From Little Acorns
In the past two years, the TORCS-Cub Scout Delta Dart program has introduced many kids and parents to modeling, and improved the club's standing in the community.
David L. Fridenmaker
To increase community awareness of modeling, the TOP of OHIO R/C SOCIETY (TORCS) decided in the Spring of 1976, to sponsor a Delta Dart Contest for the West Liberty, Ohio Cub Scouts. TORCS supplied the Delta Darts, which were built at the regular meetings of the Scouts, using glue which was donated by the Franklin Glue Company (Titebond). Construction proceeded with few problems and by the end of May, 17 boys were ready for the Memorial Day weekend contest.
The holiday began with the traditional parade throughout the town in which a float displaying most of the club's models participated. The parade terminated at the local ball park which adjoins one of the club flying fields. The TORCS provided an air show for a few hours while the Scouts were being organized to begin competition. Although a steady breeze kept times short, three rounds were flown and the three winners were selected using the two best times. The Scouts, their parents and the TORCS all had an enjoyable afternoon as several hundred spectators looked on.
For 1977, we again had a similar Delta Dart Contest, only this time we were approached by the Scout leaders and they wanted to expand to include all Scouts within the county. Since this increase would have taxed our small club, the local hobby shop donated most of the Delta Darts and a local business, Dave's Racing Service, donated the glue. In all, nine Scout packs (221 boys) participated.
The Club members met with all of the county Scout leaders, where a kit was built and flown, followed by a question and answer session. The kits again were built at the Scouts' regular meetings. However, this year each of the nine packs had a contest to select the three best to represent their pack at the Club contest. On June 4, 1977, 18 of the Scouts met at a central school yard where a contest similar to last year's was held. And again this year, it proved enjoyable and beneficial as we obtained local newspaper coverage, including pictures.
In the past two years, we have introduced many people (both kids and parents) to modeling, improved our club's standing within our community and had a great time doing it. The Scouts have had fun building and flying, and the Scout leaders have welcomed the activities for the kids, and they didn't have to invest time in planning. The prizes given were just inexpensive ribbons purchased from the Scout supply stores. Pack contests, an AMA medal set and club contests made the Scout parents proud.
A six-foot trophy — a club wishing to foster community acceptance would recommend approaching local Scout groups. There may be several kids who are potential future club members; parents are usually community leaders, which helps obtain and keep flying sites and minimize complaints, etc. It doesn't take a great deal of money or time. Scouts are a great bunch of kids to work with.
On a larger scale it may be beneficial for AMA leadership to investigate a Scout modeling program at the national level. A PR program aimed at that age group would certainly fit AMA's Youth Program. A hundred hooked models returned would be well worth the investment.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
