Another beautiful day in the Northwoods. Scouts are making good progress in classes, with instructors reporting that they are polite, engaged and working hard. Leaders have their own Geezer and Tesomas Experience “merit badges” to earn, which require everything from service projects to photo taking to camp gadget building. Camp Tesomas cuisine is enjoyed by all, with many lining up for second helpings and some for thirds. Tonight is pizza night at the campsite. Free time has been spent playing games and cards and hanging out at the trading post snack shop. We are looking forward to an evening of camp-wide games, an astronomy hike and of course a campfire. Enjoy these photos of Troop 24 at Tesomas:

Troop 24 had an outstanding Monday at Camp Tesomas, filled with learning and good progress in merit badge classes, microtrek, scuba and leader trainings. We have enjoyed spectacular weather, immersed in the natural beauty of the northwoods. Our enthusiasm and scout spirit are high as we look forward to an afternoon of swimming and biking and an evening of comradery as we compete in a camp-wide scavenger hunt.

Camp Tesomas 2018

Camp Tesomas 2018 Leaders

Hello from Camp Tesomas. Everything is going well here!
We had an uneventful bus ride and safe arrival. After unloading gear we had camp orientation and tour, followed by swim tests, camp set up and group photo. Following dinner we had extended camp tours and an all camp campfire with skit.
Scouts could be heard talking and laughing until late, then everyone had a peaceful night’s sleep (or at least didn’t complain that they couldn’t sleep).
The weather was hot and humid during the day, followed by a pleasant but buggy evening.
We have been assigned the early meal schedule, so will soon need to wake the scouts for a 7 am breakfast.
Today is predicted to have great weather and lots of fun and activities.
More updates and some photos will be posted later today.

Bike Inspection and Ax Yard
Bike inspection for camp will take place TONIGHT – Thursday, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lach’s house at 2334 S. 14th Ave. in North Riverside. We don’t want scouts to get to camp and have problems with their bikes, so please attend or have a family member bring your bike if you have a conflict. If you know that your bicycle needs repair you will need to bring the needed parts with you and we will repair the bike if possible. An Ax Yard will teach scouts how to safely use knives and axes. Scouts who participate will earn the Totin’ Chip which is required to possess or purchase a pocket knife at camp (mandatory for the Woodcarving Merit Badge).

Bike & Equipment Drop-Off
Bike drop-off is at Tom Hartwig’s yard at 2413 4th Avenue in North Riverside on Saturday, July 14 between 9 a.m. and noon. Remember to bring a bike helmet, as it is required by Camp Tesomas.

If you have any troop equipment (and ESPECIALLY tents), please bring it to the bike drop-off on Saturday.

Weather Forecast
The projected high temperatures in Rhinelander, Wisconsin next week range from 77 to 86 degrees, with a chance of thunderstorms a couple of days. Evening temperatures are predicted with a low of 52 degres. Pack appropriately.

What to Bring
Please print and review the Troop 24 recommended Summer Camp Packing List. Scouts should pack so they know where everything is. Put your scout’s name on everything–AND WE MEAN EVERYTHING! Scouts must wear Class A uniforms (Scout shirts but not neckerchiefs) for travel to camp. Bring a hanger for the shirt during the week. Remember your scout book as we will have opportunities to work on rank advancement at Tesomas. If you have partial blue cards from merit badges offered at Tesomas, bring the partial blue cards so you can attempt to complete them at camp. You do not need blue cards for this year’s classes. Be sure to bring insect repellant and long pants & a long-sleeved shirt. When buying insect repellant, be sure it is NON-AEROSOL (aerosol sprays are very flammable, and are not allowed at camp). You may bring a cell phone (at your own risk) and ear buds for use on the bus only. Older scouts may bring their own tent if they wish, but there will be no solo youth tents (you still will have a tent-mate if not in a troop tent). Sleep mats or cots are preferred over air mattresses and NO double air mattresses.

Medications
Scouts taking medications (prescription and non-prescription) should bring the meds in the original container in a ziplock bag labeled with the scout’s name. Please fill out the Scout Medication Form for Camp Tesomas as their medical office will administer medication: Tesomas Medication Form
Carrie Staubus will collect this medication and remind those scouts when to visit the medical office. Please give the bags to her at bus drop off on Sunday.
Anyone who did not turn in their complete BSA medical form (with a copy of their health insurance card) MUST bring TWO copies on Sunday morning.
Scouts participating in the Scuba program must bring their packet with all required paperwork completed, including parent signatures.

Snacks/Allergy Info
No snacks are allowed in tents – do not bring any extra food for during the week. For the bus trip to camp, you should have a water bottle and if you wish a NUT-FREE, non-messy snack, such as a piece of fruit or two.

Money
Scouts riding the bus will need money for lunch on the way to camp and money for lunch on the way home. Remind your scout to save back enough money to eat lunch on the return trip. Scouts may buy snacks at the Trading Post during the week. Souvenirs are available as well. $40 is the suggested amount to bring.

Departure
Meet in the parking lot of Hauser Jr. High at 6:30 a.m. sharp on Sunday, July 15th to load gear and prepare for a 7:00 am departure.

Swim Test
Scouts who did not take the swim test in advance will be taking the test almost immediately after arrival. Bring swim trunks and a towel in a separate bag on the bus.

Return to Riverside
The scouts arrive back at the Hauser parking lot at around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday July 21. They will use leaders’ phones to call as they get close and/or a group email will go out letting parents know when to meet the bus.

We are just one week away from Tesomas Summer Camp.  Everyone should have completed the swimming tests at Pav YMCA – if not, you will be asked to take a swim test upon arrival at camp. BSA medical forms must be turned in by now to Mrs. Lach including Part C from your doctor.  Make sure your bicycles are tuned up, air in the tires and ready to ride.  We have limited bicycle repair capabilities or parts at camp.  You MUST have a helmet.  Bicycle and helmet turn in will be on SATURDAY JULY 14 from 8am to Noon at 2413 S 4th Avenue, North Riverside.  

To help you prepare for camp, Troop 24 will hold an Ax Yard/Bike Check on Thursday, July 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Lach residence, 2334 S. 14th Ave, North Riverside. The purpose of the Ax Yard is to teach proper and safe use of knives, axes, and saws. Completion of the Ax Yard is required to obtain a Totin Chip, which is required if the scout is in possession of any kind of personal knife during any scouting activity. In preparation for the Ax Yard, each scout must review wood tools use and safety rules in the Boy Scout Handbook Chapter 12. Scouts must wear closed toe shoes and may wear Class B shirts.

Troop 24 Instructors and other available experienced scouts are required to attend the Ax Yard and be prepared to teach the requisite wood tool use and safety rules.

Go to the the Camp Tesomas website for camp information including a recommended packing list (under Parent Guidebook):  Camp Tesomas   Do Not Forget:  Scout Handbook, Class A uniform,  rain gear, sunscreen and bug spray.  A camp chair is nice to have also. A couple notes of what NOT TO BRING:  Anything Aerosol, open toed shoes including flip flops, electronics.  Neither Troop 24 nor Camp Tesomas accepts any responsibility for lost or damaged electronics or personal items.  Put your name on Everything!

Travel:  The bus will pick up the Troop on Sunday July 15 at 6:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Hauser Jr High.  Scouts must wear their uniform shirt for travel to camp. The bus will make one stop during which Scouts may purchase lunch on their own.  Don’t forget to save money to purchase your lunch on the return trip.

We look forward to seeing everyone SUNDAY at 6:30 a.m.

We are very sorry to inform you of the death of Scouter Jim Marousek. Mr. Marousek was a Boy Scout volunteer who served our Council for many years. In 1978, he was awarded the Silver Beaver, which recognizes Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service. Mr. Marousek’s life of community service has further impacted our scouts, as he was the individual who conceived and initiated the student foot path connecting Riverside Brookfield High School with First Avenue & 26th Street in North Riverside.

Services will include a wake Thursday and funeral Friday as detailed in this obituary.

Please keep the Marousek family in your thoughts and prayers.

Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge University will be held in Bolingbrook on Saturday, August 4 from 9 am- 5 pm. Registration is $18/Scout. Scouts are able to sign up for 4 periods during the day (with some of the merit badges taking up 2 periods). Class A Uniforms are required. The program also offers Ice Skating on Friday Aug 2 at 6:30 pm at the Rocket Ice Arena in Bolingbrook for interested Scouts, and the option of several Friday evening merit badge classes. Troop 24 is registered and has at least two leaders attending, so scouts can register directly with the program and use our log in to identify themselves as part of our troop. Scouts must provide their own transportation or set up carpool themselves for this event.

Here is the site to register:

https://www.p2e.org/maint/index.php

Our username is: troop 24-137
Our password is: 2628T137

Any questions, contact Linda Sanduski at lsanduski@gmail.com or 708-443-5597.

We need a few more scouts and adults to volunteer for our July 4th Pizza Booth fundraiser, especially at the 9am shift.
Please sign up here: Pizza Booth Sign-Up

Also, we need additional scouts to serve as color guard for the July 3 Flag Raising Ceremony at 5:15 at Guthrie Park. Please sign up and be at the flagpole across from the train station at 5:15 in your Class A uniform. Thank you for volunteering a few minutes of your time to help the Village of Riverside.
Please sign up here: July 3 Flag Raising