3... 2... 1... LIFTOFF! Rocket Day is pure Wichita Nation magic. Each dad-son team builds their own Estes model rocket over two build weekends — assembly, painting, fin alignment, and engine installation. Then on launch day, they take it to Breckinridge Park's dedicated model rocket range and let it fly!
Rockets can reach 400–800 feet altitude depending on the engine selected. We'll have an altimeter to measure peak altitude, and prizes are awarded for highest flight, best recovery, best design/paint job, and "Most Aerodynamic-Looking Name" — always a crowd favorite category.
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 21, 10 AM–3 PM | Build Weekend 1 — assembly & fin alignment | Church Hall |
| Mar 28, 10 AM–3 PM | Build Weekend 2 — painting, decals & prep | Church Hall |
| Apr 4, 8:30 AM | Arrive at launch field — safety briefing | Breckinridge Park |
| 9:00 AM | First launch wave — Tribe A & B | Launch Range |
| 9:45 AM | Second launch wave — Tribe C & D | Launch Range |
| 10:30 AM | Third launch wave — Tribe E & F + re-flights | Launch Range |
| 11:30 AM | Recovery competition — altitude & accuracy | Field |
| 12:00 PM | Awards ceremony under the shade trees | Pavilion |
| 1:00 PM | Pack up rockets & head home |
| Item / Task | Status | Volunteer | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch control officer (NAR certified preferred) | Filled | Robinson Family | |
| Altimeter operator | Open | — | |
| Recovery field spotters (2 needed) | Open | — | |
| Safety rod & launcher setup | Open | — | |
| Photographer — the launches are incredible! | Open | — |