- 6 March, 2006 -

There's something about the world of scouting and model rocketry that just goes so well together. Finding a troop that use rockets to earn their badges is not uncommon. But finding a pack that's aiming toward breaking a World Record in the most simultaneous rocket launches, well that's on an entirely different plane. The Mid America Council Soaring Eagle District Pack 363 from Gretna, NE, have their sights set high. On Saturday, September 17, 2005, they will attempt to put their name in the Guinness Book of World Records on the line for simultaneous rocket launches. The record now stands at around 250 rockets launched within a second and a half. These kids are shooting for launching 400, just to easily clear the record even if a few of the rockets malfunction. Just where did this big idea come from? Assistant Cub Master (and resident "big kid") Joel Christensen, a writer for Hobby Outlook? Magazine, dreamed it up. Last year he coordinated the pack's first ever Rocket Day where they simultaneously launched 56 rockets. This big event included a rocket design contest. Each scout customized an Estes Wizard rocket with supplies from HobbyTown USA?, an event sponsor. All entries were judged by Bruce Lee, president of The Heartland Association of Rocketry, treasurer of Tripoli Rocketry Association, and known by many for his rocket episodes on several Discovery Channel shows. Bruce displayed some of his high powered rockets for the kids, and then got busy helping with the launch. He was assisted by Christensen, Cub Master Tim Morrison, Den Leader Craig Gissler and District Quality Unit Executive Steve Dunham. Scouts with the winning rocket designs received prizes from Estes and HobbyTown USA? awarded by Hobby Outlook? editor Karey Koehn. Every participant was given a new Estes rocket to continue their hobby (just in case theirs wasn't found after the launch. This was the fate of only one rocket, but it brought tears from a Scout very proud of his handiwork.) The 56-rocket launch was something to see. A bit of smoke and all of the rockets raised in unison off the launch table to the delight of the scouts, their families, and primarily the leaders that made it happen. There's only one way to celebrate a success like that ? four dozen kids joyfully combing a grassy area to retrieve rockets and launch again. The Sky's the Limit It was the success of this first event that led Christensen to hatch a very large plan. Pack 363's world record attempt will include rockets built by every member as well as rockets built by members from other Mid America Council packs and troops. The older members of Gretna's Troop 363 will get into the action, helping with the mighty task of preparing the launch pad and site. Donations from transportation leader Werner Enterprises, Weeping Water Masonic Lodge, HobbyTown USA?, and Estes Industries will get this event off the ground. Werner will provide two 48' flatbed trailers for the rocket launch, and all volunteers and sponsors from last year will return to make this launch a much bigger, world-record-scale success. You can keep up with the latest news in Pack 363's world record rocket launch on our website at www.hobbytown.com/worldrecord. Be sure to check on September 17 for the early announcement on what we anticipate to be a new rocket launch world record. Estes has some special plans to commemorate the event, too. Check the website for all the details. Big worldly plans aside, the leaders of Gretna's Pack 363 make model rocketry part of their program for one reason ? the kids simply love them! "If they're interested, the kids don't mind learning about something," explained Den Leader Tim Morrison. "Rockets are always a big hit, and one of the reasons kids want to join our Pack. I love them because I know the members are learning about physics, engineering and more, all in one exciting package." Learning things along the way is one thing, but breaking a world record is a much bigger prize. Just ask any of the kids of Gretna, NE, Troop 363, including big kid Joel Christensen who I guarantee will be having the time of his life playing with a few rockets this fall. - Karey Koehn Hobby Outlook? Editor Karey Koehn will be attending a very special Cub Scout rocket launch on September 17, 2005. HobbyTown USA

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