Welcome & Icebreaker: Introductions and team-building activity

Camp Overview: Goals, schedule, and expectations

History of Rocketry: Evolution of rockets and major milestones

Key Rocketry Concepts: Apogee, Center of Pressure (CP), Center of Gravity (CG), thrust, and drag

Rocket Anatomy: Understanding parts — fins, body tube, nose cone, engine, and parachute

Safety Principles: Launch protocols, range safety, and best practices

Altimeter Basics: How we measure flight data

Hands-On Activity: Begin building a “baby rocket”

• Cut fin slots

• Epoxy motor mounts

• Install shock cord

Morning Session (9:00–10:30):

• Final assembly: attach parachutes, launch lugs, igniters

• Optional: painting and finishing touches

• Install altimeter and make flight predictions

Late Morning (10:30–12:00):

• Launch at 60 Acres Park

• Each student launches their baby rocket

• Post-flight review: What worked, what to improve

Introduction to OnShape (45 minutes):

• Modeling fins, nose cones, and transitions

3D Printing Overview:

• Design workflow from CAD to print

OpenRocket Simulation:

• Understanding drag, thrust curves, delay timing, and stability

Mini Challenge:

• Design a rocket that simulates a 300 ft flight

Project Work Time:

• Begin designing individual rockets

• Add parts to the 3D printing queue

Rocket Construction (Solo or Teams):

• Cut and prepare body tubes

• Epoxy assembly and altimeter installation

• Painting and reinforcement techniques (e.g., CA glue, tape wraps)

Mentorship Stations:

• Get 1:1 help with flight predictions and design stability

Morning Prep:

• Pack rockets and review launch checklist

At 60 Acres Launch Site (10:00–11:45):

• Students launch their self-designed rockets

• Record altitude, time in air, and recovery system performance

Group Debrief:

• Staff coaching and performance feedback

Mission Briefing:

• Reach 800 feet in 43 seconds with a raw egg payload

• No electronic deployment – passive recovery only

Team Formation:

• Students split into small design teams

Engineering Workflow:

• Brainstorming, CAD modeling, OpenRocket simulations

• Start 3D printing custom parts

Detailed Build Process:

• Focus on egg protection systems and motor mount alignment

• Compare Nomex vs. dog barf wadding

• Assemble twin parachutes and dual shock cord systems

• Install altimeters and reinforce recovery connections

• Apply paint, team logos, and competition decals

Optional Testing:

• Simulated drop tests for egg payloads (if time allows)

Launch at 60 Acres Park:

• Each team launches their TARC challenge rocket

• Scoring based on:

  • Altitude (target: 800 ft ± 25 ft)

  • Duration (target: 43 sec ± 2 sec)

  • Egg must return unbroken

Judges’ Review & Awards:

• Performance feedback and certificates

Parent Celebration:

• Snacks, presentations, and showcase of student projects