Tippecanoe – Potawatomi Wildlife Park was once again the host site for the annual Marshall County Cub Scout Day Camp held this summer. Cub Scouts from Marshall and surrounding counties enjoyed the Native American themed 2-day event. The day camp included five stations involving crafts, air rifle, fishing, archery, and a station focused on local Native Americans history.
While other district day camps in the LaSalle Council used the theme “Wild West”. The Marshall County day camp staff insisted on using the Eastern Woodland theme incorporating Potawatomi Wildlife Park’s rich Native American history into the programming.
The Native American station staff included Michael Stephan, Potawatomi Wildlife Park Executive Director, and Damon Harrell, volunteer from Argos. Mr. Stephan introduced the topic by reviewing the history of the property, discussing the post-removal Benack Village which was located on the site, the removal period, and the differences between cabins, wigwams, and teepees. The rotating groups then worked on learning rope lashing and constructing a wigwam during the 2-day event. The wigwam remains as an interpretive addition at the original site of the Benack Village area on the park.
About Potawatomi Wildlife Park: Potawatomi Wildlife Park is a free-admission 317 acre park along the Tippecanoe River south of Bourbon, IN. It is in Marshall County, just over the Kosciusko County border. Coming from the north, the park entrance is located approximately 1/2 mile south of State Road 10 directly across from 17th Road. Coming from the south, the entrance is approximately 1/2 mile north of the Tippecanoe Bridge on State Road 331.
Recognized for it’s nature preserve atmosphere and rich historical features, the property is a favorite site for local and regional lovers of wildlife and history. The Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset for you to walk the trails and observe or study wildlife or learn about the historic features the park preserves.
