Rocket Day 2025
Twenty-three rockets launched into a crystal-clear April sky — and only two "rapid unplanned descents." The Iron Wolf tribe's "Thunderstrike II" took home the altitude trophy, peaking at 847 feet measured by altimeter. First-timer Caleb Rodriguez (age 7, Red Fox tribe) saw his rocket disappear into the clouds to roaring cheers.
The post-launch recovery scramble across the soccer fields was, as always, the highlight reel moment. Three rockets were never recovered. They are presumed still in orbit.
🚀 23 Rockets Launched 📏 847 ft Peak Altitude 👨👦 38 Dad-Son Teams 🏆 Iron Wolf Tribe WinnerPinewood Derby 2025
The most competitive Derby in recent Wichita Nation history! The championship came down to a photo finish between the Thunderhawk tribe's "Greased Lightning" and Buffalo Thunder's "Night Arrow" — separated by just 0.003 seconds. Seven-year-old Aiden Park's car, painted like a Minecraft creeper, won the People's Choice Award unanimously.
Pre-race weigh-ins revealed three cars that were over the 5.0 oz limit (all fixed with frantic track-side surgery), and one car that arrived completely unpainted (it came in 4th place — speed triumphs over aesthetics).
🏎️ 34 Racers Competed ⏱️ 0.003s Winning Margin 🥇 Thunderhawks Champions
🪶 Big Chief Ceremony — 2025
The most memorable moment of every season — the passing of the headdress under the string lights
🎨 Totem Pole Crafts
Every dad-son pair puts their mark on the tribe totem
🔨 Building Together
Dads and sons constructing the longhouse frame — every hand on deck
🌳 The Tree Gang
Give boys a tree and they will climb it — every single time
🌲 Spring Campout 2025
The trees at Fort Richardson didn't stand a chance
🥾 Fall Campout 2024
"Donut Kill My Vibe" — the unofficial Wichita Nation trail motto
Big Chief ceremony 🪶
Totem pole crew 🎨
Building the longhouse 🔨
The tree gang 🌳
Family Campout 2024 — Murray State Park
The 2023–24 season closed with our biggest Family Campout ever — 54 families crossed the Red River to Murray State Park in Oklahoma for a legendary final weekend. The Big Chief passing ceremony under a full moon, with all 200+ members gathered around the ceremonial fire, was described by multiple dads as "the moment I'll remember for the rest of my life."
Outgoing Big Chief Robert "Running Eagle" Thompson passed the headdress to incoming Big Chief David "Swift Hawk" Nguyen in a moving ceremony that had more than a few grown men wiping their eyes.
👨👦 54 Families Attended ⭐ Full Moon Ceremony 🏊 Lake Murray Swimming
Fall Campout 2023
Lake Ray Roberts · Stunning fall colors
Rocket Day 2024
31 launches · 2 went supersonic (probably)
Opening Campout 2023 — Dinosaur Valley
First campout for 18 new families · Amazing track hike
Older Photos & Videos
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