Greetings Teachers –

Since 1991, The Great Reno Balloon Race has provided schoolchildren a chance to positively interact with their community through our Tissue Paper Balloon Launch.

We invite your 5th grade classroom to discover the wonders and excitement of lighter-than-air flight by participating in the Tissue Paper Balloon Launch taking place on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park.

Registration is required via https://bit.ly/GRBR24_TissuePaper

Project Description:

In the weeks leading up to The Great Reno Balloon Race, your class will construct a model hot-air balloon out of tissue paper following a prescribed set of directions.  Your class will then join hundreds of other students from around regional school districts on the morning of Friday, September 6 to launch their balloons.

Reimbursements:

Reimbursements are limited to one dollar ($1) per student and to the following items: tissue paper, construction paper and glue. Please email/mail a copy of your receipt in order to receive reimbursement. We must have these in by October 31.

If you looking to get your bus transportation costs covered, you will need to have registered for the event by August 15. If approved, your school will pay for the bus invoice, then you will send us a copy of your receipt so we can reimburse you!

Note: We are able to provide Washoe County School District 5th grade classrooms reimbursements. We are unable to reimburse private schools for transportation costs per our grant requirements. If you are not from a fifth grade class or a public WCSD school, you may still attend.

Thank you for your interest and we look forward to seeing your balloons on the field!

  • Please click HERE for the Teacher Approval Form
  • Please click HERE for instructions on building a Tissue Paper Balloon
  • Please click HERE for a video detailing how to make a Tissue Paper Balloon

Thank you to the E.L. Cord Foundation for making this program possible.