The Tokyo Scout Council has invited the Des Plaines Valley Council to participate in a three week cultural exchange this summer in Japan. The departure date from Chicago is scheduled for July 19, 2014 with a return to Chicago on August 10, 2014. This opportunity is limited to two Boy Scouts who need to be at least 16 years old at the date of departure and who have not participated in a previous Japan crew exchange.

Since only two Boy Scouts from our Council can participate in this exchange program, interested Scouts must submit an application for consideration by the International Scouting Committee of the Des Plaines Valley Council.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

The Boy Scout must be at least 16 years of age at departure date and be capable of international travel.

Must be active in a troop or crew with demonstrated leadership and rank advancement.

In addition to the application, provide one letter of recommendation from the Boy Scouts unit leader plus one additional letter of recommendation.

Also prepare a short essay as to why you want to participate in the Japan exchange program.

The Boy Scout must interview with the DPVC International Scouting Committee.

Possess a current US passport.

Commit to a code of conduct consistent with the Scout Oath and Law.

The estimated cost of this exchange including airfare is $3000.

Financial assistance may be available.

The registration deadline is April 24, 2014.

Application Form

Due to a questionable weather outlook, the Cantigny outing for March 14-16 has been cancelled.

We would like to offer the opportunity for Troop 24 Scouts and Families to participate as a group in Community Service.

When: Saturday September 28  9 am – 12 pm.

Where: McCormick Woods – Forest Preserve District of Cook County, NE corner, 1st Ave. & 31st St., Riverside

Activity:  Brush cutting, burning, cleanup & nature observation

Wear your Class A uniform and bring work/gardening gloves

Please meet Joan & Mark Janopoulos and John Flaherty at McCormick Woods they will coordinate between scouts/families and the site coordinator.  They will also keep attendance so Scouts can obtain Service Hours Credits.  Earn up to 3 hours!!

Please sign  up by Tues 9/23 11pm so we can register you with the CWCC.

Scout only form

Family form (includes scout)

Leader form

Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council Day of Service

Nature offers us many benefits: places to explore and enjoy with our families; opportunities for learning and discovery; and outdoor venues for active lifestyles. Healthy ecosystems also provide us with clean air and water, protect against flooding, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife.

On Saturday, September 28, the Chicago Wilderness Corporate Council is hosting the annual, region-wide Day of Service to give back to nature and offer residents a chance to help protect and restore the region’s natural areas. Have fun with family, friends and coworkers while contributing to the health of local nature! All of us – working together – can make a difference!

Families are welcome to volunteer, Children under 12 must be accompanied by adult

The EAA Young Eagles Program will be conducting an Aviation Merit Badge Event at the Schaumburg Airport on Sunday Oct. 14.

There are limited spots and we need to register fast if we want them.  So the deadline for registering for this Merit Badge opportunity is Friday 10/5!!!

Only 10 scouts can sign up.  Scouts that sign up should be committed to completing the Aviation Merit Badge by coming to the event prepared.

• Scouts are expected to work the Merit Badge requirements 1a thru 1e, 2a and 2f, 3b (but with balsa wood gliders or make the paperplate one), 4a and 5, prior to the event in order to review with the Aviation Merit Badge Counselor during the Ground School  portion of the program.
• In requirement 3b, scouts are expected to build a model FPG-9 with a balsa wood gliders or make the paperplate one prior to the event and bring it with them.
• The event will culminate with each scout accompanying a pilot for a flight! In order to achieve requirement 2a.
• Scouts should bring a blue card with Scoutmaster approval.
• Scouts must have a signed EAA Young Eagles liability waiver in order to fly.

Scouts will meet at RPC Sunday Oct 14 at 8:00 AM and will be dropped at their home upon return to Riverside at ~ 3PM

There is no cost for this outing.  The outing will be cancelled if the weather prevents the pilots from running the program.

Susan Lynch will be the leader for this outing.  Registration deadline is Friday 10/5.

Aviation Merit Badge Worksheet <—-use this worksheet to prepare prior to the event the requirements.

EAA Young Eagles Program and Liability Waiver  <—– brochure about the Young Eagles Program, describes what to expect during your flight, and contains the EAA registration form and Liability Waiver that needs to be signed by a parent and brought to the event.

Scouts register here by October 5.

The Village of Riverside and the Frederick Law Olmsted Society sponsor Landscape Work Days. The first work day of the year is SATURDAY, APRIL 28 at Scottswood Commons.

Scouts are invited to participate, and this project is automatically approved for service hours. It’s also one of the easiest ways to fulfill the community service hour requirement for the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge: While working on this merit badge, volunteer at least eight hours of your time for the [charitable community] organization.

All workdays are scheduled for Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Look for the Riverside Public Works dump truck. Come for an hour or three, whatever your schedule allows. Bring your favorite work gloves & a water bottle, and the service hour form. All other supplies & snacks will be provided.

Future locations & dates:
Scottswood Commons: June 23 & September 22
Riverside Road: May 12, June 9 & Sept 8
Scout Cabin area: May 19
Longcommon & Downing triangle: July 14 & Aug 11
Longcommon (Big Ball Park): November 10
Various locations: Oct 13

During the month of May, Riverside Presbyterian Church will be collecting cereal of all kinds for the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Families come to First Presbyterian for breakfast in the summer because they’re not receiving breakfast at their schools as they do during the school year. The scouts have been an enormous help in donating cereal in the past, and RPC would appreciate your help again. Boxes of cereal can be dropped off at any Troop meeting in May.