Adventure is a big part of Troop 19 and is evident by the fact that we have more than 70 nights “under the stars” each year. Having 50+ Scouts allows us to offer active and diverse camping experiences for all seasons. Below is a summary of our past camping events. Additional outings are added throughout the year depending on scout interest.
January, February, and March Outings
Crossroads District – Klondike Derby – Scouts learn first hand about winter camping. They are introduced to cold weather camping, first-aid, map and compass, fire-building, shelter-building, water safety, and many more skill. One of the main activities at the conclusion of the camp out is a troop vs. troop sled race.
Tomahawk Scout Reservation, Birchwood, WI – Scouts, First Class and above; and 13 years of age are able to attend “Snow Base.” We head onto the trail on Saturday morning to spend the next 24 hours outdoors. Temperature typically dip below zero at night. During this time, hike, prepare our meals, wind surf on frozen lakes, and sled. In the early afternoon, we begin to construct our shelters using a variety methods, including parachutes or quinzees (Snow shelter).
Camp Tuckabatchee, Utica, IL – “Fairview Stew II” as we refer to it, is a first of the new year, however, it is the second “Webelos to Scout” camp out of the school year. Interested Webelos I and II, and their parents are invited to attend this outing. We feel it is a great way for Webelos and their parents to get to know Troop 19 scouts, leaders, and how the troop functions. We spend two evenings in a warm cabin at “Camp Tuck” and enjoy an evening dinner of Fairview Stew. During the days, we hike the beautiful canyons and frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock and occasionally Matthiessen State Parks.
Potawatomi Trail – Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, IN – This is a day trip. We hike along the beautiful trails at the Indiana Dunes. The trail is seven to nine miles long, with the first half along Lake Michigan. This is an excellent opportunity for younger scouts to learn about hiking. Other rank requirements includes; signs of wildlife, and map and compass can be achieved.
April, May, and June Outings
Urban Camp-out, Chicagoland area – Most troops leave the city to camp…we go to it. We stay within reserved park district campgrounds in heated cabins. We typically hike a 5 to 6 mile trail within the park district system in the morning and see the city sites in the afternoon. We’ll then go to the movies after dinner.
Glacial Trails Backpack Trip, Whitewater, WI – We hike the beautiful Northern Kettle Moraine State Forest along the Ice Age Trail. It’s a perfect hike to practice, teach or tune our backpack skills. The hike is approximately 10 miles in total length. Following the hike, we visit the Hamburger Haus for brat burgers and ice cream cones.
Advancement camp-out #1, McLean or Livingston County – This is the first of two advancement camp outs of the year. As the name implies, we focus solely on teaching outdoor scouting skills needed for the advancement from the rank of Scout to First Class. The rank of First Class signifies a major milestone for our young scouts. In Troop19, it allows them to attend more challenging camp outs that are limited to First Class and above.
Canoe Trip – Three to five day trips on various rivers in Midwest – The past two years, we’ve canoed the St. Croix River on the border between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Canyon Camp Resident Scout Camp, Stockton, IL – All scouts are encouraged to attend this week-long summer camp along the Apple River in northern Illinois near Galena. New scouts will work on Tenderfoot, 2nd Class and 1st class requirements, as well as a variety of other merit badges. This is also an opportunity for the new patrols to bond as a group, as they will be living, eating, playing, studying, and camping together for a full week.
July, August, and September
High Adventure Trip #1 – Available to First Class and above and must be at least 14 years old.
Advancement Camp-out #2
High Adventure Trip #2 – Available to First Class and above and must be at least 14 years old.
Indiana Dunes State Park, Chesterton, Indiana – A “last days of summer” camp out spent hiking and enjoying the beaches of Lake Michigan.
Ingersoll Scout Reservation, London Mills, IL – We use climbing tower and zip line for a day of climbing, rappelling, and zip lining across the grass field. All scouts are closely supervised by BSA trained camp staff while within the climbing area.
Ingersoll Scout Reservation, London Mills, IL – Order of the Arrow Conclave. All OA members attend to assist and begin their advancement within the OA. Scouts and leaders newly elected to this scouting service fraternity will undergo their “ordeal” at this council-wide event.
October, November, and December
Devil’s Lake Backpack , Baraboo, WI – This weekend is at one of the premier camping/climbing places in the Midwest…it’s one of the choice events for our Scouts. The 10 mile hike on Saturday precedes an evening of Oriental food and a dance with the other 3,000 Scouts (boys and girls) who gather at Devil’s Lake.
W.D. Boyce Council Camporee – Various locations throughout Central Illinois – Themes and activities change from year to year. A great camp out for younger scouts and an opportunity for more experienced scouts to begin to hone their leadership skills.
Fort De Chartres, Praire Du Rocher, IL – Annual event that commemorates the French presence in Illinois. Fort De Chartres was the capital of the Illinois Country under French rule (which ended in the 1760s), and at the fall rendezvous, French voyageurs play their 18th century customs, and so does Troop 19. Scouts will camp in canvas tents, serve buffalo stew (and probably rabbit), sing French songs (maybe), and shop for neat items for our own re-enactment encampment. The troop will also spend part of Saturday exploring Illinois Caverns, and perhaps return via the Museum at Cahokia Mounds.
Lake Bloomington, McLean County – “Fairview Stew I”, as we refer to it, is the first “Webelo to Scout” camp out. Interested Webelos I and II, and their parents, are invited to attend this outing. We feel it is a great way for Webelos and their parents to get to know Troop 19 scouts and leaders. We spend two evenings in a warm cabin at Camp Tuckabatchee, which is located north of Utica, IL. During the days, we hike the beautiful canyons and frozen waterfalls at Starved Rock and occasionally Matthiessen State Parks.
Lake Bloomington, McLean County – This camp-out serves two purposes. First, it is our Winter Court of Honor to recognize the advancements and achievements of our scouts. We have Troop-wide dinner made up primarily from dads secret chili recipes. It is not uncommon to have 15 crock-pots of chili. Other food is served as well. Secondly, this is the scouts only “electronics camp out”. The scouts are able to bring their gaming systems, iPods, and such to play and share with their friends.
Trees for Tomorrow, Eagle River, WI – We spend 2½ days on the cross-country ski trails in northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We stay in a large heated cabin, complete with twin bunks, hot showers, dining hall, and a conference center. At night, we use the conference center for leadership and venture scout training and following that, the scouts are able to watch movies.