LIFTOFF! is a Chapter (#676) of the National Association of Rocketry (NAR).   The NAR Guidelines are endorsed by national, governmental, and civic organizations that have recognized the safe, educational, and recreational values of model rocketry.

OUR MEMBERS

We have taught over 2600 students in the past  6 Years!  We have about 600 active students who consistently join us in school programs and other functions each year.  Along with teachers, and parents there are too many participants to Mention!  The core group of people at Liftoff! are a group of enthusiasts who have been involved with model rocketry for many years.   Many of our Senior Advisers have Level One and above Certifications in Rocket Building as sanctioned by the NAR.

We are dedicated to sharing our passion and knowledge with local youth!

LIFTOFF!  BEGINNINGS

Liftoff! got started quite by accident!   It was a beautiful day and our President (known as Ms. Jeanette) was frustrated that her younger son was just too involved with his computer!   Now, most of us here are geeks, or nerds, no doubt - but kids should get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine every so often!   Her older son, Steve, suggested getting Joey involved with building a rocket, like he did when he was younger- a great way to get away from the computer and get out of the house!  Steve went to the local hobby shop and purchased a basic rocket to build with Joey.   Joey was enthusiastic about doing something with his older brother, but it was just some cardboard and fins to him - UNTIL - it was ready to launch!   We all headed out to an deserted field and set up the lifeless rocket on the launch pad.

At the count of 5-4-3-2-1 Liftoff!   Joey pressed the control button and IT WAS GONE!   INTO THE CLOUDS AND NOW ON IT'S WAY BACK TO EARTH!  

They say that "pictures are worth a thousand words" and on that day we knew just how true that saying was!   The look of accomplishment, and awe on his face is embedded in our minds forever!   Best, is the self-esteem that came along with it, when he said "AWESOME!   Now I can do anything!"

Steve looked at his Mom and said, "We need to do something with this..other kids should be able to enjoy this.." and that is how it got started.  We began at the NW YMCA when it just opened with a total of 8 children...

WHY WE DO THIS

We learned a long time ago, you need to do what you love..Building self-esteem, excitement, and inspiring children to pursue a hobby that can possibly shape their future is why we do this!   Also, seeing the enthusiasm and happiness in a child keeps you young!   Better than Botox and it lasts longer..

Ms. Jeanette has a thought that someday, one of our students will be all grown up with a family of their own, and decide to build and launch a rocket with their children "just for fun" - they may tell their child, "I did this when I was your age..it was a BLAST!"  Hopefully, they will pass along the enthusiasm they had to their own children!