The Amazing Race - Boy Scout Camp-o-ree

The following is the text of an article about the Spring Camporee that was run by Troop 66. It was published in Triblocal.

The Amazing Race is more than a reality TV show, it was the theme for the Des Plaines Valley Council Twin Lakes District Spring Camp-o-ree. A Camp-o-ree is a gathering of Scouts from different Troops for a weekend of skills instruction and fun!

On the weekend of April 17-19 approximately 40 Scouts and 20 adult leaders from 5 Troops made a trip to Camp Crown in Trevor, Wisconsin for The Amazing Race Camp-o-ree. The Scouts visited five “countries” as part of the Saturday morning activities. In each “country” they received skills instruction and were tested on their competency in each skill.

In China, they participated in the Chinese “fire works” where they had to show their fire-building skills and see how quickly the could build a fire to burn through a string suspended above it. In Scotland, they learned team building as they performed a “blind rescue” where two blind-folded Scouts were directed by the sighted Scout they were carrying. In Italy, they lashed 2x4s to chairs and had a Roman Chariot Race. In Brazil, they measured heights and distances and constructed a shelter in the Amazon river crossing. Finally, in Canada, they participated in a Compass game where they had to provide the bearings for five markers.

Also in keeping with the Amazing Race theme, they had to use a map and compass to travel from one “country” to another. At the end of the morning, they had to submit compass bearings and distances between each country.

In the afternoon, 26 Scouts and 6 leaders went on a Nature hike. During the hike we identified ten types of native plants, signs of ten animals, and discussed poisonous plants.

The weather was beautiful in the morning, but turned cloudy and rainy by late afternoon. This did not stop the Scouts from a traditional campfire program with skits and songs. After the campfire, we had a pot-luck Cracker Barrel meal with many Troop contributing. Two dutch oven cobblers were featured with other assorted goodies.

The weekend closed with a rainy Sunday. This didn't dampen the Scouts spirits as they had a lively Scout Service on Sunday morning before we broke camp and returned home.

Photos of the event can be found here

All-in-all, the Amazing Race was run and a GREAT time was had by all.

Scouts Activities for 3/13 to 3/15

Greetings from Troop 66!

We split the Troop between the cross-over of Pack 66 and the regular Troop meeting. We crossed-over 7 Webelos Scouts and they should be attending our next Troop meeting on 3/20.

At the Troop meeting we worked on Second Class Requirement 1a, Understanding Map Symbols. We tested the Scouts knowledge with a lively map relay game.

On Saturday we had several Scouts and Adults do an equipment inventory of the Scout closet and we also developed a plan for moving further towards Patrol Camping. Dan, James, and Mark joined Mr. C and Mr. Taubman for the morning's activities and we then enjoyed lunch at Mickey's!

On Sunday the Camporee Committee met to begin planning of the Spring Camporee. Mark your Calendar for the weekend of 4/17 to 4/19. The theme of the Camporee is "The Amazing Race"!

Thanks to all of the Scouts and Leaders who made these events possible!

Mr. C

Troop Meeting 3-3-09

Greetings from Troop 66!

We had a great meeting on Friday night! We had Webelos guests from Pack 67. We learned requirement F1 - finding directions during the day or night without a compass. We played a very interesting Jeopardy game to reinforce the skills we learned.

We heard the baby shark song and all-in-all had a GREAT meeting!

My thanks to all the Scouts and Scouters will made this possible.

Mr. C

Still more Canada Photos

Folks, here are some additional photos courtesy of Mr. Knupp. If you haven't seen them it's worth taking a look as there as some great pictures in here.

Pictures can be found here

Thanks,
Mr. C

Canada Trip

Greetings from Troop 66,

This long weekend the Troop took 18 Boy Scouts and 7 Scout Leaders and went to Camp Attawandaron in Canada.

We left on Friday, took the train to Detroit, rented vans and drove to camp.
We worked on the Citizenship in the World Merit Badge on the train going up. On Saturday, we spent the day sledding and working on various Scout requirements. On Sunday we participated in a Scout Sunday Service at St. Bart's in Sarnia, Ontario.

On Monday morning we drove back to Detroit and caught the Amtrack train back to Chicago. After we rushed to catch the 5:19 Metra train, we promptly broke down just past the Kedzie stop. After un-boarding and re-boarding trains we arrived safely in River Forest just about 7:15 p.m.

Pictures can be found here and Dave Zyer's photos can be found here.

All in all it was a WONDERFUL event. Special thanks to ALL who helped make this event a success. THANK YOU to Mary Morgan Ryan who organized the event. Thanks also to all of our gracious Canadian hosts, especially Chuck Grimme our camp ranger. THANK YOU also to all of the adult leaders without whom this event could not have happened.

Mr. C

Busy Scouting Weekend

Greetings from Troop 66:
This was a VERY busy Scouting weekend! We had a meeting on Friday. We had Senior Patrol Leader (SPL), Assistant SPL (ASPL), and Patrol Leader (PL) elections on Friday!

I'm happy to announce AJ B. is now our Senior Patrol Leader! He will be assisted by Lue and Adam W. Congratulations to these new leaders! Special Thanks to James F. and Mark C. as our out-going SPL and ASPL. You guys did an outstanding job! PL results will be posted shortly!

On Saturday we had our Winter Blast! Let's just say it was "Wet and Wild"!!!
On Saturday night we had a Chicago Wolves Hockey outing!
Sunday is Scout Sunday and the Troop helped out at the Pancake Breakfast!

Whew!

Thanks to all Scouts and Scouters for demonstrating Scout Spirit and having FUN in the process!

Mr. C

Updated Scout Calendar Available

Greetings from Troop 66,

We now have the updated Troop calendar on our web page. It can be found at this link.

Please check it periodically because the dates do change from time to time.

Looking forward to yet another GREAT year in Scouting!
Mr. C