All boys across the central and western Oklahoma area are invited to come out and build a free model rocket and launch it at Route 66 Park at Lake Overholser or at Buck Thomas Park in Moore, Okla.

The event is hosted by the Last Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America, on Sept. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Youth not enrolled in Scouting between the ages of six and 17 are invited to attend, build and launch a free model rocket.

“We want the kids in our community to get excited about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” LFC Director of Field Service, Chris Daughtrey said. “I have elementary aged kids and they love science, robotics and other STEM programs.”

Daughtrey came up with the idea after attending a conference in Dallas. After returning to Oklahoma City, he found sponsors interested in partnering with Scouting to promote STEM, not only in Scouting but in the community as well.  A video about Blast Off to Scouting is located online at bit.ly/LFCblastoff, he said.

In addition to the rocket building, the council will have an interactive space based thrill ride using audio and video and a moving platform to educate youth on the Scouting program.  Scouts who bring a friend with them to the event can also build a free rocket.

“It’s a great way for us to get involved in the community promoting STEM and at the same time showcasing Scouting and how important all forms of education are to the Boy Scouts, not just the outdoors,” Daughtrey said.

The council will be holding another Blast Off to Scouting event at the council’s Centennial Camporee on Oct. 25 at Britton and Broadway in Oklahoma City.  For more information about the council’s Centennial Camporee or Blast Off to Scouting, call (405) 840-1114 or log on to www.LFC100.org.

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