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REGULAR SECTION ACTIVITIES

Think back to the time before you got busy with the process of organizing your Section. Remember all the things you wanted to do in a group then? Well, you've just accomplished everything it takes to begin to make your plans come true.

Sport Launches

Schedule regular sport launches for your members. This simple, easy-to-organize activity is undertaken by every NAR Section. It's a chance to get together at the flying field, see the new models and new designs, and fly until the cows come home!

Your members benefit tremendously from these launch sessions. Your "rookie rocketeers" get to see more experienced members strut their stuff, and they will learn. Your experienced members often get new ideas from one another, and everyone can have a few laughs over those less-than-perfect flights. And don't forget, you're much less likely to lose rockets when you have all those extra pairs of eyes to help watch the launch!

Public Demonstrations

Continue to fly local demonstration launches. They are excellent ways to attract new members and inform the public of the fun, education, and safety of sport rocketry. Some Sections make this their primary activity. They have so much fun putting on the show, they can't stop! Hearing the cheers and applause for a really super flight can't be beat! Try it.

Competition Launches

Organize your own contests. Have your Section president or advisor write the SAC Chairman for our "Running Successful Contests" booklet. This booklet will tell you what to do in order to plan, organize, and run a really first-rate rocket contest. Your members can settle once and for all who is the best in duration, altitude, and craftsmanship events.

Your first contests do not have to be NAR-sanctioned. You can gain valuable experience by running simple contests with two or three events. In fact, some NAR Sections host "funny meets" with bizarre events created by the club. Try "A-Engine Ping Pong Ball Duration" for some side-splitting flights.

Instruction

Some clubs hold regular building sessions at their meetings.

Have experienced members give talks at your meetings. Since all of your club is there, why not have everyone benefit from the experience of your best boost/glider builder or scale modeler? Your youngsters need instruction too.

Give someone a chance to teach those forgotten techniques: filling body tube seams, getting good airfoils on fins, correctly packing parachutes, building a good launch system. These talks break up the meeting's tedium and keep interest up.

You can even set aside certain meetings as group building sessions -- have everyone bring their parts and tools and spend the evening building a particular plan or type of model. This activity is so popular that some clubs do it at almost every meeting!

Road Trips

Organize trips to contests, sport launches and conventions. Every rocketeer remembers his "first" trip experience. Contests give you the chance to see really first-rate rocket performance.

How many of your members can get over two minutes duration with an A engine? Top competition modelers do this routinely in Streamer Duration! Have you ever seen really super scale models, complete with rivet and bolt detail? Go to a contest and get into the excitement and drama!

Conventions give you a chance to learn about topics ranging from basic building to plastic model conversion to running rocket clubs! Hear experienced NAR members pass on their tips for success in flying and organization. You can also see manufacturers displaying and selling their latest and hard-to-find products. Many conventions also feature auctions or swap shops. Your members can clean out their workshops or pick up some bargains!

How about visiting a local science museum, aviation museum, or NASA facility? Schedule a day when the whole club can make it. Inquire about group rates, special programs, and tours of "insider" areas.

These are just a few possible activities for your NAR Section. Tap into the skills and imagination of your members for even more fun-filled rocketry ideas. Keep trying new activities and keep seeking out new members. The entire service program of the NAR is yours to use.

But no matter what activities your Section ultimately pursues, always keep one thing in mind: rocketry is meant to be fun!