BOONE, Iowa—It’s that time of the year when Boone County Extension and Outreach puts out the call to any interested youth to get signed up for the model rocket program.  It’s a program open to all youth whether they participate in 4-H or not.  Any youth interested in model rockets and who is in the 4th grade or older, is invited to register for the Aerospace Interest Group sponsored by Boone County ISU Extension & Outreach.

First year members will build and launch an Alpha rocket. Second year members will build a Big Bertha rocket; 3rd year members – Bull Pup rocket; 4th year members – Centuri rocket; 5th year members – Super Nova rocket; and 6th year and above members – Mean Machine.

On Saturday mornings, April 27 and May 18, two groups will meet at the Boone County Extension Office at 1327 SE Marshall Street in Boone to build their rockets. First year members will meet from 9 to 10:15 am; 2nd year and above members will meet from 10:30 – 11:30 am.

Beginners will learn the parts of a rocket including, nose cone, body tube, fins, engine, and recovery system; the basics of launch, flight and forces; and model rocket safety.

On June 15th, the groups will meet at the Commercial Building at the Boone County fairgrounds to sand, prime and learn tips for the final painting of their model rockets and review the basics of launching. On June 23rd, weather permitting; families are invited to see the judging and launching of the completed rockets in the field near the horse arena at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Pre-registration and payment of a fee are required. Registration can be completed online at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/boone/news/youth-invited-build-model-rocket. You do not have to be a 4-H member to participate. The fee covers all costs to build and launch the rocket (except paint.) The beginners’ group is limited to 18 participants.

(contributed article, Boone County Extension and Outreach)