An early shot shortly after the kids arrived. All in a single row, shoulder to shoulder, so that they could all see me and the interpreters.
Rocket prep was an interesting experience. After explaining each step we would go into the group and help them out, mostly by explaining it again, one on one.
(Awaiting permission for this picture)
One of my prize pictures of the day. With "hearing" not a part of their lives, they make the most of "visual" queues. Here you can see the young girl on the left carefully eyeballing what her classmate is doing in preparing his rocket, so that she can duplicate his effort.
Another prize picture. I just love her concentration. All alone on a field full of people, she focuses on the job at hand and gets the job done!
We must have had a half dozen helpers this day, not to mention dozens of onlookers too!
Here, Fiona helps this young boy with his parachute folding.
Rockets high in the air, smiles on all faces, we take the group photo for the day!
The first two rocketeers pose after hooking up their rockets on the pad.
You'll notice that these rockets aren't just "built", but finished as well. I can only imagine the fun these kids had and are having still.
One of over 30 perfect flights for the day. These kids did themselves proud!
Having never experienced anything like this, they didn't know what to expect. They soon learned!
Two more excited rocketeers ready to go. I don't know his name, but the boy of the right was one of my favorites. I don't know why. He was excited without being giddy. He was interested in what was going on and willing to help others. Also, not shy to ask questions.
Classic photo of eyes turned skyward.
And we have LIFTOFF!
It was a bright sunny day. What better way to spend your time??
Another perfect flight. WHAT FUN!
Two helpers look on as they young boy in the red/white shirt anxiously watches his rocket perform in the sky
Here, one young boy carefully hooks up the igniter clips. So many kids were interested in this program once it was announced that they ran out of Thing-a-ma-Jig kits and had to rush to the local hobby shop for some additional kits!
Back at the launch table the launch controls are explained as another helper gets the attention of the group.
And the results are obvious!
Like any group of kids, the thrill of chasing down a rocket floating back on its parachute is infectious!
Perfect position, strong effort... ...yet they STILL missed catching the rocket! But they had fun trying.