The Park Ridge Winnebago Nation celebrated its 3rd and final camp out of the school year at YMCA Camp MacClean in Burlington, Wisconsin. This camp ground is a favorite for many of the dads and sons. The town offers some delicious food and the camp is loaded with activities. A typical spring camp out with the Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses (PRWSP) goes something like this.
Most of the dads and sons arrived in the early afternoon at Camo MacClean but plenty of the campers made a detour to Fred’s. Fred’s is a kid friendly pub with amazing burgers. It is a must stop for many families. Fred’s is a Tony Romo bar. No, it is not a Brett Farve or Aaron Rodgers bar despite being in Packerland. Tony Romo is the theme of this establishment. The Dallas Cowboy quarterback grew up in Burlington. Who would have known that Tony Romo and hamburgers would make such a good combination? The folks at Fred’s know and so do their customers.
After lunch, campers drove to camp and grabbed their bunk in their cabin. The kids were free to play. The archery, climbing wall, and sling shot paint ball stations were full of Scouts testing their skills. Many of the kids searched for the most unusual object that they could find. Some battled in games of Ga-ga ball while others played tether ball. A few of the boys played basketball. Fishing and canoeing proved to be popular as well. Of course, there is the towering ropes course that finishes with a three story high zip line for the brave hearted.
There was a dads versus the boys soccer game Saturday afternoon. The boys assembled a huge “wall of goalies” to stop the dads’ attack while the remainder of the kids team worked together to advance the ball up the field. Several of the dads joined their sons’ team to help drive the ball towards the goal. Soccer skills were on display. Everyone has a good time.
Later in the afternoon many of the boys successfully completed the testing for the White Buffalo Society. After 9-camp outs the boys are asked to present to the Winnebago board and discuss why being a part of the Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses is important to them. Then the boys must successfully answer questions put to them by the chiefs. Only then can they be part of the White Buffalo Society. There were many nervous young Scouts but all were able to advance.
The Council Fire ceremony took place later that evening. The spring camp out is the time when Chiefs whose terms are ending pass their leadership roles to new dads. Mike Charley assumed the role of Federation Chief for the entire PRWSP organization. Matt Hachigian appointed Tom Briones as his successor as Nation Chief of the Winnebago. The tribal chiefs also passed their duties onto their successors. 
After the Council Fire, the campers went back to their cabins to start up camp fires and heat up their grills to prepare their second dinner. Burgers, brats, hot dogs and more exotic fare was cooked and devoured by tribes Saturday night. The Ott family brought their telescope to gaze at the moon and the stars. Many campers turned into their bunks in the late. The Chippewa swapped stories around the camp fire almost until day break.
Breakfast followed by Tim Sandrick’s Awards Show opened the morning. Many dads hurried to pack their cars and head for home while others hung around the camp grounds and did more activities with their sons. The weary campers drove home with smiles.
Together forever, fathers and sons! Together forever, fathers and daughters!
