Permission slips for the Camporee at the New Rochelle scout camp, Friday, April 16 – Sunday, April 18, are due by Thursday, April 9. Turn in the form at the Troop meeting, or drop it off to Lisa Buffo.

New scouts must attend at least one overnight camping trip to be eligible to attend summer camp. Since Friday night, April 16, is the date of the 5th Grade Games Night, we will be arranging transportation for scouts leaving on Friday night, as well as for 5th graders leaving on Saturday morning (no later than 7:00 a.m.). Please write on the form whether your scout will be going on Friday or on Saturday. Questions should be directed to Lisa Buffo.

Troop 24’s next overnight outing is to the Des Plaines Valley Council’s Camporee at the New Rochelle scout camp, leaving Friday, April 16 and returning Sunday, April 18.  New scouts must attend at least one overnight camping trip to be able to attend summer camp.  Since Friday night, April 16, is the date of the 5th Grade Games Night, we will be arranging transportation for scouts leaving on Friday night, as well as for 5th graders leaving Saturday morning (no later than 7:00 a.m.).   The permission slip is available to download .  Please write on the form whether your scout will be going on Friday or on Saturday.  Questions should be directed to Lisa Buffo.

We have a several  openings for the Climbing Merit Badge outing on Sunday, March 14.  Scouts 2nd class and above, and age 11 and older, are eligible.  Interested scouts should contact Dawn Gmitro.  The permission slip is available here. The cost is $40 for the merit badge class.

Unit 24 is planning a day trip to Upper Limits Climbing in Bloomington on Sunday, March 14. We will meet at Riverside Presbyterian Church at 6:45 a.m. to load, departing at 7:00 a.m. and returning to RPC at approximately 4:30 p.m.   The cost per boy is $40 for those pursuing the Climbing Merit Badge, or $30 for Rock Gym 101 (those who already have the merit badge). The permisison slip and money are due by Friday, March 5. Spaces are limited, so please return your forms early to ensure your spot. Forms may be turned in at the Troop meeting, or to Mrs. Gmitro.

A scout must be First Class or higher rank to attend this outing. Waivers are required by the facility. Scouts should bring a sack lunch and wear t-shirt and shorts, covered by sweat shirt and comfortable pants. Boys attending the merit badge class must obtain a merit badge book (available at the Scout Store), know the knots, and be able to answer the questions in the book. These will be covered in the mandatory scout meeting.

Some websites on knots are:

www.animatedknots.com
www.animatedscoutknots.com
www.2020site.org/knots.

The merit badge counselor at Upper Limits will not sign off on the first aid requirements so scouts will have to secure the first aid merit badge prior to or after the course in order to complete the full badge requirements.

Contact Dawn Gmitro with any questions.

We still have space for additional scouts to participate in the Klondike Derby on February 13 at Bemis Woods South in Western Springs. We will leave from Riverside Presbyterian Church at 8:00 a.m. and return to RPC by 3:00 p.m. The cost per boy is $6.50. Contact Mrs. Gmitro by Tuesday evening, February 9, to reserve your spot. The permission slip is available here.

Troop 24 is planning a overnight outing to the Muskegon Luge, Saturday, January 30 – Sunday, January 31. We will leave from Riverside Presbyterian Church between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. (time will be announced at a later date) and return to RPC between noon and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. The cost is $55. Permission slip, money, and waiver are due by Thursday, January 21. Scouts are cautioned not to wear nylon or brand new coats as their sleeves could rub as they go down the luge. Scouts will stay overnight at a local hotel.

Troop 24 is planning a volunteer opportunity repackaging food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository on Wednesday, February 3. Scouts must be at least 13 years of age to attend. Each scout attending can earn 3 service hours. We will leave from Riverside Presbyterian Church at 5:15 p.m. and return to RPC by approximately 9:30 p.m. There is no cost. The permission slip is due by Thursday, January 21. Scouts should wear their Class A uniforms without hats or neckerchiefs. We need one parent for every 4 Scouts attending, so if you are interested in driving and chaperoning, please sign up. Contact Dawn Gmitro with any questions

Troop 24 will be participating in the Voyageur Trace Klondike Derby in Bemis Woods South, Western Springs, on Saturday, February 13. We will leave from Riverside Presbyterian Church at 8:00 a.m. and return to RPC by 3:00 p.m.
The cost per boy is $6.50, due with permission slip no later than Thursday, January 28.

A Klondike derby is an annual event held by some Boy Scout districts during the winter months and is based on the heritage of the Klondike Gold Rush. BSA units have been running Klondike derbies since 1949. The event varies by district, but the typical Klondike derby consists of a series of stations where units must test their Scoutcraft skills and their leadership abilities, earning points towards a total score. The unit must transport their gear on a dog sled, usually self-constructed and pulled by the Scouts. For photos of the 2008 Klondike Derby, please visit our photo gallery.

The Eagle Cave outing, held every 2 years, is one of the scouts’ favorite events. This year, we leave RPC at 5:30 p.m. on January 15 and return by noon on January 17. For more information about the cave, visit www.eaglecave.net. To see photos from previous years, visit our online photo gallery. If you need additional information, please contact Lisa Buffo. We have room for 45, so please turn in your permission slip, with payment of $55, at the meeting on Friday. (Reminder: Scouts who have popcorn credit can use it for outings, or save it for summer camp. Contact Nancy Hopkins if you don’t know how much credit you have.)

Troop 24 is planning a day hiking trip to Waterfall Glen on Saturday, December 12. We will leave from Riverside Presbyterian Church at 9:00 a.m. and return at approximately 4:00 p.m. There is no cost. Each scout should bring a sack lunch and wear weather-appropriate clothing. The permission slip is available here and should be turned in no later than the Troop Meeting on Thursday, December 10. Contact Dawn Gmitro with questions.