and educational activity where scouts build and launch model rockets.
The annual rocket launch in Cub Scouts is a fun and educational activity where scouts build and launch model rockets.
The rocket launch is a highlight for many scouts, combining hands-on learning with the thrill of seeing their creations soar into the sky. It’s an opportunity for scouts to apply their knowledge, work as a team, and enjoy the excitement of a successful launch.
The rocket launch is a highlight for many scouts, combining hands-on learning with the thrill of seeing their creations soar into the sky. It’s an opportunity for scouts to apply their knowledge, work as a team, and enjoy the excitement of a successful launch.
ROCKET LAUNCH INFORMATION
ROCKET LAUNCH INFORMATION
🗓️ Sunday, August 24, 2025
🗓️ Sunday, August 24, 2025
⏰ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
📍 Elburn Station Park
(714 Keslinger Rd, Elburn, IL 60119)
PRIOR TO THE LAUNCH
Building the Rocket:
Building the Rocket:
Scouts assemble model rocket kits, which usually include a body tube, fins, a nose cone, and an engine mount. These kits can range from simple to more complex, depending on the age and skill level of the scouts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I purchase a Model Rocket?
Where can I purchase a Model Rocket?
You can typically purchase model rocket kits and supplies at the following retailers:
Hobbytown, Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Amazon sell model rockets and engines in some of their stores and/or online.
Estes also sells directly on its website: www.estesrockets.com
Prices range from $15 to $30 for medium to larger rocket kits. Engines typically cost around $10 for a pack of 3.
Which Model Rocket should I purchase?
Which Model Rocket should I purchase?
Estes is the most popular model rocket manufacturer, offering a variety of designs with kits suitable for all skill levels.
Here are some considerations to help you decide:
SIZE OF THE ROCKET:
Larger rockets (12-18 inches or longer) can usually be recovered and re-launched several times on the same day. Small rockets may be more difficult to locate and retrieve. For this reason, we recommend buying and building a medium or larger rocket.
SKILL LEVEL:
Each rocket model will indicate what skill level is required to build the rocket and what type of engines are used.
A skill level 0 requires minimal assembly. The fin can is molded out of plastic and requires no alignment or gluing. The fin can is just glued to the body tube. A good example of this is the Estes Alpha III kit.
A skill level 1 kit requires the balsa fins to be glued to the body tube using Elmer's glue. Extra skill is needed to locate and orient the fins properly on the body tube and hold them while glue dries. A good example of this is the Estes Wizard kit. Many of the skill level 1 kits could use a little spray paint or permanent markers to add a little color to the finished product.
TYPE OF ENGINE:
We recommend selecting a model rocket that uses an A-class engine. Please do not use anything larger than a B-class engine, as we do not want to launch them too high.
What else should I have in order to launch the Model Rocket?
What else should I have in order to launch the Model Rocket?
Engines and Recovery Wadding are essential for launching a model rocket. We encourage you to bring these items with you.
Estes uses a letter and numbering system for the size of the engine. Engines must be purchased separately and brought to the launch.
Recovery wadding is a small piece of treated paper/fabric that insulates the parachute system from engine’s heat so the rocket's parachute doesn’t melt during flight. (It looks a lot like fireproof toilet paper.) Recovery wadding is the same for all rockets, but larger rockets use several pieces for each launch.
Each launch consumes one engine, and one or more pieces of recovery wadding (depending on rocket size). Rockets can be re-used, but new wadding and engines are needed for each launch.
Pack 107 will have some Engines and Recovery Wadding available for community use.
LAUNCH DAY!
On the day of the launch, scouts and their families gather at Elburn Station Park to launch their rockets. Each scout gets to launch their rocket, often multiple times.
Other Important Information:
Other Important Information:
SAFETY: Safety is a top priority, with scouts learning how to handle and launch rockets safely. To ensure the safety of all participants, we ask that:
Scouts ask permission to enter the launch zone. The launching zone will be roped off. Please only enter the launch zone once.
Scouts refrain from entering the landing field while rockets are launching. If the parachute on a rocket fails, the rocket may fall very quickly.
Scouts will safely dispose of used rocket engines. Please be aware that a used engine may be hot.
LEARNING: Scouts will learn how rockets work, including discussions on propulsion, stability, and trajectory. When launching a rocket multiple times, we encourage scouts to observe how changes in design or conditions may affect flight.
FUN: We strive to provide a fun and exciting Rocket Launch. While your scout is waiting to launch their rocket, they can also launch a water bottle rocket (provided by the Pack) or play on the playground.
Page updated
Report abuse