On Sunday, September 26, Troop 24 scouts will have the opportunity to accompany Mr. Robling to the Union League Club of Chicago for a special program commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Kennedy-Nixon Debate, the first televised presidential debate in our history.

The program, moderated by Bill Kurtis, will feature remarks by Ald. Ed Burke, Newton Minow (former FCC Chairman and original debate negotiator) and Sander Vanocur (original debate journalist). In addition to these speakers, the program includes rare behind the scenes footage of the debate, first person reflections from both Kennedy and Nixon, and a 1960’s-style hors d’oeuvre buffet.

The cost is $50. Checks made payable to Troop 24 should be dropped off at a troop meeting, or to Dawn Gmitro. To register, fill out our online Kennedy-Nixon Debate form. Scouts and parents are both welcome. Scouts should wear their uniforms. The deadline to register is Wednesday, September 22. Questions about the event should be directed to Chris Robling.

Interested scouts may want to view an online exhibit about the history of televised presidential debates prior to the event: http://www.museum.tv/debateweb/html/index.htm

The Chicago Area Council of BSA is sponsoring ScoutFEST 100, a festival to celebrate the centennial year of the Boy Scouts of America. The event will be held on Northerly Island (area where Meigs Field used to be). Scouts from everywhere are welcome to attend this once in a lifetime event.

During the day, ScoutFEST will include a midway of activities and exhibits. Exhibitors from organizations and companies that work with Scouts will be there showcasing the opportunities they have for Scouts. Scouts can take part in activities such as rock climbing, fishing, obstacle courses, exploring Sea Scout ships and more.

There will be a concert in the evening at the Charter One Pavilion at Northerly Island featuring the hit recording artist Smash Mouth. Smash Mouth is known for their hits “All Star” and “Walkin’ on the Sun” as well as famous covers of popular songs such as “I’m a Believer.” The stage show will be capped off with a spectacular fireworks show over Lake Michigan.

Troop 24 will be participating in this event (8:00 a.m. to approximately 10:30 p.m.). The cost is $35 per scout. Our leaders for the event are Mrs. Lanken, Mr. Ringbloom, and Mr. Olszewski. To register for this event, please fill out the online Scoutfest Form. Payment can be dropped off at the parent meeting on Friday, September 10 at 7:15 at RPC, or to Dawn Gmitro. More information about the event is available on the Chicago Area Council website.

The first scout meeting of the year will be an OVERNIGHT at the Scout Cabin on Friday, September 10, starting at 7:00 p.m. There is no cost. Younger scouts will have the opportunity to work on a few of their requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, or First Class.  Scouts who do not want to camp can still come for Friday evening.  Scouts who are camping MUST have a completed parental permission form. We are experimenting with online registration for scouting events. Please let us know your opinion after you fill out the form here:

SCOUT CABIN CAMP-OUT FORM Don’t forget to click on the Submit button at the bottom of the form!

The May overnight to St. James Farm has been cancelled, but in its place the boys will have the chance to attend the Scout-O-Rama as a day outing on May 15. The permission slip for this outing is due Friday, May 7. For additional information, see Three Fires Council Scout-o-Rama.

For first-year scouts who need an overnight to be eligible to attend summer camp, another overnight outing is possible, and details will be forthcoming.

Troop 24’s next overnight outing will be May 14-16.  We will be camping at St. James Farm, now part of the DuPage Forest Preserve, and originally  a retreat of the McCormick family.  This outing,  a “Scout-a-rama and Camporall” is sponsored by the Three Fires Council, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the BSA.  More information is available here about the events at the Scout-a-rama.

Fifth grade scouts planning to attend summer camp at Owasippe must attend at least one overnight outing.  This will be the last opportunity to do so before Owasippe. (Those who went to Rochelle last weekend have completed this prerequisite.)

The permission slip is available here.  The absolute deadline to sign up is THIS THURSDAY, May 19.  Permission slips, with $35 attached (checks made out to Troop 24), can be turned in at the Troop meeting, or dropped off to Lisa Buffo.  Questions?  Contact Lisa.

The Troop will NOT be participating in the High Adventure Expo scheduled for the weekend of May 1.

Contrary to what the permission slip indicated, scouts do not need to bring a mess kit to the Camporee this weekend. Please send a drinking cup with your scout, however.

We have 28 boys going to the Camporee. Accuweather shows a high of 60 and a low Saturday night of 31 degrees. Be sure your scout takes enough to stay warm and extra clothes should he get wet.

Scouts going on Friday: Be at RPC at 4:45; we leave at 5:00 p.m., and make sure you eat before you come.

Scouts going on Saturdy: Be at RPC NO LATER than 6:50 a.m.; we leave at 7:00 a.m. (sharp), and make sure you eat before you come. Saturday drivers to the Camporee are Cindy Andersen, Rob Corrigan, Cathy Gryczan and Joe Ourth/Nancy Hopkins.