Wilderness Journal

Tom Briones led the festivities with his first campout as Nation Chief of the Park Ridge Winnebago Nation.  Chief Tom brought the Nation back to Camp Minicani in Wisconsin after a multi-year hiatus.  He packed the weekend with activities for dads and sons.  Boys participated in archery, boating, Mad Science, and climbing.   Chief Matt Zeman of  the Blackfoot tribe led some fierce games of Gagaball with the scouts, which went on for hours on Saturday and continued through Sunday morning.  Joshua Parker (pictured above) was on the hunt for plates this weekend as he worked diligently to bring honor to the Chippewa tribe.

Thank you Chief Tom for a great weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

Camp out season is in full swing for the Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses.  This past weekend Park Ridge’s Iroquois Nation journeyed 2 1/2 hours to YMCA Camp Tecumseh in Brookston, Indiana for two days of fun.  Horseback riding,  wall climbing, candle making, archery, fishing, plate hunt, sculpture building, and riflery filled the weekend.  Dads participated in the games and then grilled and smoked meats for Saturday night’s dinner and post dinner festivities.   It was fun for all!

• Iroquois Nation (Tecumseh): September 8-10
• Winnebago Nation (Minikani): September 16-17
• Algonquin Nation (MacLean): October 7-8
• Mohawk Nation (Duncan): October 13-15

The PR Wilderness Scouts and Princesses’ (PRWSP) sponsored the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society’s Concert in the Park.   Federation Chief Mike Charley (pictured above) presented Chris Poindexter, President of the Fine Arts Society (and former PRWSP member), with a check for $3,000.  The funds were one of the many donations made to local community organizations with proceeds from the annual Christmas tree sale.

It was an amazing night filled with great music and food as the event coincided with the Taste of Park Ridge, which was right across from Hodges Park.  The Fine Arts Society called the evening the Bastille Day Bonanza.  The concert featured Soprano Jessica Aszodi who sang French arias and cabaret songs while the orchestra played Berlioz, Franck and Debussy.  Families had an enjoyable evening under stars.

Since 2008, the PRWSP has donated $17,500 to the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society.  PR Wilderness Scouts and Princesses proudly support the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society.

 

The Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses (PRWSP) is an organization with many talented and giving people.  We wish that Scouts and Princesses could stay in the organization longer than they do but kids grow up quickly and families follow paths to new adventures.   We are happy to share the years that we do with our friends and family in PRWSP. 

Mike Besenjak  is one of the most giving people who I have ever encountered.  He is am amazing father, husband and friend.  When it came to this organization, he gave all he possibly could and led by example.   After five years of service, Mike Besenjak  is retiring from the organization. 

Mike and his sons, Jake and Ryan, started with the Sauk tribe five years ago.  Whenever there was a need, Mike made himself available to help, as did his family.  As a result, Mike quickly moved up the ranks of PRWSP taking over the role of Treasurer  for the Winnebago Nation and eventually the Federation.  Serving on both boards as a voting member, Mike has been instrumental in shaping policy for PRWSP often acting as a sounding board for the leadership.   He put safeguards in place to protect the organization’s finances.  He spent countless hours managing the funds for camp outs, color fun runs, Christmas tree sales. Luau’s, pool parties, hockey games, donations, and much more. 

 I believe that it is fair to say that Mike Besenjak has been among the most dedicated leaders in the Park Ridge Wilderness Scout and Princess organization and his impact will be felt for many years to come.  We will miss Mike, his wife Jill and his boys Ryan and Jake.  We thank Mike and his family for all that they have done for this organization.  They have made a difference in our lives and the lives of people PRWSP touches. 

Chiefly yours,

David A. Farrell

Federation Chief Emeritus

 

The Park Ridge Winnebago Nation celebrated its 3^rd 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!