Waking up at 4:45 a.m., packing up your tent, sleeping bag and sunblock, driving 3 plus hours just to canoe 21 miles in two days - to some, this might sound rather frightening.  For the IPRA Teen Committee it is another successful teen event to add to our books.  On August 8-9th, over 80 staff and participants took on the mighty Wisconsin River.  After canoeing 2 hours, we “beached” our boats, grabbed lunch, did a little swimming, then back to the waters we went.  Some boats were humming tunes and singing, others were soaking all passing boats with water guns.  At 5:30 p.m. we were back to the sand and ready to set up our camp for the evening.  After enjoying a wonderful spaghetti, salad and garlic bread dinner - we got the campfire ready for S’MORES.  All participants sat around the campfire telling stories and jokes while the supervisors scrambled around for their sunblock and energy drinks! 

Day two - packing up camp was a breeze.  Kids were re-energized and ready to complete our final 3 miles. 

A very special thanks to Alan Dunker of the Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department, Sara Kelly of the Cary Park District and Connie Cooke of the Crystal Lake Park District.  Your help with shopping, cooking and menu planning was greatly appreciated.

Also a thank you to all supervisors who ventured with us on this event:  Eric Gooseman - Woodstock Parks and Recreation Department, Stacey Fedyski - Geneva Park District, Bradley Cripe - Roselle Park District, Joe Doyle - Warren Township, Brett Lind - City of Elgin, Bobbi Nance - Oak Park Park District, Eileen Barnes - Palos Parks and Recreation Department, and Scott Tieney and Jane Benedict - Palos Heights Parks and Recreation Department.  Your participation was a big part of our events success as well.