Welcome to the 2025 season opener! Our Opening Campout at Dinosaur Valley State Park is one of the most beloved events of the year. Situated along the Paluxy River in Somervell County, this park is home to some of the most well-preserved dinosaur tracks in the world — a perfect way to ignite the curiosity and wonder of every son in the Nation.
Dads and sons will set up camp together, explore the river, discover real sauropod and theropod tracks, participate in the Big Chief opening ceremony, and create memories that will last a lifetime. This is the campout that sets the tone for the whole year — come ready for adventure!
Dinosaur Valley State Park preserves over 100 million-year-old dinosaur footprints embedded in the limestone bed of the Paluxy River. Boys can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs — the main track site features an acrocanthosaurus (a large carnivore similar to T-Rex) and a brachiosaurus-type sauropod in what appears to be a chase sequence. The park's Blue Hole swimming area and excellent hiking trails make it one of the best parks in Texas.
Our nation has reserved the Cedar Brake Group Loop — a primitive camping area near the river with flat tent sites, fire rings, and a short walk to the main dinosaur track sites. Restrooms and water spigots are available nearby.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, Oct 17 | ||
| 3:00 PM | Gates open — start arriving & setting up camp | Cedar Brake Loop |
| 5:00 PM | Tribe leaders meeting | Pavilion Area |
| 6:30 PM | Potluck dinner — each family brings a dish to share! | Group Campfire Area |
| 8:00 PM | ⭐ Big Chief Opening Ceremony & Patch Distribution | Campfire Circle |
| 9:30 PM | Campfire stories, s'mores, and stargazing | Camp Sites |
| Saturday, Oct 18 | ||
| 7:00 AM | Rise & shine! Breakfast at your site | Camp Sites |
| 9:00 AM | 🦕 Guided Dinosaur Track Hike (Blue Hole Trail) | Main Track Site |
| 11:30 AM | Free swim at Blue Hole (weather permitting) | Paluxy River |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch — grill out at your campsite | Camp Sites |
| 2:30 PM | Tribe competition: Archery & Nature Scavenger Hunt | Cedar Brake Area |
| 5:00 PM | Chili Cook-Off! Dads show off their best chili recipe | Group Pavilion |
| 7:30 PM | Awards & tribe competition results | Campfire Circle |
| 9:00 PM | Campfire wind-down | Camp Sites |
| Sunday, Oct 19 | ||
| 7:30 AM | Pancake breakfast — Nation provides ingredients! | Group Pavilion |
| 9:30 AM | Second trail option: Denio Creek Loop (3.5 mi) | Trailhead |
| 11:00 AM | Pack up camp (leave no trace!) | Camp Sites |
| 12:00 PM | Depart — see you at the next event! | |
To make the weekend a success, we need volunteers! Please sign up below for items you'll bring or activities you'll lead.
| Item / Task | Status | Volunteer | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥘 Potluck Dish – Main (stew/casserole) | Filled | Johnson Family | |
| 🥗 Potluck Dish – Salad or Side | Open | — | |
| 🌽 Potluck Dish – Vegetable Side | Open | — | |
| 🍰 Dessert for Potluck | Filled | Smith Family | |
| 🥞 Pancake Breakfast – Lead Cook | Open | — | |
| 🏹 Archery Activity – Facilitator | Filled | Williams Family | |
| 📋 Scavenger Hunt – Organizer | Open | — | |
| 🔥 Firewood – Bring 2 bundles to share | Needed | — | |
| 📸 Camp Photographer | Open | — |