On October 25th the travel group set out on a road trip to Pennsylvania! Everybody was pumped to visit Pittsburgh, to experience a hockey game and to visit the zoo. Along the way the group was very positive even though we had a flat tire. While the tire was getting changed, we made the best out of a bad situation by enjoying chocolate and pumpkin spice Frosty’s from Wendy’s and sharing great stories. Once the tire was replaced, the group hopped back on the bus and ended the day at a nice hotel in Maumee, Ohio to rest up.
The 2nd day of the trip kicked off with breakfast and a 3-hour drive to the rental house in Pennsylvania. Along the way we ate lunch where the campers chose if they wanted Panera, Burger King, or Popeyes. After a delicious lunch we got back on the road and not long after we arrived at the house. Everyone chose their rooms and unpacked since it was a long journey the campers rested for a bit. Afterwards we drove to the PPG Paints arena in downtown Pittsburgh and a kind police officer helped up park right in front of the stadium!
Once the group all made it inside, we found our seats and excitedly waited for the hockey game to start. The match started with the Pittsburgh Penguins skating out onto the ice rink and their competitors the Colorado Avalanche following. Within the first minutes the Penguins (Pens) scored and ended up dominating the whole game the Avalanches were unable to score at all. During the game, the campers where clapping and cheering for the Pens.
In the end the Pens won 4 to 0 which everyone was excited about, and we made our way back to the bus. Once we made it back to the house the group turned in for the night excited for shopping tomorrow!
The 3rd day in Pittsburgh consisted of the camper’s favorite activity, shopping!
In the morning, the campers were able to sleep in for a bit and then they helped to make pancakes for breakfast. Afterwards we all boarded the Travel bus and headed to the mall our first stop in the mall was Spirit Halloween to pick out costumes for the Zoo Boo event that we are attending tomorrow. Once the costumes were purchased the group visited all the stores in the mall making purchases left and right. For lunch we ate at the food court and afterwards we drove the bus to Ollies bargain mart. The campers loved all the great deals that were offered and meeting new people that were shopping as well. When everyone was content with their purchases, we made a stop at Walmart where we picked up groceries for the meals tomorrow and Steeler’s themed items. Dinner was at Primanti Bros where they had so many different types of delicious sandwiches. Afterwards the group headed back to the house for the night.
On the last full day in Pittsburgh the travel group dressed up in Halloween costumes and attended the Zoo Boo event at the Pittsburgh zoo! The campers loved seeing all the creative costumes that the other zoo patrons wore. The group went through a bunch of animal exhibits two favorites were the tigers and elephants. Lunch was at a burger place in the zoo, and everybody had a frozen treat afterwards. The next stop was the Aquarium the campers were excited to see a Sea Turtle and tiger sharks.
The last stop was the gift shop and getting a group photo. Once done we loaded the bus and headed back to the house.
Everyone watched the 1st and 2nd Hocus Pocus movies and for dinner we had a homemade meal of pot roast, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. After a delicious meal everyone packed their luggage and headed to bed afterwards.
On the 5th day of the trip the travel group started the road trip back to camp courageous! Once everyone had breakfast we checked out from the rental house and started the 6-hour drive to Hammond, Indiana. During the road trip the campers watched movies and we had lunch at Wendy’s
4 hours later we arrived at the hotel in Hammond, Indiana where we ate Domino’s pizza for dinner while watching a football game. Afterwards everyone headed off to bed excited to be back in Iowa tomorrow.
On the last day of the Pittsburgh trip the travel group safely made it back to camp!
The morning started with breakfast at the hotel, packing, and loaded the bus up. Once we made it to Iowa, everybody was excited to see the welcome to Iowa sign! We arrived in Davenport and stopped at Cracker Barrel, after visiting the gift shop the group enjoyed lunch. 2 out of the 8 campers were picked up and the rest finished the road trip at camp. Everybody went home after a fun time.
