Posing for the class picture before we begin, this is the first of 4 classes for the day
With each group I teach them how to prep their models, let them do the work then bring them out to the pads in groups of 3 (in this case). They install their own model on the pad, hook up the clips then pose for a picture. The entire process is very exciting for them all!
And here's why! There is just something SO exciting about seeing your own creation soar into the air under incredible speed and turn in a flawless flight!
Everyone has a great time and I enjoy the excitement as well as the displays of imagination shown in the painted rockets!
We had some overcast and that resulted in some darker pictures when using a high shutter setting on the camera.
But all in all, some really great pictures here!
The weather provided for some good near-field recovery which is always a bonus.
Little, inexperienced fingers fumble with the clips until they figure out just how to get the job done. I coach them but never do the work for them!
The bulk coats in the cooler weather doesn't help either!
But, in the end, the job is done and done well!
as evidenced by one successful flight after another the whole day!
Many of the kids love to catch their models, which is as harmless as catching a rubber ball. So long as they understand that they can only catch their OWN rocket and not someone else's!
The cutest pink and purple rocket of the day!
Just look at the variety of paint jobs!
And away she goes!
I embarrasses myself and our young student (the one on the far right) when I referred to him as a her... My face went red and so did his! But we both got over it!
As with all of my Danville launches, we get a large crowd of students, teachers and parents. It is simply wonderful to see all the parents take time from their busy day to come out for the launch!
Leopard spots are the choice for this wonderful rockets!
Everyone lost in their own little world, making sure that THEIR rocket is truly ready to fly!
Once satisfied, it is time to relax for a picture.
LIFTOFF!
Here is a close up of that last great launch!
Troy, the boy on the right (with the earphones) was nervous with everyone being so loud with the countdowns all day. BUT, when it was his turn we all discovered he had a good set of lungs himself and loved every minute of it!
One perfectly straight flight after another. These kids loved the level of success they had with such a complex (for them) project!
I think the parents were quite surprised too and enjoyed the day with their kids.
I know the kids enjoyed it. You can see it in their smiles!
Heck, what's not to enjoy?!
More imagination and creativity with orange, blue, white, pink and even blue!
Some of my favorite pictures are young (and old) faces upturned to see their creation soar into the sky
And, naturally, catching your model is a high point for any child!
And it is not just the boys either!
More fun, more creativity!
As I have said in other albums, there's one (or more) in every crowd! LOL
WHOOSH!
I would LOVE to see the picture that this young mom was able to take...
Helping with the launch, teacher and student bring their hard work to its climatic conclusion!
Perfect launch and perfect recovery!
Here's a close up of that flight!
This boy wants to fly with his rocket, so it seems!
But we all know these rockets fly just fine on their own.
OOOoooo, if the coats weren't bulky enough, try doing this with mittens on!
Others just suffer the colder air and get on with it!
Either way, so long as the job gets done!
Up and away, you can see the large (and growing) crowd, eyes skyward, watching another flight!
This little boy was really getting into it, the whole day.
And his excitement was infectious to!
And it is easy to see why!
It's almost TOO much fun!
Clip, clip, hook, clip, getting them all on there!
This one girl was trying her best to hide behind her rocket...
While we had many model go NEAR the trees, we only had one land IN the trees. it was a good record for over 70 flights!
More creativity, more colors, more fun!
Even the teachers got into the fun by building, launching and catching their own creations!
One of the later classes poses for a class picture
Here they are preparing their motors for installation.
Then the parachutes
Kinda like nailing Jell-O to a tree sometimes, but we all manage to finish the job!
The pinkest little girl of the whole day! With a beautiful rocket to boot!
Anxious and excited, we pose for a picture
Perfect boost and landing!
Focus, take your time, easy now...
All 3 intent on their own rockets
Then intent on looking good for the camera!
The kids loved that they ran the controller and the field for their launch
And everybody loved the results!
3 more creative minds bring their work to the forefront!
Like an assembly line of rocketeers, we all prepare for launch!
And love hamming it up for the camera too!