* Not all activities listed are included in the four-day camp

This action packed week will focus solely on rockets and the physics of rocket flight. After learning the model rocket safety code, campers (ages 7-12) will build a variety of rockets and participate in daily launches during the weeklong program. Children will be divided into three groups; altitude trackers, launch preparation and launchers for all rocket launches and will get the opportunity to try all three roles.

Every day has a different theme:

Rocket Scientists
Young rocket scientists scratch-build a real model rocket using a sturdy paper towel tube for a body, a plastic egg for a nose and payload bay, pipe insulation for an engine mount, a soda straw for a launch lug, and a plastic bag and crochet thread for a parachute. The Rex Rocket not only flies using a real model rocket engine, but it can be converted into a two-stage rocket. The fun never ends as this and other model rockets can be launched again and again. Children also learn how to make their own model rocket repairs.
 
Mission Control
Children learn what makes a rocket stable while investigating problems and finding solutions for successful model rocketry. They learn why the center of balance and the center of pressure are so important in keeping their rockets on a safe path. Children build a Mad Science Skyblazer model rocket to take home. 

Astronaut Training
Children use their newly acquired knowledge to build an aerodynamic paper rocket that blasts off the end of a straw, a fizzler rocket that is powered by a chemical reaction, and a stomp rocket that is powered by air pressure. They also learn some of the history behind rocketry.

Mission Recovery
Did you know that there are eight different ways to recover your rockets, and bring them safely back to Earth? This camp day focuses not only on recovery systems, but also rocket engines and other propellants. Most model rockets can use a range of engine sizes. Children learn which engine size to use depending on weather conditions and the size of the recovery field. Children also build another model rocket to take home.

Go for Launch
Children experiment with rocket transportation and payloads. They also prepare and launch a two-stage rocket. They discover the aerodynamics of a souped-up soda bottle rocket that flies over 100 feet high on air pressure. Children learn how to measure the height of an object using a homemade altitude finder. At the end of the camp, junior rocket scientists will receive Certificates of Achievement and take home their own rocket journal.

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