For scouts working on the American Heritage merit badge, and any other scouts & parents interested in learning more about the history of our immediate area, please join Mr. Robertson and Mrs. Hopkins-Ourth this Saturday, November 5, for an outing to the Chicago Portage.

We will be joining a group led by Gary Mechanic, who will explore the “Birth Story of Chicago” from the geological beginnings of the Portage to how it is still functioning in Chicago today. The tour is approximately a ½ mile in length on a gravel path through the woods and will take about 2 hours. Wear long pants and walking shoes or boots. The Chicago Portage National Historic site is at 4800 S. Harlem, on the west side of Harlem Ave. (7200 W) just 2 blocks north of the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). Meet at the monumental statue of Marquette and Joliet and their Native American guide at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Parents: if you don’t plan to stay for the outing, please bring your scout to the Portage and check in with one of the Troop leaders.

For more information about the portage, see www.chicagoportage.org.

Saturday forecast: Sunny, with a high near 58. South wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 15 mph.

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One of our scouts, James S, is serving as Asst. Webmaster by providing reports on outings. Look for his byline in upcoming Feedblitz posts. His first article describes the outing to White Pines State Forest near Oregon, Illinois, the weekend of October 21-23.

During the recent trip to White Pines, the scouts had lots of fun. It took about three hours to get there, and we stopped along the way. When we got there, we set up the tents and went to sleep. The next day, we got up and had breakfast. It took at little longer than usual due to a few egg difficulties. After breakfast, it got warmer and wasps started buzzing about like a swarm of locusts. To avoid the pests, we went on a scenic hike through Razorback, a trail there. It was amazing. After that, we had a lunch of hot dogs and beans. After lunch, we goofed off and went on hikes with a partner. After that, we had dinner and chatted by the campfire, then we went to sleep. When we woke up, we took down tents, had danishes and hot chocolate, and went home.

James “Jimmy” S

The Troop will conduct our annual Orienteering outing at Waterfall Glen on Saturday, November 12. On this outing scouts will have an opportunity to complete Requirement 2 for the 1st Class rank: Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.). Scouts can also use this outing to complete 2nd Class requirement 1b: Using a compass and a map together, take a 5-mile hike approved by your adult leader and your parent or guardian.

According to our records, 30 scouts need 1st Class Requirement 2, and 23 scouts need 2nd Class Requirement 1b. Please check your books to see if you/your scout need this requirement.

Unfortunately, our November outing is usually the only time during the year that scouts can complete the orienteering requirement, so any scout who has not already done this should plan to attend. (Even those still working on lower ranks can earn requirements for 1st class.)

To prepare for this outing, scouts should plan to attend the next two Troop meetings (Thursday, October 27, and Friday, November 4). Because we expect many scouts to participate, we will need drivers, and could also use adult participation. (Adults who are not familiar with orienteering can come to the two training meetings, or you will be paired with an older scout who has done this before.)

There is no cost for this outing, but you must sign up in advance. The registration form can be found here: http://troop24riverside.com/2011/10/waterfallglen-orienteering-outing-form-november-12-2011/

Scouts who would like to complete First Class Requirement 6 Identify Native Plants are invited to meet Mr. Robertson at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, outside RPC. This will likely be the last chance to complete this requirement before next spring. There are 32 scouts (of 59) who need this requirement.

Registration is now closed for the White Pines camp-out, but we have two more outings before the end of the year. On November 12, we’ll have a day outing to Waterfall Glen for orienteering, and on Thanksgiving weekend, a 2-night cabin camp-out at Herrick Lake.

Troop 24 is planning an orienteering outing to Waterfall Glen on Saturday, November 12.  In preparation for this outing Scouts should attend the two Troop meetings prior to the outing.  Scouts should be dropped off at RPC at  8:30 a.m.  Return time is estimated to be between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.  Return time will be dependent on when each group completes the course.  There is no cost for this outing.  The deadline for signing up for the outing is Monday, November 7.  Scouts should bring a sack lunch and a water bottle.  Please fill out a form for each scout.  Contact Dawn Gmitro with questions.

Troop 24 is planning an overnight campout at White Pines State Forest leaving Friday, October 21, and returning Sunday, October 23. Scouts should come prepared to camp in tents for two nights. Scouts should bring money for dinner on Friday night. We will stop on the way. The Scout cost for this outing is $35. Scouts must wear their Class A uniforms to travel. Please drop your Scout off at RPC at 5:39 p.m. We will return by noon on Sunday.

The deadline for signing up for the outing is Thursday, October 14.

Please fill out a form for each scout. Leaders should also register. Contact Dawn Gmitro with questions.

The Troop will conduct our annual Orienteering outing at Waterfall Glen on Saturday, November 12. On this outing scouts will have an opportunity to complete Requirement 2 for the 1st Class rank: Using a map and compass, complete an orienteering course that covers at least one mile and requires measuring the height and/or width of designated items (tree, tower, canyon, ditch, etc.). Unfortunately, this is usually the only time during the year that scouts can complete this requirement, so any scout who has not already done this should plan to attend. (Even those still working on lower ranks can earn requirements for 1st class.)

Troop 24 is planning a day outing to Cantigny to attend a Civil War reenactment on Saturday October 1, 2011. Scouts should be dropped off at RPC at 9:00 a.m. Each person should bring a sack lunch and water bottle. Scouts will return by late afternoon. There is NO COST for this outing. Extra adults are welcome to attend, and drivers will be needed.

The deadline for signing up for the outing is Wednesday, September 28. Please fill out a form for each scout. Leaders/adults should also register.

Scouts should wear their Class A uniforms (free admission to Cantigny with uniforms).