ODENTON, Maryland USA — It was a great day to launch rockets Saturday when more than 15 Cub Scouts and siblings from Pack 769 took part in the second annual Model Rocket Launch at Piney Orchard Elementary School.

The playground at the school was transformed into a launching pad as 30 members of Cub Scout Pack 769, with the assistance of Boy Scout Troop 755 of Gambrills, and Troop 769 of Odenton, launched their model rockets.

Joshua Malkiewicz and his older brother, Conner, from Odenton Cub Scout Pack 769, watch as their rocket launches from the launch pad, as dad, David, and Robert Mencik from Boy Scout Troop 769 look on. Photo: Donna M. Fellows.

Each Scout launched rockets into the clear and sunny sky at least twice. Madeline Beaudry, 10, is a Junior Girl Scout from Troop 4036. "This is my second year with launching rockets," she said.

She was the only girl flying rockets among the boys. Her rocket, painted in pink with blue lettering "Girl Scouts Rock," soared high into the sky for a flight time of 16 seconds - beating many of the boys', whose flights lasted from 12 to 14 seconds. A few of the rockets flew as high as 1,000 feet.

One rocket soared more than 1,000 feet and was one of two highlights of the day.

Bill Tripp, whose son, Matthew, is a Scout, flew his 7-foot, purple rocket.

"Since this was the largest rocket I've launched, I had to make my own launch pad," he said, while he connected wires to the engine. For rockets that fly above 1,000 feet, the pack had to notify nearby Tipton Airport.

"Most of the pilots flew to either side of the school to avoid the rockets," said Bill, "but one pilot was curious and flew overhead. We made sure not to launch our rockets when the planes flew overhead."

Colin Hardesty launched his rocket four times. "I caught three rockets as they came down from the sky," said Colin.

The boys looked more like they were fielding baseballs as they all spread across the field. Instead of mitts and being in the ready position, all eyes were towards the sky pointing to where the rockets were.

Bill Tripp was the organizer of the event and headed mission control, overseeing

Robert Mencik of Boy Scout Troop 769, as he helped the Cub Scouts push the launch buttons to fire off their rockets.

The launching platform held five rockets, each launching off one at a time. Before each rocket was placed on its launcher, it was inspected to make sure the nose cone and fins were secured and that the igniter was properly placed. The majority of these rockets were built from Estes kits.

Conner Malkiewicz enjoyed launching his rocket, but it appears as though he'll have to get a new one for next year. "My rocket was the Blue Ninja. It shot high in the sky, but landed in a tree," he said. "At least I know where mine landed, but we can't reach it since it's so high up in the tree."

Three other rockets were lost, one of which landed somewhere in a nearby community across from the school.

The Scouts all agreed it was a great experience and they can't wait to fly their rockets again next year. Their next adventure is in August when they hold their Space Derby.

To find out more about Cub Scout Pack 769, call Bill and Mary Tripp at 410-672-1477 or visit http://www.pack769.org/.

Copyright © 2008, The Capital.