This is just a reminder that we will have a meeting with new scout parents tonight at 7:15 p.m. in the RPC Social Hall.  The scouts go up to the 3rd floor gym, and parents can come downstairs to the lower level.

We will have forms for you to fill out, and our scoutmaster will give you an overview of Troop 24’s scout program and our spring events.   Both parents are welcome to attend, but we need at least one parent.  The cost for cross-over scouts is $25, which can be paid by check to Troop 24.

Dear Troop 24 Scouts & Parents,

You are invited to attend an Eagle Court of Honor at Riverside Presbyterian Church, on March 13, at 3:00 p.m., for four of our scouts:  Derek Johnson, Ben Lulich, Jack Lulich, and Charlie Marcou.

Eagle Scout is the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouting, and an achievement earned by less than 10% of all scouts.

Join us in recognizing this achievement!

Any parents interested in serving as  scoutmasters in Troop 24 (dads OR moms) are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, March 8, at Riverside Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m.   If you might be interested but need more information, please join us!  We need at least 3 scoutmasters to assist with our new scouts.  The meeting is in the Westminster Room, downstairs across from the Social Hall.  Questions?  E-mail our Scoutmaster, John Flaherty, at jef2004@msn.com.

Thank you to everyone who worked to make this year’s pancake breakfast a huge success!  Particular thanks go to our Pancake King, Rich Hosek, and Nina Henderson, as well as everyone who worked the entire day.  We served 872 meals and received many compliments from our guests.  Every year we make a list of suggestions for improvements.  If you have any ideas for next year, please e-mail them to pancakes@troop24riverside.com.

Troop 24 is planning to participate in two large-scale events in April, so be sure to mark your calendars.  More details will follow soon.

Adventure Day III – Secrets of the Sagawau – A multi troop event sponsored by the Voyageur Trace District.  This is an excellent opportunity for new scouts to work on advancement requirements.

When? Saturday, April 16, 2016, beginning at 8:30am

Where?  The event will be located in the Cook County Forest Preserves in the Maple Lake

What?  A five-mile hike, canyon and fossil quarry tours, moraines, prairies, savannas, woods, bogs, streams.  An opportunity to work on the geology merit badge and other advancement requirements.  Lunch will be served.

“Old School Camp-or-ee” A multi troop event hosted by the Blackhawk District featuring unit competitions and skill building.  Events include:

• Firebuilding
• Logchopping & Sawing
• Ropes, Knots & Simulated Rescue
• First Aid
• Pioneering, Lashings & Shelter Building
• Compass Course

When?  Friday, April 22 early evening to Sunday, April 24 when camp breaks at 10am

Where?  Camp Lakota, 2050 Deep Cut Road, Woodstock, IL, US

What?  In addition to the group skills & challenges, troops will be responsible for their own meals.  There is a campfire and order of the arrow ceremony.

Mark your calendars for eight days beginning Sunday, June 25 2017 as Troop 24 will be returning to the Florida Seabase for epic high adventure.  Our troop has been allocated space for a crew of 18-20 participants for the Sea Exploring adventure.  Here is a description of this program from the official Seabase website:

• Designed for larger groups (either a council contingent or a larger troop), offering your crew the opportunity to experience a sailing adventure of yesteryear. These are large vessels, 75 feet or more, normally gaff-rigged topsail schooners, fully equipped and prepared to provide an unforgettable adventure snorkeling the beautiful Keys’ reefs, fishing, and hands-on sailing as well as a port-o-call in Key West.
• For a hands-on sailing adventure voyage, one that is exciting, ruggedly challenging, and excellent for larger groups, pack your sea bag for the Sea Exploring program. This is an eight day event and the contingent will be back in Riverside by July 3.

The eligibility requirements for participants are that they must be thirteen (13) and graduated from the 8th grade or fourteen (14) years old to participate in all programs. We are going to be gathering information to estimate cost and then plan a meeting of interested scouts in the near future.  If you have any questions in the interim, please email Jim Jerz.

Scouts: If you have not already turned in your Pancake ticket money, please bring it to the breakfast on Saturday and turn it in to the ladies at the ticket table. Thanks!

Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scout, Casey Gomorczak!