After-School Programs at The Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Center

The Challenger Center offers its Model Rocket Club to all students age 8 and older (and their parents), plans to meet once a month.

The Challenger Center Model Rocket Club will be sanctioned by the National Association of Rocketry (NAR). The main reason for becoming an NAR "Section" club is because group members will be able to pool resources and ideas, and as a member of a group, rocket building and launching is just simply more fun. Also, as an NAR Section we will gain the required insurance coverage needed to hold launches in our area.

As a member of the club you will have access to tons of educational material relating to model rocketry, and will be able to use the Challenger Center's model rocket simulation software to help you construct and fly your rockets. Club members will be able to pursue the NARTREK path to model rocketry excellence by working on projects enabling them to reach the bronze, silver, and gold achievement levels. Each level has a series of performance challenges that must be obtained before moving on to the next NARTREK level. A club member can progress at his or her own pace but as each level is finished a certificate and jacket patch is earned.

The Challenger Center Club hopes to form a team of students who will compete in the Team America Rocket Challenge (TARC). This prestigious annual event offers prizes totaling $60,000. Older club members, above the age of 18, can pursue the challenge of obtaining Level 1 and Level 2 certification in high-powered model rocketry. Club members will have discounted passes to launch model rockets at the monthly METRA launches held in nearby Pine Island, NY, and local launches at area schools during the upcoming year will be free. Club members will receive discounts to any upcoming rocketry workshops held at the Challenger Center and will be entitled to "members only" awards when model rocket contests are held.