Boy Scouts of America

Rocket Safety

SUMMARY

“We’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship …” A lot of our Scouts know the opening of the Little Einsteins song, and many of them have probably dreamed of blasting off in a rocket. Shooting model rockets is just one of the broad range of cool activities that today’s youth can learn. The BSA has developed guidance for leaders in planning and participating in a rocket shoot.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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.

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.

RESOURCES

Bray Barnes

Director, Global Security Innovative
Strategies

Bray Barnes is a recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, Silver
Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Learning for Life Distinguished
Service Award. He received the Messengers of Peace Hero award from
the royal family of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and he’s a life member of
the 101st Airborne Association and Vietnam Veterans Association. Barnes
serves as a senior fellow for the Global Federation of Competitiveness
Councils, a nonpartisan network of corporate CEOs, university presidents, and
national laboratory directors. He has also served as a senior executive for the
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, leading the first-responder program
and has two U.S. presidential appointments

David Alexander

Managing Member Calje

David Alexander is a Baden-Powell Fellow, Summit Bechtel Reserve philanthropist, and recipient of the Silver Buffalo and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the founder of Caljet, one of the largest independent motor fuels terminals in the U.S. He has served the Arizona Petroleum Marketers Association, Teen Lifeline, and American Heart Association. A triathlete who has completed hundreds of races, Alexander has also mentored the women’s triathlon team at Arizona State University.

Glenn Adams

President, CEO & Managing Director
Stonetex Oil Corp.

Glenn Adams is a recipient of the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope, Silver Buffalo, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. He is the former president of the National Eagle Scout Association and established the Glenn A. and Melinda W. Adams National Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year Award. He has more than 40 years of experience in the oil, gas, and energy fields, including serving as a president, owner, and CEO. Adams has also received multiple service awards from the Texas Alliance of Energy Producers.