On Saturday, May 14, the Troop will be bicycling and camping on the Illinois & Michigan Canal Trail. Scouts should be dropped off at RPC at 8:45 a.m., with arrival at Channahon by 10:00. The campsite is a 3-mile ride (totally flat, limestone screening surface) from the drop-off site, along the Des Plaines River about a mile from where it joins the Kankakee River to form the Illinois. (The campsite is shown in the photo above). Scouts should bring normal camping equipment–sleeping bag, pad, and clothing appropriate for the weather forecast. We will transport bicycles and gear in the Troop trailers.

If there are scouts who do not wish to bicycle, this can also be done as a hike if there are adult volunteers to accompany the hikers. Completing this hike, along with additional loop trails through McKinley Woods using a compass, would satisfy the requirements of Second Class 1b, if leaders/parents are available to assist.

Bicyclists or hikers should bring a sack lunch and water for the trail. Those who are interested can also bring fishing gear. We will return to Riverside about noon on Sunday. This may be our last camping outing before summer camps. The adult leaders in charge will be Joe Ourth & Nancy Hopkins. The cost is $15 per person. We will need drivers & more leaders. Parents are welcome to cycle or hike. The deadline for signing up is April 28. Please sign up here: http://troop24riverside.com/2011/04/i-m-canal-form/