Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

Dear Cuz,

What was this Family Campout all about? I thought ABATE Acres was for members only.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

Dear Inquiring,

Once a year ABATE Acres is opened up to member families so the young ‘uns can experience camping on our own land. This is a time you can bring your kids, your grannies, and your dogs to share your stories over a campfire and a s’more. Junior Patriots are members of ABATE of Wisconsin as Junior Patriots, and this weekend gives them the chance to play on 80 acres of awesomeness and experience the real feeling of freedom without being burdened with too many rules. This year, thanks to John Stumpner who heads up the Junior’s, they had the chance to experience Marshmallow Golf, a Three-Legged Race, a Coloring Contest, a Slip and Slide, Water Balloons, a Prize Spinning wheel, a Movie Party with Popcorn, Ice Cream, S’mores and Candy. All of this was in addition to getting rides on the People Hauler, riding their bikes, mini-bikes, four wheelers, and having campfires, etc. What more could anyone ask? It was exciting to see these boys and girls have fun and make new friends, just like we do when we attend ABATE events. Do you think they’ll be back? You bet! It was rewarding to see how everyone helped out. They ate well, as families grilled their own meat on the big barbecue, and shared some corn on the cob, as well as a dish to pass. What a feast! And did I say this was fun?

A pure pleasure to see ABATE members and officer’s alike share the place with our young Junior Patriots. This is how we generate interest among the young. Start them at the beginning. I can guarantee the memories they made here will be talked about for years to come. And remember, this land – ABATE Acres – will be passed on to them, the next generation of adult members.