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Camping
By Tom Sears
Pathfinder District Camping Chairman

Yes it may seem early to be thinking about Resident Camp and Day Camp, especially with all of the Weeblo Camping and Training that is taking place. But if you think about it, now is the perfect time to be thinking and more importantly talking about camping with each one of our Packs.

Did you know that both our Resident Camp and Day Camp themes have been determined and the planning has already started to make sure this year is even better than last year. “Treasure Island” is our theme for Resident Camp and “Adventures in Space” is our theme for Day Camp. Both promise to be exciting, fun and a great time for both scouts and parents.

Did you also know that we have returning this year almost the entire camp staff for Resident Camp that we had last year. Based upon the feedback both the scouts and the parents gave our team this is one of the most exciting pieces of information we can share with our Packs. We had one of the highest ratings for resident camp staff this year than we have ever had. With a year of experience under their belts this year promises to be an outstanding adventure.

Remember it is never too early to be talking up camping to your Cub Scout Pack. We have some very exciting programs planned and a new fee structure that promises to reward those who plan early and register early by offering those Scouts and Parents a smaller fee if you register during our early sign up period.

Remember to take a few minutes every pack meeting to talk about some of the great times your scouts experienced during Day Camp or Resident Camp this past year. Have a scout talk about some of the programs that they were involved this last summer and why more scouts should attend. The best way for a scout to become excited is to hear it from another scout, use your resources to ensure every scout has the opportunity and desire to attend both Day Camp and Resident Camp this year.

CAMPING

 

The summer programs are in full planning mode looking for that special way to revise existing programs, develop ideas for implementation, and in general improve on last year's successes to create memorable experiences for the Scouts. 

 

Information on camp opportunities is being mailed to all Scouts in the near future.  Additionally, the kickoff presentation for the 2004 Cub Camps has been set for January 24th at Galyan's in Schaumburg.

 

DAY CAMP

Daring to go where few Scouts have gone before, the 2004 Day Camp theme of "Adventures in Space" promises an exciting, fun-filled program under the guidance of new camp management and a totally revamped program.  Camp Director Karen Liden and Program Director Mike Martin have been exploring the galaxies searching for the perfect alien resources to entertain, educate, and thrill those Scouts (and leaders) who will be attending one (or more) of the camp sessions. 

 

 

RESIDENT CAMP

Building on the prehistoric successes of the 2003 Resident Camp, Camp Director Doug Reed his staff have traveled the Seven Seas searching for the secrets of "Treasure Island".  Facing the challenges of numerous obstacles and persons of dubious character has not prevented these undaunted staffers from uncovering the program opportunities that will prove to be the delight of all attendees.  Challenges await all who dare to try to discover the secrets of "Treasure Island".

 

NAPOWAN

This has proven to be a banner year for the Napowan Adventure Base with more than 120 units, over 2300 Scouts, and nearly 600 leaders in attendance.  Facility and program improvements were key factors in the planning and operation of the camp program this summer.  Spearheaded by Camp Director Glenn West, numerous changes were incorporated to enhance the summer camp experience for all attendees.  Careful attention is being given to evaluations with an eye to needed modifications for next summer.

 

BLUE GOOSE ADVENTURE BASE

This revamped program was a huge success this past summer as more than 200 Scouts and adults participated in six different types of high adventure opportunities.  Sixteen trips roamed the wilds of Wisconsin and Michigan testing the mettle of the participants and their guides.  All returned with a better understanding of themselves and their capabilities and an appreciation of their accomplishments.  The success of this program will result in an expansion of the program as additional opportunities are being developed for next year.

 

CAMP STAFF INTERVIEWS

Staff applications for positions at all of the summer camps are being accepted.  We continue to seek those unique persons, both young and experienced, who are looking for a great way to spend their summer (and possibly get paid for it, too).  Positions are still available at all camp locations for interested and motivated persons willing to help provide an exciting summer camp program to the youth we serve. 

 

Applications for camp staff positions are available online at the council website- www.nwsc.org – or by contacting Marty at the Council Service Center at 847-635-9404 or mschultz@bsamail.org.

 

Interviews will be scheduled for December based on applications received.  All interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

 

WEBELOS WEEKENDS AT NAPOWAN

More than 500 Webelos Scouts together with their adult partners experienced the opportunities available at Camp Napowan over the three Webelos Weekends.  For most of them this was their first experience at a Scout Camp seeing first-hand what Scout Camp is really like.  For a lot of the parents, it was a chance to revisit the Scout camp of their youth and share their experiences with their sons. 

 

The 2004 programs are being planned to incorporate changes promising to improve on the quality experience of this past year.

 

 

WEEKEND CAMPING INFO

Family Camps for 2004 have been set for the Memorial Day Weekend at Camp Napowan and the Labor Day Weekend at Camp Lakota.  Program opportunities are being looked at with an eye for increased involvement, better use of camp facilities, and family enjoyment.  Plan now to attend one of these quality experiences with your family.

 

 

WOOD BADGE

Registration for the 2004 Wood Badge course being held on August 20 – 22 and September 11 – 13 at Camp Lakota is now being accepted.  This is a great way for a "seasoned" leader to discover new techniques to communicate with and provide a quality program for the youth they serve.  More information on this course can be found in the Council website at www.nwsc.org or by contacting the Council Office at 847-824-6880.

 

 

ORDER OF THE ARROW

WINTER BANQUET – All Lakota Lodge members are invited and encouraged to attend the 2003 Winter Banquet on December 29th at Chateau Rand in Des Plaines.

Introduction of the 2004 Vigil Candidates, announcement of the Founder's Award recipients, and a performance by hypnotist Ray Marshall are only a part of .the evening program.

 

Registration is required for attendance.  See the registration form located on the website or contact Marty at 847-635-9404 or at mschultz@bsamail.org .

 

NATIONAL SCOUT JAMBOREE 2005

The 2005 Jamboree will prove to be a great opportunity for 144 Scouts and 16 Scout Leaders as the Council has accepted the opportunity to send FOUR troops to the event that is taking place July 25 – August 5, 2005 at Fort A.P. Hill, Virginia.  Preliminary details are being worked out now and the Jamboree committee is being selected.  An application form is attached for those who want to secure a spot now.  Leaders desiring to fill one of the 16 Troop leadership positions are asked to apply using one of these applications.  Also attached is a fact sheet highlighting some facts regarding the Jamboree.

 

The National Office is looking for over 7,500 leaders to serve as staff members for the 2005 Jamboree.  Applications for staff positions are available from the National Office website – www.scouting.org .

 

Questions regarding the 2005 National Scout Jamboree can be addressed to Scott Ratter at 847-540-8635 or scottratter@hotmail.com or to the Council Office, attention Randy at rtoland@bsamail.org or Marty at mschultz@bsamail.org or 847-635-9404.

 

PHILMONT

The 2004 Philmont trek for the Council has been filled.  Applications are still being accepted for the standby list. 

 

Reservations for the 2005 Philmont trek for the Council will be accepted beginning February 1, 2004.

·       Limited to six participants per unit

·       Unit may be mixed among crews 

·       Crew assignments will be made by contingent adult leadership
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