Parents Hub
Hello Fellow Parents...
This photo was taken just minutes after my son, Teddy, and his teammates Wilfred and Charlie won their team gold medals in Texas, USA at the World Space Modelling Championships.
It's a far cry from when, at the age of 8, he was asking to make rocket fuel and designing five-stage Rockets.
I have been there at the beginning, not having a clue where to turn, who to ask, wondering what’s safe and what’s not. Often children and teens who get inspired by rocketry seem to already know so much more about it than you do. You’re thrown into a world that you may not fully understand as they talk about things they have seen other people do on YouTube.
It's important to remember that although our children may have seen some kids on YouTube from other countries build and launch rockets using all sorts of propellants, we have to guide them to the right information about what is legal and licensed in the UK. Do take a look around the website which aims to provide information and links to help you get a better understanding of rocketry in the UK from a parent's perspective.
I would firstly draw your attention to the ‘Trajectory’ below so you see where your child could start, the badges and awards they can earn and where this exciting sport can take them. I would then recommend you take a look at the Clubs sections and also the page about Safety & Safeguarding as an important next step.
There is loads of fun to be had in rocketry! Your child will need lots of support and supervision to ensure they stay safe while enjoying their rocketry endeavours.
Come along for the ride! I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Lara
Put your child on the right 'Trajectory'
Start earning the Youth Rocketry Award Scheme Badges Today!
Whether your child is just starting out with an interest in rockets or they have a deeper understanding of rocket science they can starting earning their badges.
Go for launch!
Discover how to support your child as they endeavour to achieve each badge.
Is your child a future rocket scientist?
The UK space industry is booming, with rapid growth in satellite technology and space exploration. From designing cutting-edge rockets and spacecraft to developing new satellite systems, the sector is creating exciting opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers. There's never been a better time to encourage their curiosity!
If you have a bright and curious child enrol them in Rocket School and put them on the right trajectory.
Where to start?
Where you start will depend on your child's age, ability, and areas of interest. Young children might start with stomp rockets while older teens may have shown an interest in coding PCB boards for rocket electronics.
Take a look at the Kids Hub to find activities for little 'Mini Rocketeers', tween 'Rocket Boosters', and older 'Youth Rocketeers' where all age groups can earn badges or learn how to compete.
Find a club
Find a club where you can see model rockets and high-power rockets being launched, talk to other rocket enthusiasts and let your child safely launch rockets of their own.
Safety & Safeguarding
Safety and Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility in rocketry. Making sure young people remain safe and protected from harm is a priority. Each club should have information about safety on its website as well as a safeguarding policy as advised by UKRA (United Kingdom Rocketry Association). View the Safety & Safeguarding page.
Insurance
The BMFA (British Model Flying Association) provides insurance for all your child's rocketry needs, whether that's a rocket that didn't deploy a parachute and landed on a nearby car (whoops!) or insurance cover for an international competition. BMFA membership includes a class-leading liability insurance package that provides worldwide rocketry liability cover for claims up to £25M. Find out more...