by Scott Sperling, Past-President IFWDA

As always, this is always a special day for IFWDA, the drivers, campers and staff at Camp Riley. One of these days, we are going to get "Mother Nature" on the same page when it comes to "Wheelin' at the Woods." On this particular weekend, "Mother Nature" was not kind to us- we were greeted with very HOT and HUMID conditions throughout Indiana that weekend. Did we let that slow us down- NO!!!!

I am very pleased to say that a total of 40 volunteers, including 20 drivers, attended yesterday's 4th Annual IFWDA Camp Riley 4XKIDS Day. We had a total of 5 different clubs (4WTF, FBJ, MOJO, On The Trail and JP Frog) in attendance from both Indiana and Illinois. There were approx. 85-90 campers at this sessions along with 60+ staff members. All drivers received an event t-shirt, event logo sticker and a Riley wagon pin for their participation to this great event.

If it wasn't for the generous donations from the following individuals, clubs and businesses, 200 event t-shirts would not be available this year for 4XKIDS Day. This is one of the may highlights both the staff and campers enjoy during our yearly visit.

Sleeve Sponsors

• 4WPPC of Indianapolis- Mike Devore
• Hi-Lift Jack- Austin Harrah
• J&S Motors, Inc. Fairmount, IN- Dennis Thompson
• Smith Drywall- Chris Smith

• 4WTF- Chad & Emily Cooper
• Fat Boys Jeepers
• Ruff Riders 4x4 Club
• Clover Patch, Inc.- Bob Abondolo
• Pilson Auto Center- Mattoon, IL- Jamie Pilson
• Richmond Industrial Supply, Inc.- Rudy Sperling
• Special Events- David Figg
• Special Events- 25th Anniversary- David Figg
• Principle Imprinting, LLC- Burke Soper

Event logo design by Doty Graphics/John Doty

While the trailrides were taken place using the same route as last year, a special IFWDA tattoo parlor was set up near the Dining Room for those that wanted an additional memento of the day. Later that afternoon, IFWDA PR Director Max Soliday was interviewed by TV station FOX 59 from Indianapolis for there 10:00 news broadcast. Did anyone happen to have seen the interview? Hopefully, we can have a DVD player set up in the IFWDA booth at the Indy Jamboree. When the trailride came to an end, the camper gave a special hand-drawn "Thank you" card to their driver. I even saw a few hugs accompany the card. WHAT A FEELING!!!! To close out part of the days' activities, all campers and staff members received an IFWDA event t-shirt to remember their special ride.

During closing ceremonies, an IFWDA check in the amount of $1600.00 was presented to the camp. On hand to help present the check was Mike Devore of 4WPPC and Chris Smith of Smith Drywall. Both of these businesses sponsored a sleeve on this years' t-shirts. At this same time, Max and Kelly Stewart of Fat Boys Jeepers donated a check in the amount of $155.00 to the camp . This was the proceeds from the FBJ raffle that was held during the FBJ picnic couple weeks ago. Afterwards, plenty of cold drinks, A/C and good BBQ was sought out by about 30 IFWDA members up at Squealers just north of Bradford Woods.

As they say "pictures are worth 1000 words". Feel free to check out this years' pictures on Todd Zeiss' website.

I would like to "Thank" all the IFWDA men, women and children for giving up your Saturday for this very good cause. Camp Riley 4XKIDS Day would not exists without you. For those that missed it this year, hope to see you next year.

IFWDA is proud to be a member of the following organizations.
The United 4WD Association The UFWDA is the International "Voice" of four wheelers. It's reach spans 4 continents with over 10,000 member voices.	Tread Lightly! Through education, restoration and research, Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly.