HomeYouth Group Guidance

Youth Group Guidance

We are happy to have your youth join us at our sport launch at Great Meadow, in The Plains, VA (off exit 31 of I-66). We frequently have Scout units attending and participating in our monthly sport launches. NOVAAR’s Event Calendar lists upcoming launches at the Great Meadow Outdoor Events Center.

For a NOVAAR launch, you will need to bring all the rockets, motors, igniters, plugs and wadding, as well as the means to repair moderate damage. You might also think about replacement rockets for youth who experience the loss of their rocket. NOVAAR will provide launchers and controllers, so you don't need to bring your launch stands or controllers. There is a $1 fee for each launch of model rockets, although we can “run a tab” for groups to simplify payment. This goes toward the Great Meadow Foundation, in recompense for them allowing us to use their field. The directions to Great Meadow are on our home page. If there are weather related issues, or other restrictions affecting the launch, that information will be posted after 8 pm on Friday. The entrance will be marked, and signs will direct you to the parking area on the side of the field.

Typically Ken Allen from Performance Hobbies is on site selling rocketry kits, supplies, and parts. Feel free to contact him if there are specific items you desire.

We ask that you not plan on launching prior to Noon, and that your youth have adequate adult supervision. The launches in the summer typically go until 4pm, or 5pm if there is enough interest. We do request (require) that you maintain responsibility for your youth and family members. This means that you inform NOVAAR, during the week prior to the launch, of your best estimate of how many individuals will be launching rockets, what size motors they might be using, and how many launches are anticipated. The earlier we get this information, the better we can plan for everyone to have a good experience. This also means that you aid NOVAAR in the form of an adult for the time your group is present, to act as "Pad Manager" providing direction and advice to people using the launch pads provided. Instructions on Pad Manager duties will be provided by the NOVAAR range staff, but we cannot guarantee that a NOVAAR member will be present at the pads at all times.

My recommendations for youth, and for any first launch, is to build a small, easy to assemble rocket model (like the Estes “Alpha III” or Balsa Machining Service “School” rocket). Look for “bulk” or “educator” packs of model rockets on the web, to get a volume discount when you buy kits in lots of 5 or more.

Prior to each launch, please ensure the rockets are properly assembled, have the parachutes and wadding properly installed, have motors, igniters and plugs installed before sending the families to check in with the Range Safety Officer. At Great Meadow, please plan on using the lowest impulse engine recommended for your rocket, which is probably A8-3, at least until you have an idea of the wind and altitudes achieved by the rockets. For each launch you will complete a flight card, available on-site. The RSO will give them instructions on which pad to use and will announce each launch. I would request that you contact a NOVAAR member on the field (look for the orange shirts) to provide your Scouts (and parents) with a short safety lecture. If you need assistance or guidance in building the rockets please contact me for help either prior to launch or on the launch field.

Please read the safety articles and Great Meadow rules on the website before arriving. Personal items, like drinks, sunscreen or bug spray are your call, but bring plenty of fluids.

Please feel free to email me if you have further questions.

Thanks for your interest in rocketry,

Carl A. Curling, Sc.D.

Vice President and Scouting Coordinator

Scouting@NOVAAR.org