Troop 24 is planning an overnight camp-out at Kankakee River State Park, leaving Friday, June 9, and returning Sunday, June 11.  Planning meeting will be Thursday, June 1 at 7:00 pm and equipment return and clean up will be Thursday June 15 at 7:00 pm.

Scouts should come prepared to camp in tents for two nights.   We have two activities planned (we will need several adults to sign up as leaders/chaperones in order to have enough volunteers for this outing):

Canoeing/Kayaking:  The canoeing/kayaking will be a 12-mile, 3-5 hour trip on Saturday, outfitted by Reed’s.

• Scouts MUST be First Class or above  in order to canoe or kayak.
  
• Scouts MUST have earned the Swimming Merit Badge in order to canoe or kayak.
• Kayaking is recommended for scouts with kayaking experience. Scouts will be in single kayaks and will need to be fit/strong enough to paddle for the full 12 miles.
• Scouts must print and have a parent sign the  Reeds waiver in order to participate.

or

Bicycling: The biking will be done on a 10.5 mile paved bike path through the park.

• Biking is available for scouts who are Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, or older scouts who have not earned the Swimming Merit Badge, or those who do not want to canoe/kayak.
• Scouts must wear a helmet to bike.
• Scout parents must make sure that the scout’s bicycle is in good working order prior to the outing.

We Need Parent Help:

In order to offer two activities we need many adults to participate.  If you are able to attend this outing and help out by either chaperoning the biking or the canoe/kayaking we would really appreciate the help.  Or if you can drive scouts either to or from this outing; please consider helping our leaders in this way.    If you would like to attend, please fill out the Leader/Chaperone Registration form; if you are willing to help drive, please indicate on your Scout’s Registration form your willingness to drive.  The nice thing about Kankakee is that it is only about 1-hour drive, so you can join whenever it works in your schedule.

Logistics:

• All participating Scouts must attend a preparation meeting at 7:00 pm on Thursday June, 1 at RPC Gym.
• Please drop your Scout off at RPC at 5:00 p.m. on Friday. We will return about noon on Sunday.
• Scouts who are canoeing or kayaking must print and have a parent sign the  Reeds waiver in order to participate.
• Scouts must have a bike helmet if they are biking.
• Deadline for signing up for the outing is Wednesday, May 31.
• The Scout cost for this outing is $40 for food/camp fee, and $34  for canoeing (2 per canoe) or $46 for a single kayak.
• We will provide transportation for the all bikes in one of the two Troop trailers.
• All participating Scouts must return equipment and participate in clean up at 7:00 pm on Thursday, June 15 at RPC.

Please fill out a form for each scout and each leader/chaperone. Scouts and Leaders must register and pay by Wednesday May 31.

• Scout Form
• Leader/Chaperone Form

Contact Susan Lynch with questions.