Holly Jolly Skies

Join Mescalero Apache School on December 5, 2026, for a Christmas-themed Aerial Drone Competition (ADC)! Celebrate the season with a day of drone flying, teamwork, and friendly competition.

New and experienced ADC teams in the eligible grade levels are welcome. Students will put their piloting, programming, communication, and problem-solving skills into action while connecting with other teams in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.

Bring your drone equipment, competition materials, and Christmas team spirit! Please review the event schedule and registration details before attending. We look forward to celebrating the season with your team!

Tentative Event Agenda

Schedule is subject to change based on team registration and match progress. Teams should arrive early enough to complete check-in and inspection before the opening ceremony.

Judging and Team Interviews

Teams will have an opportunity to meet with judges to discuss their drone preparation, programming, teamwork, and learning experiences. Students should be ready to explain how they developed their strategies, solved challenges, and used their Competition Logbook to document progress.

Interviews are student-led conversations. All team members are encouraged to participate and share their contributions. Coaches and mentors should allow students to answer in their own words. Teams will receive interview timing and location information at check-in.

What Teams Should Bring

·         Competition Logbook: Organized records of practice, flight data, programming, strategies, challenges, and improvements.

·         Supporting examples: Relevant code, diagrams, photographs, or data included in the logbook.

·         Team identification: Your team number and team name.

·         Your team’s story: Be prepared to describe what you learned, how you worked together, and how you improved throughout the season.

Students do not need a memorized speech. Clear explanations, specific examples, and honest reflections help judges understand the team’s work. Judging and award eligibility will follow the applicable RECF ADC guidelines.

The competition will take place indoors at Mescalero Apache School.

Medical Assistance: Report any injury or illness to event staff at the check-in table. Staff will help contact the appropriate responder. For a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately and notify event staff so they can direct emergency responders to your location.

Who to Find: Contact Mr. Nate Raynor, the Event Partner, or the nearest event staff member or volunteer for emergency assistance. Provide your location, describe the emergency, and indicate whether anyone is injured.

Please review this policy before submitting payment. All registration payments are final. No refunds will be issued for team withdrawals, cancellations, or failure to attend. Refunds will be issued only if the Event Partner (EP) cancels the event.

If your team must withdraw, notify the Event Partner, Mr. Nate Raynor, as soon as possible before December 5, 2026, so the team list and match schedule can be updated. Withdrawal notification does not qualify a team for a refund.