Barnstormers Adventure Report by Joel (Mom helped with pictures)

 On Saturday, April 14, 2018 my Mom took me with a few others from my Cub Scout Pack 121 to Scout fun day with the Iowa Barnstormers. We got to do and afternoon learning, and so much more. So here is my report on my time at Wells Fargo Arena in DesMoines, Iowa. If you don't know who the Iowa Barnstormers let me tell you quickly. Iowa Barnstormers is an Indoor Arena Football team. They pad up just like regular football players, but the rules are a little different, the field is smaller, and so is the goal post. It is so awesome and fun to watch.
 First, was a learning session with the Barnstormers. They divided us into to groups. First, I learned how defensive half-back tackle (don't quote me) from #3 Jourdan Wickliffe. I had to run lines and intercept the ball. Second was what a wide receiver does from #14 Jonathan Duarte. He had us run and then we had to catch the ball. It was fun for me because I like to play wide receiver. Next, we learned how to kick from #19 Cody Barber. I was able to kick the ball between the goal into the net. Then we learned how to tackle. It was neat because I could take out my frustrations on the bag. Last they let us play some touch football with the other scouts.

 Next, came warm-ups and the game. During warm-up we were allowed to sit on the arena wall, and watch them warm up for their big game against Nebraska Danger. #1 Ryan Balentine sat right next to me for a few minutes, and asked if I was having a good time. Other players would come over give us high fives. Few even too selfies on their phones with us. One of them took a video of us sitting on the wall. It was so cool. I also watched as one of the players sons were helping with warm-ups before the game, and after half-time.

The game was awesome. It kept us on our toes. Barnstormers would lead, then the Danger, back and forth it went. The 2nd half of the game the Barnstormers showed who was boss like they always do in Iowa Fashion. They brought a storm of plays that took them to win 42-25. I watched and learned some awesome plays that could maybe help my football team in the fall. My favorite player BJ Butler did awesome on the field.

My Favorite player #56 BJ. Butler and Me

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After the game the Barnstormers and everyone come back out do autographs, and interact with fans. One thing that I noticed that I thought was so very special was the players that were fathers and had children there the first thing they did before signing or talking to fans was they picked up their children, hugged them, and made them feel so special. I was so happy to see that from them. I am a child without any father in my life. Those men are what Dads should be. No matter what they do with themselves their children and families are important to them like they should be. I told my Mom on the way home about it. I told her how they set and example. Some day when I play a sport or do something like they do, and if I have children I will want to treat them the same way. My father left me before I was even born so I don't know how a father should be, but those men showed me. Don't get me wrong my Mom is wonderful, because she is there for me, but also because she makes sure I see what true fathers should be like. Okay, back to the after the game. I took my football I got for Christmas from the Barnstormers with me so they all could sign it. There was one in particular I wanted and that was #56 B.J. Butler. I also wanted a picture with him again this year. I got it. I found out after I got home that he is a father, but his family lives far away, and so he is away from them. But, on his game shoes is his family. That is so neat. I cant wait to see him again. I also got an autograph from my favorite Storm Chaser Kiera. I had her sign my Barnstomers hat (the only one too).

Overall, the experience was so much fun. I was able to learn and have fun at the same time. It was because I am a Scout that I was able to take advantage of the opportunity that many boys my age will never get to do. They are not pro football players like Peyton Manning or Aaron Rodgers, but the Iowa Barnstormers are a group of men that set examples for boys and young men like me. They don't play in big stadiums with lots of people. They play in an arena in the center of Iowa blessing the hearts for the people that come if they are a bunch of cubs scouts to men dressed in weird outfits. Many are not from Iowa but they play for the heart of Iowa. I am proud to be a Iowa Barnstormers fan for life! Many also do not know they do other fun events than just Boy Scout Day. They have others as well. They also raise money for charities, and honor the armed men and women as well as our local heroes like police, paramedics, and firefighters. So, when you ask why I love the Iowa Barnstormers this is why. Thank you to the Iowa Barnstormers for letting us come, my Cubmaster Justin, and my Mom who just didn't take me but is also has a role in my Cub Scout Pack. I hope you enjoyed this report. Please give me feed back it.
Written by,
Joel Green