| u been hooked on model rocketry ever since | | | | who is something of a ham to serve as |
| your grandpa gave you your first Estes rockets? | | | | announcer during the launch. This person should |
| Do you wish you had access to more activities | | | | narrate the launch procedure as it happens, |
| related to the hobby? Perhaps starting a model | | | | explaining the steps and the type of equipment |
| rocketry club is the answer. | | | | being used. If the narration is entertaining as well |
| Model rocketry clubs open up an array of | | | | as genuinely informative, this will greatly enhance |
| opportunities unavailable to individuals. Not only | | | | the success of your demonstration. A |
| does a club provide a forum for sharing skills and | | | | well-organized demonstration will impress |
| knowledge and working as a team on larger | | | | spectators, gaining you new members and general |
| projects, it provides an opportunity for members | | | | public support for the new club. |
| to pool their resources to purchase more | | | | Here are some things you will need to cover at |
| advanced equipment, set up a laboratory or a | | | | your organizational meeting: |
| special workshop. There are also many events, | | | | - Presiding at the meeting should be the individual |
| field trips and conferences that are available only | | | | who organized the demonstration or someone |
| once you organize a club. | | | | from the group who sponsored it |
| A great way to get a club started is to hold a | | | | - Purpose of starting the club should be |
| demonstration launch, followed by an | | | | announced and explained |
| organizational meeting. The launch can be held in | | | | - An explanation of the basics of model rocketry |
| any publicly accessible field. Obtain proper | | | | should be given (emphasize safety) |
| permissions to use it. Then distribute flyers, | | | | - Provide basic facts about the particular Estes |
| announcements, and invitations throughout the | | | | rockets used in the exhibit. |
| community. | | | | - Minimum number of club members should be |
| Spread the word as widely as possible. Contact | | | | about eight, with at least one adult supervisor |
| schools and youth groups. Display flyers at | | | | (smaller clubs are possible, but there are fewer |
| libraries, department stores, and hobby shops. | | | | opportunities available) |
| Announce the launch to local media outlets such | | | | - Appoint temporary committees to get people |
| as newspapers, radio and television stations. | | | | involved: Activities and Publicity, By-Laws and |
| Reserve space for your organizational meeting at | | | | Constitution, Advisor and Sponsorship, Facilities |
| this time, as well. The date should follow soon | | | | and Equipment |
| after the demonstration. Prepare flyers and sign | | | | Wait until your third or fourth meeting to elect |
| up sheets for it which you will use at the | | | | officers, collect dues (to pay for all those Estes |
| demonstration. | | | | rockets), vote on by-laws, and set up more |
| The demonstration itself should be set up with | | | | permanent committees. In the meantime, working |
| safety and enjoyment in mind. A space for | | | | together on the temporary committees allows |
| spectators should be marked off with flags or | | | | everyone to get to know one another and get a |
| ropes. Exhibit tables should be in this area for the | | | | feel for how this will work. When you meet for |
| convenience of those who wish to view the | | | | the third or fourth time, after having heard at the |
| models up close or sign up for the organizational | | | | previous meeting or two reports of the progress |
| meeting. | | | | of the committees, you are now prepared to |
| Plan to feature a range of different models and | | | | establish a permanent structure. Consider it your |
| engine types in the demonstration launch, from | | | | club’s launch day! Count down the votes, |
| Estes rockets to Apogee Components or Quest | | | | and blast off into a whole new level of model |
| Aerospace. Arrange for a knowledgeable individual | | | | rocketry endeavors. Congratulations rocketeers! |