Marco CAP Squadron Rocketry Workshop at Camp Mackle

Aerospace education staff from Civil Air Patrol’s Marco Island Senior Squadron hosted a hands-on rocketry workshop at Camp Mackle, introducing 31 children ages five to 10 to the fundamentals of rocket science. 

The afternoon program was supported by 13 staff members and counselors, including local high school volunteers. Through a mix of short presentations, videos, and demonstrations, the children learned the differences between solid- and liquid-propelled rockets. Mock-ups of each type were displayed, and the basic principles of propulsion were explained using Newton’s third law of motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. A simple balloon demonstration illustrated how air released in one direction creates thrust in the opposite direction. 

Most of the session focused on building paper rockets using plastic tubes, colored paper, scissors and tape. Step-by-step video instructions guided the young participants through assembling the fuselage, nose cone and fins. The rockets were then propelled using compressed air from a bicycle pump. 

Maj. Jesse Baker, the squadron’s aerospace education officer, opened the event with an overview of Civil Air Patrol’s mission and the role of the Marco Island Squadron. He introduced Lt. Col. Robert Nager, squadron commander, who described the unit’s shared responsibilities with the U.S. Air Force, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other emergency service organizations. Lt. Lex Adjei and Lt. Michael Ballinger also spoke about their professional backgrounds and current CAP roles. 

After construction was complete, the children gathered outside under the pavilion for countdowns and launches. Each rocket took flight, bringing smiles and applause from both participants and staff. Many children returned to the line to launch their rockets again. 

Following the launches, Lt. Ballinger led a demonstration of global radio communication technology. Participants handled the same radio equipment used in CAP aircraft and had the opportunity to ask questions. 

The workshop gave the children a memorable introduction to aerospace concepts and the excitement of hands-on learning. Organizers hope the experience will inspire further interest in space exploration and related STEM fields. 

Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.