11/07/2025
OWL Surprise Trip 2025 is in the books!
This year’s surprise trip kicked off with a visit to Cantigny Park and the First Division Museum in Wheaton, IL. Scouts climbed aboard 11 real Army tanks from different eras and explored two fascinating galleries. In the “First in War” exhibit, we stepped back in time into a WWI trench, onto Omaha Beach, and through the jungles of Vietnam. The “Duty First” gallery brought us into modern history, highlighting the post-Vietnam missions of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.
That night, we camped at Camp Cary, a local scouting property. The next morning, we headed to Indianapolis, Indiana, where we stayed at Camp Belzer for the next few days.
In Indy, we explored the NCAA Hall of Champions, enjoying the hands-on and interactive exhibits. We took a stroll along the Indianapolis Canal Walk, pausing at the 9/11 Memorial and Soldiers & Sailors Monument.
The following day began with the famous “Kiss the Bricks” Tour at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We rode the bus around the iconic 2.5-mile track, stopped to kiss the bricks, and explored the Speedway Museum—diving deep into the history and excitement of the Indianapolis 500 and getting a close look at decades of race cars.
Our next stop was the Crown Hill Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark covering 555 acres. We visited the two National Cemeteries—one honoring Union soldiers and one for the Confederate Mound—as well as the grave of former President Benjamin Harrison. From the top of the hill, “the Crown,” we took in breathtaking 360° views of the Indianapolis skyline.
That evening, we had a blast with duckpin bowling and dinner out. Back at Camp Belzer, the Scouts spent the night playing basketball, flashlight tag, and Yahtzee.
It was truly a memorable trip filled with history, adventure, friendship, and fun — the perfect example of Scouting at its best!
