Lake Prairie Adventure Guides Focus on Fun, Family

Parents, if you're looking for a fun way to spend some quality time with your children, the Lake Prairie Adventure Guides think you should give their group a try.

Also known as Indian Guides or Indian Princesses, the Lake Prairie Adventure Guides group is a social organization that is "a great way for a dad and mom to spend time with their kids at organized events," said Kevin Miller, spokesman for the Lake County-based group.

The organization boasts about 1,400 members from all over Lake County, with a large contingent from Grayslake. Events are held throughout the county, including at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Century Park in Vernon Hills and the College of Lake County.

"It's definitely not like scouting, where you're working with merit badges," said Miller. "It's a chance to give parents quality time with their kids. As we know, that happens less and less."

Miller added that the organization is very informal. Leaders don't take attendance at events, so there are no major requirements.

"You take what you want out of it," said Miller.

The program focuses on seven "aims," Miller said, which center around the fundamentals of living together in a community-type environment, including being courteous and being good neighbors.

According to the Lake Prairie Adventure Guides website, there are four "Compass Points" that "are the essential components of the program." They are:

• The family is the True North-the focal point of the program.

• Nature and the camping experience are integral parts of the program.

• The spirit of the program is experienced through belonging to a small community, called a Tribe.

• Fun is the magic of the program.

The Adventure Guides participants definitely have a lot of fun through various events held every month, Miller said. Most recently, the group held its annual Valentine's Day Dance at Frederick School in Grayslake, where children and their families danced, watched a magician and enjoyed refreshments.

In early March, the organization will hold its Pinewood Derby. Other events on the calendar for March and April include Laser Tag, a Chicago Wolves game and bowling.

There are also camping trips that take place nearly every weekend with the various Tribes, Miller said.

He added, "One fun part of our program is that each member, both parent and child, chooses a program name with some sort of Native American/American Indian theme."

To learn more about the Lake Prairie Adventure Guides, visit the organization's website.