<![CDATA[BIG WATERS FEDERATION - Winnipeg Nation]]>Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:07:08 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[2025 Winnipeg Nation Fall Campout - Camp Anokijig]]>Fri, 26 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/2025-winnipeg-nation-fall-campout-camp-anokijigThis year’s campout was packed with adventure from sunrise to sunset! The day kicked off with archery and tetherball before things heated up with our own “American Gladiators” challenge — kids dashed behind barricades, firing Nerf darts at targets in an epic test of aim and agility. We kept the fun rolling with mini golf, horse rides, and a team paddle in a giant 20-man canoe. As the sun went down, everyone gathered around a roaring campfire to share stories, roast marshmallows, and wrap up an unforgettable day together under the stars.
]]><![CDATA[Kickin’ It with the Seminoles]]>Sat, 26 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/kickin-it-with-the-seminolesLast weekend, the Seminole Tribe hosted its annual foot golf outing, and it was a fantastic event from start to finish. This year's event brought together families and friends for a fun-filled day of laughter, competition, and connection.

Despite battling some pretty strong winds, the boys showed great perseverance and teamwork as they navigated the foot golf course. Whether it was lining up the perfect kick or cheering each other on from the sidelines, the energy was high and the spirits even higher. By the end of the day, there was one thing everyone could agree on - nothing but smiles all around. We're already looking forward to next year’s outing!

]]><![CDATA[2025 Winnipeg Nation Spring Campout - Camp Edwards]]>Sun, 13 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/2025-winnipeg-nation-spring-campout-camp-edwardsThe boys had a great time, zip lining, shooting arrows at archery, fishing, and canoeing. We played potato sack race flippy cup as a nation. We are sad to see a few members graduate, but we’re happy to welcome more new members in! Campfires and good times are how we ended the weekend and we’re looking forward to our next camp out at Anokijig!
]]><![CDATA[Pawnee Battlehouse Laser Tag]]>Sat, 05 Apr 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/pawnee-battlehouse-laser-tagThe boys and dads had an awesome time completing missions and battling one another in this one-of-a-kind arena. Kids and dads worked together to rescue hostages, rob a bank, and make it to an extraction point. This was such a fun way to spend a Saturday morning!
]]><![CDATA[Winnipeg Nation trip to Snoozeum at Museum of Science & Industry]]>Sat, 22 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/winnipeg-nation-trip-to-snoozeum-at-museum-of-science-industryWinnipeg Nation had a great time sleeping over at the Museum of Science & Industry last weekend. Snoozeum started at 5:30pm with a scavenger hunt around the museum. We learned about wavelengths of light and what colors we see, tornadoes and how they form, and we finished the scavenger hunt learning that "The Future of Science starts with ME!" The boys earned a special patch if they finished the scavenger hunt before bed time. After that, we spent time touring a replica coal mine and learning about what coal miners had to go through in the past and what they do today. We also got to tour a U-Boat submarine where we learned how the boat was captured as well as what life was like aboard the sub. After some snacks, we got some more time to tour the museum before we all got to sleep in the human body exhibit for the night! It was a 10/10 trip that ended with new friendships and awesome memories.
]]><![CDATA[2025 Winnipeg Nation Winter Campout - Camp Minikani]]>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:32:01 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/2025-winnipeg-nation-winter-campout-camp-minikaniIn spite of the frigid temperatures, Winnipeg Nation had an amazing weekend at Camp Minikani in Hubertus, WI.  We started Saturday morning with exploring and playing ice hockey on the frozen lake.  Before lunch, we looked for the tribe with the quick hands with a "Flip-Tac-Toe" tournament.  By the afternoon, each tribe got a chance to test their wits against our custom Escape Room with the winner and runner-up teams separated by less than a second! We capped off the weekend with a fire ceremony to welcome our new members and sharing grilled snacks into the wee hours.  Once again, fathers and sons proved to be "Pals Forever".
]]><![CDATA[Winnipeg Honors Our Fallen Soldiers]]>Sat, 14 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/winnipeg-honors-our-fallen-soldiers​As the holiday season starts to ramp up, several families took time from their busy schedules to honor America's soldiers as part of the annual Wreaths Across America event.  They visited Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL and placed wreaths on dozens of graves of men and women who served their country bravely.  The day was capped off with a visit to the Silver Dollar Diner to warm up after a chilly morning.
]]><![CDATA[Blackhawk Host a Night at Main Event]]>Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/blackhawk-host-a-night-at-main-event​The Blackhawk tribe hosted all their friends from the Winnipeg Nation to a night of fun and games at Main Event in Hoffman Estates.  The evening included multiple rounds of laser tag, traversing the ropes, bowling and plenty of arcade games.  This was a great way to catch up as we look ahead to the Winter Campout next month at Camp Minikani.
]]><![CDATA[Pawnee Pumpkin Explosion 2024]]>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/pawnee-pumpkin-explosion-2024Pawnee Tribe is ready for Halloween! We got together to carve some pumpkins and blow them up! The boys spent time playing together and carving their pumpkins before Chief Snapping Turtle used his chemistry skills to blow them up! Add in some pizza and time to hang out, and everyone had a blast!!! Pawnee Pawnee Pawnee​
]]><![CDATA[Winnipeg Fall 2024 Campout at Tecumseh]]>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:27:30 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/winnipeg-fall-2024-campout-at-tecumsehThank you, Camp Tecumseh, for an amazing fall camp, where every moment was a thrilling adventure enriched by laughter, learning and unforgettable memories. Winnipeg Nation is continuing to create long and lasting friendships!
]]><![CDATA[Blackhawk & Mohicans Shared Dads & Donuts Event]]>Sun, 14 Jul 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/july-15th-2024​As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, the Blackhawk (Guides) and Mohican (Princesses) tribes combined their efforts for a Sunday morning "Dads & Donuts" event.  We invited both current members and potential recruits which allowed us to see old friends and make a few new ones.  In addition to the snacks, we brought along plenty of games like kickball, wiffleball, washer toss and frisbees to keep both the dads and kids occupied.  In spite of the rain, we had a great turnout and we're excited for all the new families that will join us at future campouts and events!
]]><![CDATA[Spring 2024 Campout at Anokijig]]>Fri, 03 May 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/spring-2024-campout-at-anokijigThe Winnipeg Nation capped off an amazing 2023-2024 program year with a visit to one of our favorite locations: Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, WI.  There were many fun activities including canoes, archery, riflery and horseback riding.  Saturday morning kicked off with a highly competitive game of "Giant Tetris" while the afternoon was filled with an all-out squirtgun battle across the camp.  The main event of our evening fire ceremony was saying "goodbye" to all of our graduating fathers and sons as they head off to new adventures.

We had an amazing weekend and look forward to the next campout at Camp Tecumseh in September.  Huzzah!
]]><![CDATA[Blackhawk Hosts 2023 Fishing Derby]]>Sun, 15 Oct 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/blackhawk-hosts-2023-fishing-derbyThe Blackhawk tribe hosted another successful Fishing Derby event for Winnipeg Nation. It was a beautiful sunny day at Green Lake Park in Buffalo Grove which made for a perfect time. In addition to prizes for most and largest fish caught, we also held a casting competition for distance and accuracy. The event was capped off with some grilled hot dogs and sausages for an early lunch.  A big shout out to all the volunteers who helped and thanks to all the members from the rest of the tribes for making this another awesome experience!
]]><![CDATA[Fall 2022 Campout]]>Wed, 14 Sep 2022 01:08:10 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/fall-2022-campoutWhat a great way to close out summer with our annual Fall Campout.  This year we went to western Illinois to one of our favorite spots, Camp Benson.  We started off by visiting the haunted Ravens Grin to explore and play hide & seek in this bizarre setting.  The palisades along the Carrol river made for some excellent hiking and wildlife sightings.  High cliffs, waterfalls, caves, a grotto, and a suspension bridge made exploring a fun activity.  Some unique activities such as axe throwing and atlatl made for some friendly competition between the dads and boys.  We got the brain juices flowing with our morning game where kids had to build the highest tower with just marshmallows and spaghetti. We closed it off with our traditional fire ceremony.  Fun times had by all!  

]]><![CDATA[Winter 2022 Campout]]>Tue, 08 Feb 2022 13:08:20 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/winter-2022-campoutThe frigid temps could not hold back the mighty Winnipeg Nation at their winter camp out at Camp MacLean in Burlington, WI.  As always, we made the most of the winter weather and had a blast enjoying ourselves over the weekend, There was just enough snow to sled down the big hill.  Arrows still fly far from their bows to hit their mark.  But the highlight was the frozen lake to spend the day on.  Ice skating & broomball were hits; but the best frozen event of the day was the soon to be Olympic sport of human-tow rope-tube-curling game proudly and loudly called ICE CHIEF CHALLENGE!  Evening time brought fathers and sons together to warm themselves by roaring campfires to tell stories of the memories made this day.  Pals forever!  ​
]]><![CDATA[Pawnee Laser Tag]]>Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/pawnee-laser-tagOnce again, the Pawnee hosted an awesome Laser Tag event! We had 3 time slots set up and they filled quickly. Boys and dads teamed up to battle each other for the ultimate prize. Bragging rights! Red versus Blue. Man versus man. The winner? Blue? Red? Everyone! We are looking forward to our winter camp out in January. Number two better bring us snow!
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]]><![CDATA[Blackhawk Fishing Derby]]>Sun, 17 Oct 2021 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/blackhawk-fishing-derbyThe mighty Winnipeg Nation continues to have great events this year. The Blackhawk tribe hosted a fishing derby. 52 members and their families showed up! The kids enjoyed the competition and enjoyed the prizes and fun! The largest fish caught measured 7  inches long. And the most fish caught was approximately 20 (hey everyone likes a good fish story)! We are looking forward to our next event. Pawnee Laser Tag!!!!!
]]><![CDATA[Fall 2021 Campout]]>Sat, 11 Sep 2021 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/fall-2021-campoutThe mighty Winnipeg Nation traveled to Camp Eberhart for our fall camp out. The weather was great (thank you Chief's Hand AKA Number 2). The boys enjoyed archery, horseback riding, high ropes, gaga ball, bb guns, swimming and more. Even the Nation Chief jumped in the water to cool down (see the picture below). The weekend flew by and the boys didn't want to leave. We are looking forward to our next great event in October. Don't forget to sign up for the fishing derby! And remember Pals forever!
]]><![CDATA[4th of July Parade]]>Sun, 04 Jul 2021 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/4th-of-july-paradeAfter a long year of being inside, the tribes of the mighty Winnipeg Nation (and other Federation tribes) had the opportunity to show our patriotism. We were able to march in the Mount Prospect 4th of July parade! What could be more fun than a cherry picker, handing out candy and a confetti cannon? Spoiler alert NOTHING! We are looking forward to our fall campout and the other activities we have planned for this year. More posts to follow!
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]]><![CDATA[Winnipeg / Great Elk Nations Announce 2016-17 Council]]>Tue, 17 May 2016 03:37:58 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/winnipeg-great-elk-nations-announce-new-councilCAMP ANOKIJIG - On one of the warmer days this spring, the Great Elk and Winnipeg Nation Councils convened to determine who would lead the mighty nations for the next 12 moons. After passing around the Council Peace Pipe and consuming much firewater, the Nation Council has come to an agreement. 

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Fed Rep Joe Samperi; Big Bear with 3 Cubs and his brave Lightning Bolt
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Sachem and Sandpainter Sam Duray; Little Rumble and his brave Lightning Thief
]]><![CDATA[2016 Winnipeg Sled Race]]>Mon, 15 Feb 2016 05:53:39 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/2016-winnipeg-sled-raceOn February 14th 2016, the Mighty Tippecanoe Tribe hosted the annual Winnipeg / Great Elk Nation cardboard sled race at Melas Park in Mount Prospect. The rules of the event are simple: each tribe is to construct a sled consisting of nothing but cardboard, duct tape and glue. Judging is done in two categories; 1st for design voted by each Tribal Chief and 2nd for distance (farthest from the starting point). Unfortunately, the snow cover was at a minimal at the hill the morning of the race, but that did not stop the Nation from moving forward with the event.
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The sleds from the five tribes that participated in this year’s race ranged from traditional design to the preposterous. The common theme to this year’s entries could be considered “Out of this World”, as the nations were invaded by Star Wars. The Blackhawks X-Wing rebel fighter (aka the “Good” guys) battled the Tippecanoe’s First Order Star Destroyer (aka the “Bad” guys) for bragging rights. The force was strong that day, but unfortunately we will have to wait until the spring campout to see which side it was stronger with.

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The Seminole Chief Ted Tsevis, had a vision of re-creating the 50th Anniversary rendition of the original 1966 Batmobile. This idea was definitely “Thinking outside the Box” as there were almost no 90 degree corners anywhere on this sled. Out of the nine years that I’ve been in the program, this sled was one of the most complex that I’ve had the honor to work on. Because most of sled consisted of curves, a sturdy skeleton had to be constructed. Later was wrapped using a one-sided flexible cardboard. It took 12 nights with between 5-6 dads at any given time to complete Ted’s vision. Attention to detail made the construction fun, as many of the dads had their own input and ideas on how to improve the overall appearance of the sled.
Despite the lack of snow, the Dads and Sons (and extended family members) that attended the event had a blast as they raced down a frozen and snowless hill. The looks of excitement on the boy’s faces as they traveled down the hill is what this program is all about: creating memories, having fun and bonding with your sons. 
We look forward to the Spring Campout where the nations learn of the winners of this year’s sled competition. 

Remember…“Pals Forever!”
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Joe Samperi
Big Bear with 3 Cubs
]]><![CDATA[Welcome back Winnipeg Nation!]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2015 03:45:55 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/winnipeg-nation/akelas-first-2015-blog-postWelcome Back!
What's the best part about the new school year?    The 2015 Fall Campout is only weeks away!
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