Wilderness Journal

The Park Ridge Navajo tribe spent Monday evening crafting the Halloween themed liquorish broomsticks and hanging bats.  Kevin and Josie Wiland led the group and demonstrated how to make the liquorish broomsticks.  Dave and Julia Farrell helped the girls with making and decorating the bats.  With close to 20 families represented, dads and daughters had fun working together.   Above, Abbey and Tim Sandrick display the broomstick and bat they made.  Happy Halloween Park Ridge Wilderness Scouts and Princesses!!!

 

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