Wilderness Journal

August 25, 2024 by Eric Totten

Pool Party 2024

Just as the jubilant month of July was adjourning in 2024, our Scouts and Princesses (and a few frivolous fathers) enjoyed some serious sliding, splashing, and snacks at the Centennial Aquatic Center.

Some struggled through the shoulder stressing cargo net and subsequently celebrated success…

…whilst others harvested their happiness in hoops and hobnobbing.

But let us not languish in the last little allowances of the Summer, but alternatively anticipate Autumn’s amusements in the advent of the 2024-2025 season!

July 10, 2024 by Eric Totten

The Tree Amigos

It may be summer, but our treemasters are already getting updates and improvements ready for the Christmas Tree Lot for 2024!

July 1, 2024 by Eric Totten

Iroquois Spring Campout 2024

The Mighty Iroquois made our annual trek up to the land of cheese, brandy, and rather successful football franchises to the fabled Camp Minikani, nestled in the lovely town of Hubertus, WI.

Evading devices, cities, and maternal surveillance, we experienced nature close up…

…participated in the games, hosted by the Powhatan, as well as a pick-up, cross-Tribal game of Gaga Ball…

…constructed nature sculptures and hunted plates spread throughout the camp…

…salivated as the chosen Tribal grillmasters squared-off in the annual cookoff…

…and gathered at the Council Fire ceremony where we heard wise words one last time from our outgoing Chiefs and welcomed the new ones into our midst.

One princess was recognized with the SPARC (Special Princess Acting Responsibly in the Community) for her generosity with her time and efforts. Two other princesses who won the Fall and Winter patch designs received the plaques displaying their creations.

As is our custom in the Spring, it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to some our our graduating long time super elders who will be venturing forth into that crazy plane of existence which we can only refer to as “high school”…

All in all the 4 Tribes had a great time, ending the year with a bang, and we look forward to next season’s start in the Fall!

Thanks Camp Minikani, we love you, no FIB’ing 🙂

May 28, 2024 by Eric Totten

Iroquois Winter Campout 2024

During February of 2024, in the chilly northern lands of Ingleside, IL the five Tribes of the mighty Iroquois of the Park Ridge Wilderness Princesses braved the elements to meet for the Winter Campout at YMCA Camp Duncan.

Several activities constituted this seasonal assembly; the Tribes competed in games of chance, marksmanship, and…well…scurrying around with a bucket…

…the hunting of cryptic clues as well as the sculpting of meaningful appreciations of nature as it co-exists along side human nature…

They prepared and shared meals…

…and had some good sisterly fun…

And, of course, all participated in the hallowed Fire Council ceremony…

Each of the Tribes made a strong showing and gave their best…

…but the belt is ever at stake. Thanks to Camp Duncan and staff for another great weekend!!

November 13, 2023 by Eric Totten

Iroquois Fall Campout 2023

It was a glorious September weekend in beautiful Brookston where the Indiana sun blessed us with nearly perfect weather. The Mighty Iroquois Nation gathered again at Camp Tecumseh for the opportunity for dads and daughters to be together with each other and with their Tribal brothers and sisters for a great campout.

The girls got outside, saw some wonders, met some many legged friends….

…participated in the games, moderated by thoughtful and impartial Powhatan judges, and other competitions…

…learned some valuable life skills…

…braved a spooky walk to the mysterious GHOST CABIN and other…places…

…and, of course, had a ball with dear ol’ Dad…

When the points were tallied, the Nez Perce retained the glory of the beautiful blingy campout belt.

A big thanks to our fearless Iroquois Nation Officers for planning and running the campout and to the new Tribal Chiefs for stepping up this year

Also, thanks to Camp Tecumseh’s councilors, who put on another fine show for us this year – “I SAID A BOOOOOM CHICK A BOOM!”

Looking forward to the Winter Campout!!

July 31, 2023 by Eric Totten

Memorial Day Parade 2023

On May 29th, the Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses Federation marched in the city’s annual Memorial Day Parade, with our 3 Nations all taking part in the big event: the Algonquin and Iroquois (daughters and dads) and the Winnebago (sons and dads).