2020 Ski Trip - Devil's Head Resort - February 14 - 16, 2020

Troop 9 and Troop 2019 are skiing at Devil's Head Resort in Merrimac, WI on Friday February 14 - Sunday February 16.  The trip is open to skiers of all levels and their families. Scouts will have the ability to learn their Snow Sports merit badge. Click to RSVP here. 

The cost of the trip will be $115 per scout and $125 per adult who ski.  This includes a 2 night hotel stay, ski rental, lift ticket, and lessons for those skiing.  It also includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday. We will stop on Friday night for dinner and lunch Sunday scouts will need to pay for those meals. (Each scout should plan to bring approximately $20 towards their own food.) The cost is $50 per adult for those not skiing.  If a participant does not stay 1 or 2 of the nights, the fee will be $20 less per participant for each night not stayed.

The trip will be a 4.5 hour drive from Champaign to Reedsburg, WI.

The troop will be staying in the Super 8 in Reedsburg, WI.  We will prearrange a set of hotel rooms and occupants for all participants ahead of the trip.  Typically we will appropriately assign four people to one room.

The troop will ski at Devil's Head Resort. This is about a 30 minute drive from the Super 8.

Contact Info:

Super 8 Address: Super 8, 1470 E Main St, Reedsburg, WI 53959
Super 8 Phone: 608-524-2888
Devil's Head Resort Address: Devil's Head Resort, S 6330 Bluff Road, Merrimac, Wi 53561
Devil's Head Resort Phone: 800-472-6670

Schedule:

Friday 3:00 PM - Depart from Holy Cross. Some drivers may depart later.
Dinner - Each vehicle will stop on their own for dinner on the way up. 8:30 PM - Arrive at Reedsburg, WI Saturday
Breakfast - Hotel will provide breakfast. 8:00 AM - Depart for Devil's Head Resort
9:00 AM - Lifts open
Lunch - Troop will provide lunch in the lodge. 5:00 PM - 8 hour tickets expire
5:30 PM - Travel back to the hotel
Dinner - Troop will provide dinner at the hotel.

Sunday Breakfast - Hotel will provide breakfast. 9:00 AM - Depart Reedsburg, WI Lunch - Each vehicle will stop on their own for lunch on the way back.
1:30 PM - Arrive in Champaign, IL

Menu:

Friday dinner: Eat on the road.  Participants should bring money to buy their dinner.

Saturday breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Saturday lunch: Sandwiches, chips, fruit, and drinks will be provided by the troop at the resort.

Saturday dinner: Pizza at hotel.

Sunday breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel or eat on the road.
Sunday lunch: Eat on the road. Participants should bring money to buy their dinner.

How to dress for skiing:

short-sleeve t-shirt
long-sleeve shirt
sweater
outer jacket / shell (something wind & water repellant)
wind / water proof pant
long underwear
full length socks
gloves

That will provide you with enough cover for any weather conditions.  I expect you will start out cold, but as the day progresses, you will end up in just your t-shirt under your outer shell.  Be prepared to adjust several times during the day.  You probably won't need the sweater at all during the day, but best to be prepared and you might wear it at the end of the day if everything else is soaked through with water.  Also, remove layers as needed to avoid sweating.  Anything getting you overly wet will make you cold and miserable.

Pants should be some sort of wind / water proof pant.  Long underwear can be worn underneath if you're cold.  Be sure to strip layers if you're too warm to avoid sweating.  On a warm day, I typically end up wearing just the wind/water proof pant.

Socks should be a single pair of full length (not ankle length) sport sock.  Don't double up, it only restricts circulation.  When you put on your boots, make sure there are no wrinkles in the sock.  Wrinkles also restrict circulation and can also cause muscle cramps.

Forecast is predicting very warm temperatures, so expect that whatever you ski in will be soaked at the end of the day.  Bring a full change of soft, comfy clothes to the resort to change into after skiing.

Finally, for new skiers, I recommend to bring a pair of "throw-away" gloves if this is your first trip.  Beginner slopes sometimes use a "rope-tow" to get skiers to the top and that will tear up gloves after a few hours.  Also, due to expected warm temperatures, I suggest everyone bring a spare set of gloves so you can swap if one pair gets soaking wet.

In general, wet clothes lead to cold bodies, and that's no fun at all.  Staying dry is essential to enjoying this outing.  Feel free to ask any questions.  The only dumb question is one never asked.

What to bring:

• Change of clothes
• Warm socks (2 pair)
• Weatherproof jacket
• Gloves
• Warm hat
• Long underwear
• Winter boots
• Ski/snow pants
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses/goggles (Watch for sales at Dick's!)

Spring Camporee 2019

Explore the enchanted forests of mystic Piatt County as you battle for victory in the Prairie Fire District Fantasy Quest Camporee.  Test your Scout Skills using teamwork and determination in challenging activities around Lodge Park.

Permission slips are required and are due at the meeting on Tuesday, April 16.

Fee is $20 per person and includes event fee and meals.

Friday April 26, 2019

3:00pm    Meet at Holy Cross

3:30pm    Depart for Lodge Park

4:00pm    Arrive Lodge Park

4:30pm    Set up camp

6:00pm    Make dinner

9:00pm    Cracker Barrel

10:00pm  Lights out

Saturday April 27, 2019

7:00am   Make breakfast

8:30am   Opening

9:00am   Competition starts

12:00pm  Make lunch

1:00pm  Continue competition

5:00pm  Make Dinner

7:00pm  Skits and Closing Campfire

9:00pm  Capture the flag

10:00pm  Lights out

Sunday April 28, 2019

7:00am  Make breakfast

9:00am  Break Camp

• Scouts should pack for the weather; wear layers if it will be cool.
• Pack into a backpack for this outing
• Use this packing list to ensure your Scouts is prepared

WE NEED HELP!

• We need Scouts Life Rank and above to run activities at the Camporee.
• We need adults to help supervise events and help with general operations.

Please RSVP for your Scout, your self, and to sign up to help using THIS SIGNUP LINK.

Please download and print the permission slip linked HERE.

Forest Glen Day Hike

Lookout Tower Here We Come!

Troop 9 is hiking at Forest Glen Preserve to test our orienteering skills and enjoy some beautiful scenery!  We will hike using map and compass and the orienteering training Mr. Amacher has been providing in Troop meetings.  After we successfully navigate the trail, we feast on grilled hot dogs!!!

Permission slips are required and are due at the next meeting on Tuesday, March 26.

There is no fee but please be sure to RSVP so we can Be Prepared!

Saturday March 30, 2019

8:00am    Meet at Holy Cross

8:15am    Depart for Forest Glen

9:15am    Arrive Forest Glen

9:30am    Orienteering Hike

3:00pm    Hot dog lunch

4:00pm    Depart for Holy Cross

5:00pm    Arrive at Holy Cross

• Scouts should dress for the weather; wear layers if it will be cool.
• Scouts should wear proper footwear: comfortable broken-in hiking shoes or boots.
• It will be muddy so plan on getting dirty.
• Scouts should bring the 10 Essentials as listed in their Handbook packed in a day pack.
  (Do NOT use drawstring backpacks)

Please RSVP using THIS SIGNUP LINK.

Please download and print the permission slip linked HERE.

Update 3/27/19

Rain or Shine: What to bring? What to wear?

The hike will take place rain or shine unless there is threat of dangerous thunderstorms.  We may hike an alternate orienteering course closer to home if conditions are too poor at Forest Glen.  We will make that decision on Saturday morning.  Everyone should still arrive at Holy Cross at 8:00am.

The Ten Essentials
We talked last night about the Scout essentials found on page 283 of the Scout handbook.  These items should be packed in a small or standard sized backpack and brought to every outing.

1. Water Bottle (2)
2. Extra clothing (extra socks for day hike)
3. Sun Protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
4. First Aid Kit
5. Rain Gear (lightweight rain coat and rain pants)
6. Flashlight and/or headlamp
7. Trail Food
8. Map and Compas
9. Matches and fire starters
10. Pocketknife

Layer Up For Comfort
Layering is a good idea in all weather conditions.  For hiking, a good layer system includes:

Clothing:

• Base Layer: Synthetic undergarments: compression shorts and shirt (underarmor type)
• This layer helps wick moisture away from the skin AND helps prevent chafing on long hikes
• Mid Layer: long sleeve t-shirt or button up shirt, jeans or Scout pants
• NOTE: shorts are OK as long as proper footwear and socks are worn - see below
• Insulating layer: fleece pullover or hoodie, fleece pants
• Optional for cool to cold weather
• Outer Layer: Rain coat or jacket, rain pants
• Lightweight and easy to carry

Footwear:

• Socks Base Layer: synthetic athletic socks
• Socks Outer Layer: thick long synthetic or wool hiking socks
• Shoes / Boots: comfortable shoes or hiking boots that lace up snug and can get dirty and wet (preferably water resistant)

2019 Summer Camp

Summer Camp Season is here!

Summer Camp at Camp Drake is a great opportunity to earn merit badges, get camping nights, make new friendships, and make some great memories!  Ask any of the older Scouts about Summer Camp and you will hear some really funny stories about all the great times they've had during their summers at Camp Drake.  It's a really special place.  There are lots of options for our kids during the summer, but I strongly encourage each Scout to spend as many summers as they can at Camp Drake.  They won't regret it!

• Troop 9 is attending Summer Camp from June 16 - June 22
• Scouts should select classes and activities from the attached sheet
• First Year Scouts will participate in the morning Polywog Program and should select classes and activities in the afternoons - stay busy! 
• Scouts 14 and older can participate in the awesome Vermilion TreX program which includes 4-wheeling, water skiing, rock climbing, scuba diving, and more!  See brochure for details.
• Registration opens March 1
• $125 deposit is required to register for classes
• Troop 9 is covering $40 of every Scout's registration fee
• The earlier you pay, the cheaper it is - fees below include $40 Troop 9 subsidy:
• $225.00 per Scout by March 11, 2019 (Early Bird Fee)
• $235.00 per Scout prior to April 22, 2019 ( On-time Fee)
• $250.00 per Scout after April 22, 2019 (Late Fee)
• NOTE: Additional class fees may apply

Please turn in $125 deposit and Class selections by March 1 or as soon as possible to ensure your Scout gets the classes and activities they want.  Make checks payable to Troop 9.  For questions regarding Scout account balances, please contact myself or Troop Committee Treasurer Tim Spila at treasurert9@gmail.com.

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Committee Chair Chris Lehmann, Assistant Scoutmaster John Karduck or Scoutmaster Gabe Jackson.

2019 Summer Camp Class List

Vermilion TreX brochure

Ski Trip - February 2019

Troop 9 is heading up to Devil's Head Resort on Friday February 15 to go skiing.  The trip is open to skiers of all levels and their families.

The cost of the trip will be $115 per scout and $125 per adult who ski.  This includes a 2 night hotel stay, ski rental, lift ticket, and lessons for those skiing.  It also includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday. We will stop on Friday night for dinner and scouts will need to pay for that meal.  The cost is $50 per adult for those not skiing.  Also if a participant cannot stay 1 or 2 of the nights, the fee will be $20 less per participant for each night not stayed.

The trip will be a 4.5 hour drive from Champaign to Reedsburg, WI.

The troop will be staying in the Super 8 in Reedsburg, WI.  We will prearrange a set of hotel rooms and occupants for all participants ahead of the trip.  Typically we will appropriately assign four people to one room.

The troop will ski at Devil's Head Resort. This is about a 30 minute drive from the Super 8.

Contact Info:

Super 8 Address: Super 8, 1470 E Main St, Reedsburg, WI 53959
Super 8 Phone: 608-524-2888
Devil's Head Resort Address: Devil's Head Resort, S 6330 Bluff Road, Merrimac, Wi 53561
Devil's Head Resort Phone: 800-472-6670

Schedule:

Friday 3:00 PM - Depart from Holy Cross. Some drivers may depart later.
Dinner - Each vehicle will stop on their own for dinner on the way up. 8:30 PM - Arrive at Reedsburg, WI Saturday
Breakfast - Hotel will provide breakfast. 8:00 AM - Depart for Devil's Head Resort
9:00 AM - Lifts open
Lunch - Troop will provide lunch in the lodge. 5:00 PM - 8 hour tickets expire
5:30 PM - Travel back to the hotel
Dinner - Troop will provide dinner at the hotel.

Sunday Breakfast - Hotel will provide breakfast. 9:00 AM - Depart Reedsburg, WI Lunch - Each vehicle will stop on their own for lunch on the way back.
1:30 PM - Arrive in Champaign, IL

Menu:

Friday dinner: Eat on the road.  Participants should bring money to buy their dinner.

Saturday breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Saturday lunch: Sandwiches, chips, fruit, and drinks will be provided by the troop at the resort.

Saturday dinner: Pizza at hotel.

Sunday breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel or eat on the road.

How to dress for skiing:

short-sleeve t-shirt
long-sleeve shirt
sweater
outer jacket / shell (something wind & water repellant)
wind / water proof pant
long underwear
full length socks
gloves

That will provide you with enough cover for any weather conditions.  I expect you will start out cold, but as the day progresses, you will end up in just your t-shirt under your outer shell.  Be prepared to adjust several times during the day.  You probably won't need the sweater at all during the day, but best to be prepared and you might wear it at the end of the day if everything else is soaked through with water.  Also, remove layers as needed to avoid sweating.  Anything getting you overly wet will make you cold and miserable.

Pants should be some sort of wind / water proof pant.  Long underwear can be worn underneath if you're cold.  Be sure to strip layers if you're too warm to avoid sweating.  On a warm day, I typically end up wearing just the wind/water proof pant.

Socks should be a single pair of full length (not ankle length) sport sock.  Don't double up, it only restricts circulation.  When you put on your boots, make sure there are no wrinkles in the sock.  Wrinkles also restrict circulation and can also cause muscle cramps.

Forecast is predicting very warm temperatures, so expect that whatever you ski in will be soaked at the end of the day.  Bring a full change of soft, comfy clothes to the resort to change into after skiing.

Finally, for new skiers, I recommend to bring a pair of "throw-away" gloves if this is your first trip.  Beginner slopes sometimes use a "rope-tow" to get skiers to the top and that will tear up gloves after a few hours.  Also, due to expected warm temperatures, I suggest everyone bring a spare set of gloves so you can swap if one pair gets soaking wet.

In general, wet clothes lead to cold bodies, and that's no fun at all.  Staying dry is essential to enjoying this outing.  Feel free to ask any questions.  The only dumb question is one never asked.

What to bring:

• Change of clothes
• Warm socks (2 pair)
• Weatherproof jacket
• Gloves
• Warm hat
• Long underwear
• Winter boots
• Ski/snow pants
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses/goggles (goggles on sale at Dick's for 40% off right now)

CU At Home One Winter Night 2019

What is One Winter Night?

One Winter Night is an annual event that provides a powerful opportunity for our community to learn about homelessness, raise awareness for our friends without an address, and experience a bit of what it might be like to be outside, overnight, in the coldest part of a Central Illinois Winter.

Box dwellers commit to spending 12 hours outside in a cardboard box, along Neil Street in downtown Champaign. Box dwellers come from all works of life, local government leaders, police officers, pastors, business leaders, students, grandmas and grandpas, moms and dads. Each box dweller team is committed to raising at least $1,000 to help C-U at Home continue doing all we do to help our community in 2019.

We invite the whole family downtown to join us -view our documentary, visit the kid's corner, or attend any of our speaker presentations.

Troop 9 is participating in this event.  

Several Scouts showed an interest in being a "box dweller" and it's perfect timing since it's the weekend after Klondike.  So sleeping out in the cold will be old hat for them!  Each Scout and Scouter who participates will receive the Messenger of Peace emblem to be worn around the purple WOSM patch on the uniform.

Here are the details:

• Scouts and Scouters should RSVP via the Signup Genius link below
• Scouts who participate should solicit donations from friends and family.
  Donation link is below.  A great goal is $50!
• We will meet Friday February 1st at 5:00pm at the One Winter Night event headquarters in downtown Champaign.
• From there we will go to our designated spots to set up our boxes
• Boxes and tape will be provided
• Scouts should wear cold weather clothing and bring their cold weather sleeping gear
• One small meal will be provided by Champaign/Urbana Canteen Run
• Breakfast will be provided Saturday Morning at the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
• The event headquarters will be open all night with snacks and warm drinks to warm up as needed
• Throughout the evening, CU At Home will feature presentations at the event headquarters from local experts about homelessness in our community
• Event staff and security personnel will be on sight all night

Signup Genius Link

Link to make a donation - share with friends and family

Link to CU At Home page

Link to One Winter Night Event Page

2019 Klondike Derby

The Penguin March is on!

2019 Klondike Derby
January 25-27

Camp Robert Drake, Oakwood, IL

The Troop will camp Friday and Saturday night.  Scouts will compete in Scout Skill challenges at program areas throughout Camp Drake.

New Challenges await older Scouts at the Klondike Derby this year!

Practice Scout Skills and Teamwork!

The Day ends with the big Sled Race down the plateau.  It's tons of fun to see!

Departure Plan

Friday January 25

Load Trailer: 5:00pm

Hit the Road: 5:30pm (approx)

Return Plan

Sunday January 28, 9:00am (approx)

Cost

$20 per Scout / $10 per Adult

Includes all meals and transportation

RSVP

Signup Genius link

Permission and Medical Forms

Scouts must have permission slip, payment, and parts A & B of the BSA medical form completed and turned in by Wednesday January 23.  Link to forms below

Gear and Clothing

We've discussed cold weather camping at the last couple meetings.  Scouts MUST wear boots.  Shoes will not be allowed.  We may adjust gear and clothing as we get closer to the event and have a better idea of the weather.  Link to packing list below.

Link to Packing List

Link to Permission Form

Link to BSA Health Form

Link to How to Sleep Warm