The May 10 outing is open to all scouts, whether or not they are working on the forestry badge.  As with all outings, we will need parents to help.  Please let Pat know if you can help at darohms@att.net.

The deadline for the discounted Camp Mach rate for our new scouts is April 30, so permission slips and a check for $200 must be turned to Nancy Hopkins by April 29. (The regular rate is $225.) If you need the address or directions to drop off the form, please e-mail. The permission slip can be downloaded here. Last year all of our new scouts attended Camp Mach, and we hope to have as good a turnout this year. It looks like a bus will be available, but we will not know the price until we know how many boys are going. Please don’t delay in registering! Also, medical forms are available here. A form is required for every scout.

Riverside’s forester has been working with our scouts.  Our next outing is to participate in the Forestry Department’s volunteer day on Saturday, 5/10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Scottswood Commons in Riverside.  Parents can drop their scout at Scottswood Commons at 9:00 and pick them up at 12:00.  permission slips are due on Thursday, 5/8.

Our annual Father’s Day outing to Lake Shabbona is June 13-15, leaving the church at 5:30 p.m. and returning on Sunday morning. The permission slip is due on Thursday, 5/29. Parent(s) are welcome to come on this outing! Bring your fishing gear!

Photos from the Pancake Breakfast are now in our photo gallery, thanks to Pat.

Our newest scouts have organized into two Patrols: the Shadow Patrol and the Blackhawk Patrol. Some parents of the scouts have requested information about scout uniforms. Uniform guidelines have been added to our website under the Reference section.

The DesPlaines Valley Council now has the 2008 Camp Mach information on-line. See the schedule, the merit badge classes offered, etc. in the Camp Guilde. Also visit the Council website for links to the medical forms you will need to complete before attending camp. A Class 1/Class 2 medical form is required for every participant under age 40. The Class 2 portion must be completed by a doctor, certifying that the scout/leader has had a physical within the past 36 months. Leaders 40 and over must submit the Class 3 medical form annually. Completed medical forms can be turned in at a Troop meeting or given to Nancy Hopkins. Please retain a copy for yourself. The Camp Director will keep the copies we give them.

A reminder: you have until May 29 to register for camp, but earlier registration would be greatly appreciated so we can arrange appropriate transportation. Scouts who just crossed over have until the end of April to sign up at the “early-bird” rate of $200 (rather than $225). Registration forms are available here.