Rocket launch at Chester County Rocketry camp

Launch Your Future

Hands-on rocketry camps for students ages 11–18 in Downingtown, Exton & West Chester, PA

Summer 2026 Programs

Two immersive rocketry experiences designed to ignite curiosity and build real engineering skills.

V2 scale model rocket on the launch pad at LaunchPad Rocketry Camp

LaunchPad Rocketry Camp

4 Evenings · Ages 11–18 · No Experience Required

Design, build, and launch beginner and intermediate rockets while learning aerodynamics, propulsion, and safe construction techniques.

📅 June 8–11, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM 💰 $300 Resident / $320 Non-Resident
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Student's L1 rocket on inspection table at HPR Lab
Prerequisite: LaunchPad Camp or equivalent

HPR Lab — High-Powered Rocketry

4 Evenings · Ages 11–18 · Prior Experience Required

Build a high-powered rocket and prepare for NAR Level 1 certification with advanced construction techniques and safety procedures.

📅 June 15–18, 2026 · 6:00–9:00 PM 💰 $500 Resident / $520 Non-Resident
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Why Rocketry?

More than model rockets — a launchpad for real-world STEM skills.

Real STEM Learning

Apply physics, math, and engineering to build something that actually flies.

Earn Certifications

Work toward nationally recognized NAR High Power Rocketry certification.

Teamwork & Problem Solving

Collaborate with peers on real engineering challenges.

Safety First

All programs follow the NAR Safety Code with provided safety equipment.

Everything Included

All kits, engines, and construction supplies included in registration.

Launch Day Experience

Experience the thrill of watching your rocket soar.

How It Works

From registration to launch day — getting kids started in four simple steps.

1

Register

Sign up through the Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium

2

Learn

Classroom instruction on aerodynamics, propulsion & construction

3

Build

Hands-on construction of your own rocket with all materials provided

4

Launch

Experience the thrill of launching your rocket

Learn from Certified Rocketeers

Our instructors bring real-world aerospace credentials and a shared passion for inspiring the next generation.

Yug Shukla, Lead Instructor at Chester County Rocketry

Yug Shukla

Lead Instructor & Program Co-Founder

NAR Level 2 Certified Private Pilot Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Yug Shukla is a NAR Level 2 certified high-power rocketeer and undergraduate at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where he leads a rocketry design team. A licensed private pilot, Yug has mentored numerous university rocketry teams and brings hands-on aerospace engineering experience directly into the classroom. His passion is making the science of flight accessible and exciting for the next generation.

Bhargav Shukla, Instructor at Chester County Rocketry

Bhargav Shukla

Instructor & Program Co-Founder

NAR Level 2 Certified Private Pilot Microsoft — 13+ Years CAP Aerospace Education Officer

Bhargav Shukla is a NAR Level 2 certified rocketeer, a licensed private pilot, and a technologist with over 13 years at Microsoft. His rocketry journey began while mentoring Civil Air Patrol cadets in the local squadron and quickly grew into a full-fledged passion for building bigger and better rockets — inspired by his son Yug. Bhargav volunteers with Civil Air Patrol as a VFR pilot, IT Officer, and Aerospace Education Officer at the Group and Pennsylvania Wing levels. Both father and son have received prestigious CAP awards for their contributions to aerospace education.

NAR Certified Instructors
Aerospace Education Award Recipients
Licensed Private Pilot on Staff

Serving Chester County

Proudly serving youth across Chester County — including Downingtown, Exton, and West Chester — through partnership with the Downingtown Area Recreation Consortium.

Summer 2026 camps are filling up. Don't miss the launch window!

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