Hudson Cub Scout Pack 3104 has been joining CMASS Club Launches every year since 2022. There was a plan for the pack to attend the May 31st club launch this year, however it was unfortunately rained out. With the summer upon us and the other planned launch dates not working for the pack, for the first time we decided to host our own locally in Hudson on Sunday, June 22nd.
I had the pleasure of modeling our launch day around how CMASS operates, including launch cards for every rocket flown, and an PA system for announcing each rocket. We had two sawhorses with two 3 foot 1/8" rods each for 4 total launch stands (plus a 3/16" rod on a tripod, but that went unused). I made use of my 3D printer to design custom pivot mounts for the launch rods. For the launch controller I used 4 Estes Electronbeam controllers with custom designed and printed pop-in sleds secured to a board. This was a cost effective use of my own equipment and a box of rocketry equipment the pack found in storage from the 1990s (i.e. I didn't have to buy or build a new launch controller).
It was a very successful event thanks to planning from the pack leaders, and support from parent volunteers who manned what I call "assembly row". This had the scouts work their way down a row of tables with help adding wadding, packing parachutes, installing motors and finally filling out a flight card. As an extra, we also had a "Rocket Surgery" table, which included some scissors, tape and superglue for last minute fixes that are inevitable with the scout builds. This setup has worked very well at the CMASS events we have attended, but this was the first time I really was removed from "assembly row" and assumed full duty as the RSO/LCO. The volunteer team did an excellent job sending rockets ready to fly to my seat for pre-flight inspection. Aside from a few failures-to-launch, everything went great.
In total we had 28 individual rocketeers who launched 54 rockets, with ZERO lost (although one took a brief vacation in a neighboring backyard).
I've gained immense perspective and respect for those that volunteer for RSO/LCO duties at CMASS events through this experience, and want to express my gratitude to any and all who volunteer in any capacity.
I plan to put together an article to submit for the NAR magazine on "How to Run a Successful Cub Scout Pack Launch", including where to get access to the 3D Printed files I created for this. At our club launches and through the pack social media I have been asked for something like this many times over, and this I think will finally answer that call.
Happy Launching to everyone, and hopefully I will see you at 1 or more club events this year!