Camp Horizons Campers Rocket Launch Into August

Camp Horizons campers love to build and launch rockets.  In fact, for the past 27 years, campers at Camp Horizons, which is located at Newark Academy, in Livingston, have been taking Rocketry as an activity. This summer was no different -- it was just as fun!  

This summer, campers, who come from Essex, Morris, Union and Passaic counties, have chosen from more than 100 model rocket kits, and then gone on to build all kinds of unique rockets.  The Rocketry Counselors have instructed the novice builders, while the "pros" have built on their own.  The campers who have worked quickly and effectively have been able to create as many rockets as desired.  Rockets have ranged from 5-8 step models to over 100 step ones with 100 pieces.  All rockets have contained engines and parachutes.  Campers have really enjoyed decorating their rockets, some of which have been 6-feet long. 

"This activity keeps campers thinking, while on break from school," says Jen Hornstein, 22, a Livingston resident and the head rocketry counselor at Camp Horizons.  "I really like that campers have to read instructions, look at pictures, and think, in order to build the rockets, and I love that their decorations let them show their creativity." 

Three times this summer, hundreds of campers, their families, friends -- and even their pets, have come out to watch campers launch their rockets.  Some of the rockets have gone up so high that you couldn't even see them until they parachuted down to the ground. It is always an amazing sight to see!

The Camp's third launch, which was the last one of the season, was very special.  It was the first time that the kindergarten and first grade campers were able to make and launch their own rockets.  They were bursting at the seams to launch them and did so even though it was drizzling outside.  These cuties watched the last two launches with awe and were finally able to launch their own! There were tons of adorable and joyful smiles. Even the older campers, who launched their own rockets, enjoyed the younger campers' enthusiasm and happiness. 

Like every launch, this event was well-attended and festive, however, this time everyone donned umbrellas and rain gear.  Attendees enjoyed delicious complimentary ice cream and great music, as well as 150 rocket launches.  Up to four rockets were launched at a time, via launch pads.  The crowd counted down from 3 to 1, each time a rocket took off.  Rockets landed with parachutes and the campers and their families ran out on the field to search for them once they landed.   

"I loved taking Rocketry as a camper, and I have loved teaching it to campers for the past few years," says Hornstein, who has kept nearly every rocket she has ever made.  "Rocketry is a favorite activity at Camp Horizons, as it caters to all different types of children and hobbies," she adds.