Bellingham Scouts Attend Annual Rocket Trip

By Jennifer Russo

Bellingham Troop 14 Scouts were focused on building model rockets in a recent meeting, but these rockets weren’t intended to sit on a shelf on display. A long-standing tradition for Boy Scouts of America is their annual rocket trip, where scouts take the rockets they have built and test them out on the field.  

 

Scouts are given rocket kits and instructions, which they must follow very closely. The success of the launch will rely on the proper build. It’s an excellent way for the kids to learn attention to detail and following directions.

For the launch itself, there are strict safety requirements enforced by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), including adult supervision, mandatory countdowns, launch rod height, a safety circle around the launch site, and a minimum 200-foot open area away from tall trees and power lines.  Wind conditions are also considered. The scout code also advocates for taking a PAUSE for safety, a clever acronym meaning: Pause before you start. Assess possible hazards. Understand how to proceed safely. Share your plan with others. Execute the activity safely.

This year, the event happened from November 18-20 at Camp Squanto in Plymouth, Mass.

Cub Scout Webelos also take part in the rocket building and attend the event, as it is a requirement for them to move into the Boy Scout level. 

 

“As an Arrow of Light requirement, Webelos need to go to a Scouts BSA troop meeting where the Scouts of Troop 14 help the Webelos build rockets to launch on the campout. The trip is a fun filled day that includes a tour of the camp, a Thanksgiving Dinner (featuring a ‘Trash Can Turkey’), launching of the rockets, and a campfire program. We find this trip to be a great way for the Webelos to see what Scouts BSA has in store for them when they are ready to cross over,” says scoutmaster John Ansell.

Though the rocket launch is the biggest purpose of the trip, Scouts spend the two nights in scout cabins or tents and gain other valuable outdoor skills like fire safety, whittling, and archery, along with lessons in teamwork and diligence. 

If you are interested in signing your child up for the Bellingham Scouts, taking a leadership position within the troop, or would just like to learn more about the program, please visit www.beascout.org .

Scoutsrockebuild4.jpg and scoutsrocketbuild5.jpg (use caption for both)

Bellingham Troop 14 Scouts received instructions on building their rockets, which they had to follow very closely.