<![CDATA[BIG WATERS FEDERATION - Ontario Nation]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:15:20 -0500Weebly<![CDATA[2026 Ontario Nation Winter Campout - Camp MacLean]]>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:45:58 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2026-ontario-nation-winter-campout-camp-maclean​Camp MacLean was a big success, with 106 dads and sons attending and 14 new members joining the nation. Participants enjoyed sledding, archery, orienteering, and team-building activities, creating lasting memories despite the cold weather. Looking ahead, upcoming events include a Dads Only Recruiting Night on April 8th and a Spring Campout the weekend of May 1st.]]><![CDATA[2025 Ontario Nation Fall Campout - Camp Benson]]>Sun, 21 Sep 2025 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2025-ontario-nation-fall-campout-camp-bensonOntario Nation made their way to Camp Benson, welcoming some brand-new campers into the group. They explored scenic hiking trails and found plenty of creative ways to enjoy the great outdoors together. ]]><![CDATA[2025 Ontario Nation Winter Campout - Camp Edwards]]>Sat, 08 Feb 2025 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2025-ontario-nation-winter-campout-camp-edwardsOntario Nation Braved the Cold at Camp Edwards!

This past weekend, the Ontario Nation gathered at Camp Edwards in East Troy, WI, for an unforgettable winter adventure. With Lake Beulah frozen solid, our dads and sons laced up their skates for some exhilarating ice skating and hockey on the natural rink. Whether it was chasing the puck across the ice or simply gliding under the open sky, the experience was a highlight for many.
Off the ice, the fun continued with gaga ball, indoor pickleball, archery, tube slides and arts and crafts, providing something for everyone to enjoy. The Camp Edwards Nature Center was a hit as well, where the boys got up close with some incredible creatures—including turtles, an axolotl, and even a blue-tongued skink!

Of course, no winter campout would be complete without plenty of time around the campfire, where we shared stories, roasted marshmallows, and stayed warm against the crisp Wisconsin air. The big moment of the weekend came when the Bears tribe quickly tracked down the hidden Golden Arrow—an achievement worth celebrating!

This campout also marked the start of a new tradition—for the first time, the guides were invited to design a patch for our next campout. The creativity on display was impressive, and in the end, a Mustangs child’s design was chosen as the winner!  
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It wouldn’t be an Ontario Nation campout without a few traditions--some unlucky latecomers got stuck with the Rat Sack, and the dads enjoyed grilling some hearty food over the fire to keep warm.
Another campout full of adventure, camaraderie, and lasting memories—we can’t wait for the next one!
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation’s 2nd Annual Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!]]>Sun, 20 Oct 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nations-2nd-annual-pumpkin-carving-extravaganza​The Ontario Nation gathered this fall for the 2nd annual pumpkin carving event, hosted in the Mustang Tribe Chief’s backyard. With over 100 pumpkins to core and clean, teamwork was the name of the game! The Mustangs and Snow Owls turned these gourds into stunning masterpieces, showcasing their creativity through carving, painting, and decorating.

As always, the dads stepped up, ensuring the event ended on a high note with a record-breaking cleanup effort after the festivities. A huge thank-you to everyone who joined and helped make the day run smoothly. It was a fantastic opportunity for dads and sons and daughters to bond, share laughs, and celebrate the fall season.

Until next time, stay sharp and keep those carving skills ready for next year’s adventure!
]]><![CDATA[2024 Ontario Nation Fall Campout - Camp Anokijig]]>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 20:27:36 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2024-ontario-nation-fall-campout-camp-anokijigThe Ontario Nation recently gathered for an incredible weekend at Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where the boys and their dads enjoyed a variety of exciting activities. Paddle boats skimmed across the lake, while the War Canoe races, accommodating up to 20 participants, saw groups racing to break the camp record. From archery and the BB-gun range to more relaxed options like fishing, mini golf, and the arts and crafts studio, there was something for everyone.
One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the gaga ball tournament, where friendly competition reached its peak. In a clean sweep, the Bears dominated, winning the tournament and also solving all the clues to find the coveted Golden Arrow! However, while they claimed those victories, the Bears also had the dubious honor of taking home the Rat Sack.
As always, the Ontario Nation weekend was packed with adventure, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable memories. Until next time, we’ll be reliving this amazing trip at Camp Anokijig!
]]><![CDATA[Upcoming Events - Ontario Nation]]>Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:31:24 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/upcoming-events​​The Ontario Nation recently gathered for an incredible weekend at Camp Anokijig in Plymouth, Wisconsin, where the boys and their dads enjoyed a variety of exciting activities. Paddle boats skimmed across the lake, while the War Canoe races, accommodating up to 20 participants, saw groups racing to break the camp record. From archery and the BB-gun range to more relaxed options like fishing, mini golf, and the arts and crafts studio, there was something for everyone.

One of the biggest highlights of the weekend was the gaga ball tournament, where friendly competition reached its peak. In a clean sweep, the Bears dominated, winning the tournament and also solving all the clues to find the coveted Golden Arrow! However, while they claimed those victories, the Bears also had the dubious honor of taking home the Rat Sack.

As always, the Ontario Nation weekend was packed with adventure, laughter, and plenty of unforgettable memories. Until next time, we’ll be reliving this amazing trip at Camp Anokijig!]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation Spring 2024 Campout at Camp Crosley]]>Sat, 04 May 2024 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-spring-2024-campout-at-camp-crosleyOur spring campout at Camp Crosley was an action-packed adventure that the Mustang tribe won't soon forget. With thrilling activities like axe throwing, archery, a giant zip line, and rock climbing, there was never a dull moment. The giant swing, where dads and kids teamed up to pull each other to the top, added an extra dose of excitement, while the jumping pillow and zorb balls brought endless laughter. It was a weekend of fun, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories for everyone involved.  ​
]]><![CDATA[2024 Ontario Nation Winter Campout - Camp Duncan]]>Sat, 20 Jan 2024 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2024-ontario-nation-winter-campout-camp-duncan​Our Ontario Nation Tribe's campout at Camp Duncan was changed to a single Saturday trip, but that didn’t stop us from having loads of fun! We made the most of the snowy day with sledding, took on the Black Hole slide, crafted leather, and enjoyed foosball and a cozy bonfire. It was a day packed with adventure, laughter, and great memories for our guides  
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation Fall 2023 Campout at Camp Tecumseh]]>Sun, 01 Oct 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-fall-2023-campout-at-camp-tecumsehOur recent campout at Camp Tecumseh, known as one of the most beautiful and top-rated campgrounds for our tribe, was an unforgettable adventure. Despite the long drive, dads and sons had a blast sliding down the Black Hole and the Bullet, testing their skills in archery, and conquering the rock-climbing wall. The weekend was filled with laughter, bonding, and outdoor fun, making the trip well worth the journey.  
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation Baseball Outing]]>Tue, 01 Aug 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-baseball-outingThe Ontario Nation watched the Schaumburg Boomers pull off a win against the Sussex County Miners this summer.  After the game we watched fireworks, and were then able to run the bases!  Such a fun night!
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation Spring 2023 Campout at Camp Minikani]]>Sun, 30 Apr 2023 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-spring-2023-campout-at-camp-minikaniThe Ontario Nation had a blast up in Wisconsin at Camp Minikani for the Spring 2023 Campout.  Rock climbing, a ropes course, gaga ball, horseback riding, and many other fun activities took place.  We wish all of our graduating Guides the best of luck in the future.
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation does Snoozeum at the MSI!]]>Sat, 11 Mar 2023 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-does-snoozeum-at-the-msi
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The Ontario Nation stayed overnight at the Museum of Science and Industry in March at its Science Snoozeum event.  The Bears, Mustangs and Wolverines participated in a scavenger hunt, saw the Coal Mine and U-505 tours, and caught World’s Beyond Earth in the Giant Dome Theater.  We then got to sleep amongst the storms in their Science Storms exhibit.
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation Winter Campout]]>Sun, 29 Jan 2023 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-winter-campoutThe 11 inches of snow at Camp MacLean brought smiles to all of the Guide families’ faces at the Ontario Nation Winter 2023 Campout.  Hot chocolate, sledding, the toboggan slide, and games in the lodge were highlights enjoyed by all.
]]><![CDATA[2022 Fall Campout at Camp Sherman Lake]]>Wed, 02 Nov 2022 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/2022-fall-campout-at-camp-sherman-lake​The Ontario Nation Guides tribes had a blast at our 2022 Fall Campout at Camp Sherman Lake.  Some highlights that were enjoyed include swimming in the indoor pool, climbing the climbing wall, and playing gaga ball.  The campout’s gaga ball champion was Oliver N. of the Wolverines.  We hope to see you at our winter campout at Camp MacLean!
]]><![CDATA[The Wolverine’s have been busy this year!]]>Mon, 16 May 2022 21:14:48 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/the-wolverines-have-been-busy-this-yearWe had a Gaga Ball tournament, with James K. taking first place…

And everyone was a winner at our Foot Golf outing!

We had a blast on our trip to Camp Duncan. Favorite activities included broomball, slingshot paintball targets, and archery!

Sleeping next to the dinosaurs at the Field Museum’s “Dozin’ with the Dinos” event was a big hit.  I think we’re all still a little tired!

Next up is our spring campout at Camp MacLean, which we’re all looking forward to. Hope to see you there!
]]><![CDATA[Ontario Nation day trip to Camp Duncan]]>Sat, 22 Jan 2022 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/ontario-nation-day-trip-to-camp-duncanDue to the increase in Covid19 (Omicron) cases, the Ontario nation decided to do a day trip to Camp Duncan instead of the usual overnight stay. The kids enjoyed a lot of available activities despite the lack of snow, and broomball on the frozen lake was the main attraction.
]]><![CDATA[Bears Guides tribe meeting up for a movie screening...]]>Sat, 11 Dec 2021 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/bears-guides-tribe-meeting-up-for-a-movie-screeningThe Bears Guides tribe met up for a movie screening of "Elf".  A surprise guest also joins in on the fun!
]]><![CDATA[Bears Guides teams up with Illini Princesses from the Valley Nation for a pumpkin decorating party!]]>Sat, 16 Oct 2021 05:00:00 GMThttps://www.bigwaters.org/ontario-nation/bears-guides-teams-up-with-illini-princesses-from-the-valley-nation-for-a-pumpkin-decorating-party
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