Extreme Service Project – Blackhawk Area Council Anniversary Event

Last Saturday was the date of the Extreme Service Project conducted by the Order of the Arrow, Walupeju Lodge chapters as one of our council 100^th anniversary events.  Since community service is a big part of the Boy Scouts of America it made sense that one of our anniversary events would be a day of community service.  There were five different locations where local OA chapters arranged for service projects.  In White Eagle District, the Mawat Chapter organized a group to work on the perimeter trail around Camp Lowden.

In Wetassa District, the Wetassa Chapter organized a clean up of Krape Park in Freeport.

In Wanchanagi District, the Gokos Chapter organized a clean up of Klehn Aboretum in Rockford.

In Sycamore District, the Kishwaukee Chapter organized two projects, one at Marengo Woods and the other at The Hollows, both McHenry County Conservation District sites.

All together there were hundreds of scouts and their families that came out to help with the projects.

Patches commemorating the event are available for order, please contact me directly if you would like to have some ordered for your unit.

I also had an event flag that traveled to each site and was signed by participants.  If you did not get a chance to sign the flag and want to borrow it for a unit, district, or chapter event contact me and we can arrange for you to borrow the flag.

Tour de Blackhawk, Silver Dollars, Pinewood Derby, Galena, Johll Bead Ceremony

Don't miss out on the early registration discount for the Tour de Blackhawk which ends this week (May 1).  All the information can be found at www.blackhawkscouting.org/2010Events/TourDeBlackhawk/TourDeBlackhawk.htm.  John Wurtzel and his committee are putting together a great event.  There is something for everyone with rides from as few as 8 miles to about 100 miles.  There are also some bike rodeos planned for the Cub Scouts.  This is something completely different that Blackhawk Area Council has never done before.  If you are available to help on the day of the event John is looking for some volunteers for various duties.  Just fill out the volunteer form (http://www.blackhawkscouting.org/2010Events/TourDeBlackhawk/TourStaffApplication.pdf) or send John a note.

The BSA Silver Dollars are selling out.  The uncirculated dollars are already gone and there is less than a week's supply of the proofs left.  Don't miss out, by law the mint can not make more.

Two weekends ago the Council Pinewood Derby was conducted by Bob Gingras and his team, which seemed to draw a lot from the Mighty Pack 5, put on another great event.  I received a number of compliments about the event while at the Winnebago Culvers on Saturday.

I even got to race my car on the Worlds Longest Track ... well at least part of it. It wouldn't all fit in the building.  My car took a big lead at the beginning before being passed on the straight by Jerry Coots' Wanchanagi Key 3 car and Rick Sanner's super special.  Unfortunately for them their cars were both disqualified for having illegal wheels.

Last weekend was the U.S. Grant Pilgrimage in Galena.  There was a tremendous turn out for the event this year far surpassing last year's attendance.  The Pilgrimage committee did a great job adding a number of new things this year.  There was a new Venturing Trail Hike, which was more challenging, a GPS Trail Hike, and some new activities like a zip line.  The OA had lines of Cub Scouts participating in an ever growing list of activities that included a monkey bridge, knot tying, bear bag toss, and compass work.  We had nine Generals this year that participated in a scavenger hunt.  If you got all nine you could get a special scavenger hunt pin.  The Army Golden Knights parachute team was present but unable to jump because of the low ceiling.  They did march in the parade and had a signing session following the parade.  I stayed at Canyon Camp with the Sycamore District Venturers which is slowly becoming a tradition for all the Ventuers to stay together.

Sunday I was in Cuba City, Wi (just north of Galena) for Greg Johll's Wood Badge Bead Ceremony.  As part of Greg's ticket he developed an informational video about Diabetes that can help educate volunteers.  We had four of his grandchildren (two Boy Scouts and two Cub Scouts) help with the ceremony.  I hope to get a copy of that picture to post.

Now its time to get ready for Adventure Base 100 on Saturday.  The BSA traveling exhibit will be in Douglas Park in Chicago this weekend and Blackhawk Area Council will be working there on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Anniversary Week 2010

There were a number of activities planned by units, districts, and council this week to recognize the 100th Anniversary of Scouting in America.  Sunday was Scout Sunday and many of our Scouts attended their local churches at scout services.

On Monday I was invited to attend a reunion of Pecatonica scouts and scouters.  There was a large turn out of people involved with the pack, troop, and/or crew in Pecatonica over the years.

On Wednesday morning we had the Blackhawk Area Council Leadership Breakfast.  We had a good turn out and featured a live hook up with the Continuous Fire.  The breakfast was topped off with fresh cobbler made by two of our troops.

Wednesday was a full day with the Wetassa District Roundtable and Fire Side Chat.  It was a good meeting with a number of suggestions that will be referred to the appropriate council groups to consider.  Thanks to everyone in Wetassa that participated.

Thusday evening was the Sycamore District Roundtable.  Blair Piotroski, District Commissioner, had an anniversary treat for everyone in attendance.

We've had some photos of anniversary activities posted to the Blackhawk Area Council's Facebook page.  As you continue to celebrate the anniversary throughout this month and year please continue to post your pictures.

February 6 & 7, 2010

It's finally here, the start of Scout Week 2010.  Saturday morning I was in Sycamore District helping with the Tiger Time event.  This is a great activity just for Tigers and their adult partners.  They have a variety of activities and a picnic lunch.  I enjoy this one a lot, this is the 12th year I've helped with the activity.

After Tiger Time I made my way to Machnesy Park for the lighting of the Wanchanagi District Continuous Fire.  The fire is a tradition in the area being lit the Saturday at the beginning of Scout Week and burning until the Saturday at the end of Scout Week.  All the local troops take turns maintaining the fire.

On Scout Sunday I attended the awards ceremony in Rockford for the Catholic scouts that had earned their religious award.  It was held at The Cathedral of St. Peter and presided over by Bishop Doran.

Venturer Climbing

Last weekend the Sycamore District Venturers went climbing at the North Wall in Crystal Lake.