Wilderness Journal

Fire, Fun & Games: Iroquois Fall Campout at Camp Tecumseh!

There’s nothing quite like a weekend away in the woods with your daughter. The Iroquois Nation of the Park Ridge Wilderness Princesses recently headed to Camp Tecumseh for their annual Fall Campout, and it proved to be a weekend loaded with outdoor adventure, timeless traditions, and meaningful connection.

The day was packed with activities, enjoyed by Father and Daughter, alike:

 The girls tested their grit on the rock-climbing wall, took to the trails for horseback riding, aimed high at archery, and tapped into their creative side with traditional candle making.

Rock Throwing was a surprisingly popular highlight! The Girls (and Dads!) were able to work out some energy by throwing rocks at metal objects. As simple as it sounds, it turned out to be wildly fun, and deeply satisfying, for everyone involved.

In a time-honored tradition, the Tribes held a Campout Games competition, where we mixed old traditions with fresh competition this year. Alongside the all-time favorite slingshot buckets, the egg toss and water race were introduced. In an absolutely epic performance, an ex-Nation Chief and his daughter single-handedly swept all the games, delivering a legendary victory that people will be talking about for years!

When the sun went down, the real magic happened. Gathered around the council fire, the bright flames of the fire matched the bright smiles of the girls as we recognized new members and milestone achievements for many of the girls.

After the council fire, a group of brave girls and dads headed out in the dark to visit the famous Ghost cabin at Camp Tecumseh.

After the girls went to bed, the dads kept the fires stoked, sharing laughs, swapping stories, and taking a moment to appreciate the memories made with their children.

In the morning, the Campout winner was announced.  Congratulations to the Crow tribe for taking home the belt!

Another great campout in the books.  We’re so fortunate to have been able to spend our time together at Tecumseh this fall deepening the lifelong bonds between fathers and daughters, and making memories that will outlast the campfire embers.

The Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses are happy to announce this year’s scholarship winners. These young adults have finished our program, oh so long ago, and are now embarking upon their next huge new adventure: college life. We are so proud of the role our program has had in their lives as they’ve grown over the years. We wish them nothing but the best as they go off to conquer the future.

Congratulations to Addison Kopf and Nick Hachigian! You both are incredible role models for the entire organization.

Thank you for all those in the community that volunteered their time and made donations to the annual PRWSP Food Drive on April, 18th and 19th. Special thank you to our volunteers who agreed to serve as drop off points for donations.

Reflecting on the generous nature of the surrounding community, the Food Drive this year was a resounding success, even with another simultaneous drive occurring the same week! With everyone’s helpful contributions, the Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses were able to make significant food and other donations this year to the St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry.

Thank you again for helping the PRWSP work towards a hunger-free community!