Boy Scout Troop 79 opened its doors to the community by hosting a water rocket design and launch competition May 22.

Youth ages 5 to 17 were invited to St. John the Baptist Church, 3024 S. Ruch St., Stiles, to get an inside look at the adventures of being a Boy Scout.

Troop leader Mark Nederostek used 2-liter plastic bottles and construction paper to teach the crowd how to make homemade water rockets. Art supplies were provided for individuals to indulge their creativity and design freely.

Refreshments were offered, and an ax-throwing range was set up.

After the water rockets were assembled and designed, the crowd moved to an open field where senior members of Troop 79 launched the rockets using water and an air pump. The seemingly simple technique launched the bottles high in the sky, leaving the participants in shock that these basic materials came together to create a launchable rocket.

Laughter and amazement swept through the possible Scout recruits as they watched their rockets go from the design table to the sky. The kids were able to launch their rockets twice to average the maximum distance.

Scout Troop 79 operates out of Stiles. Members meet 7-8:15 p.m. most Mondays at the white building located at the intersection of Chestnut and North Hobson streets. Interested boys ages 5 to 17 should contact Nederostek at troop79mtnv@gmail.com.

Girl Scout Troop 501, of Whitehall, is also looking for members to grow its community. They meet 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 4331 Main St., Egypt. Girls looking to make new friends and experience adventures should contact Donna Rex-Frantz at emteagle1@gmail.com for information on joining.