Newsletter: January 12, 2021 |
- Covid Safety Update
The Pathway to Adventure Council has issued new instructions for safely conducting Troop activities. There is now a Covid checklist that every participant in a Scouting activity must complete before each activity. We have put the Covid Checklist on the Troop home page and in the Resource section of the web page.
We have added a check-off on the Troop permission slip that lets parents confirm that their Scout is in compliance with the Covid Checklist. For example, if a Scout is hiking this coming weekend, his parent or guardian will need to check off on the permission slip that their son is in compliance with the Covid rules.
All of these rules are designed to keep our Scouts, parents, and leaders safe. We need your cooperation in order to keep the Scouting program going while we work our way through the pandemic. We appreciate your cooperation.
Please feel free to reach out to me (pelrine.john@gmail.com or 773-206-7160) with any questions you might have.
- 10-Mile Chicago River North Branch Trail Hike – Saturday, January 16 – 9:00 AM
The Pathway to Adventure Council has issued new instructions for safely conducting Troop activities. There is now a Covid checklist that every participant in a Scouting activity must complete before each activity. We have put the Covid Checklist on the Troop home page and in the Resource section of the web page.
We have added a check-off on the Troop permission slip that lets parents confirm that their Scout is in compliance with the Covid Checklist. For example, if a Scout is hiking this coming weekend, his parent or guardian will need to check off on the permission slip that their son is in compliance with the Covid rules.
All of these rules are designed to keep our Scouts, parents, and leaders safe. We need your cooperation in order to keep the Scouting program going while we work our way through the pandemic. We appreciate your cooperation.
Please feel free to reach out to me (pelrine.john@gmail.com or 773-206-7160) with any questions you might have.
- 10-Mile Chicago River North Branch Trail Hike – Saturday, January 16 – 9:00 AM
Do not forget to bring your permission slip for this outing!
The Troop will hike the North Branch Trail of the Cook County Forest Preserves on Saturday, January 16th. This will be a 10-mile hike. Scouts will earn credit towards rank requirements and for the Hiking Merit Badge while enjoying the outdoors on this hike.
We will meet at the Forest Way Grove at the Skokie Lagoons at 9:00 AM. Exit the Edens Expressway at Dundee Rd, head east to Forest Way Dr., then south to the Forest Way Grove entrance.
We will hike southbound on the trail and finish at Miami Woods located on Caldwell Avenue just north of Oakton. Participants will be picked up by family members at this location. We expect to arrive at Miami Woods by 3-3:30 PM.
In order to maintain social distancing, Scouts must be dropped off by a parent at Forest Way Grove at 9:00 AM and picked up at Miami Woods at 3:00 PM. Please do not make plans to carpool with other families! We are making every effort to respect all aspects of distancing in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Violations of this Troop policy will make a Scout ineligible for future Troop activities. We are working very carefully to schedule great activities that keep everyone safe. Your cooperation is needed and appreciated! Thank you.
Each hiker must wear a facemask while on the hike. Also carry a day pack with at least 3 liters of water, hand sanitizer, a sack lunch, and snacks to enjoy on the trail. Hikers should also dress in layers for the weather - including bringing rain gear, a compass, sunglasses if it is a bright sunny day, and sturdy boots or shoes. You will not be allowed to hike in gym shoes. Bring the signed Permission Slip with you on the 16th.
Mr. Gulliford sends this useful information about cold weather hiking from the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
We will meet at the Forest Way Grove at the Skokie Lagoons at 9:00 AM. Exit the Edens Expressway at Dundee Rd, head east to Forest Way Dr., then south to the Forest Way Grove entrance.
We will hike southbound on the trail and finish at Miami Woods located on Caldwell Avenue just north of Oakton. Participants will be picked up by family members at this location. We expect to arrive at Miami Woods by 3-3:30 PM.
In order to maintain social distancing, Scouts must be dropped off by a parent at Forest Way Grove at 9:00 AM and picked up at Miami Woods at 3:00 PM. Please do not make plans to carpool with other families! We are making every effort to respect all aspects of distancing in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Violations of this Troop policy will make a Scout ineligible for future Troop activities. We are working very carefully to schedule great activities that keep everyone safe. Your cooperation is needed and appreciated! Thank you.
Each hiker must wear a facemask while on the hike. Also carry a day pack with at least 3 liters of water, hand sanitizer, a sack lunch, and snacks to enjoy on the trail. Hikers should also dress in layers for the weather - including bringing rain gear, a compass, sunglasses if it is a bright sunny day, and sturdy boots or shoes. You will not be allowed to hike in gym shoes. Bring the signed Permission Slip with you on the 16th.
Mr. Gulliford sends this useful information about cold weather hiking from the Ice Age Trail Alliance:
The basic gear for layering up for in cold weather includes the following:
- Cold weather accessories:
- Insulated gloves
- Warm hat
- Neck gaiter or scarf
- Warm face mask
- A base layer: this layer is worn against the skin and should wick away sweat. Consider a polyester or wool material that retains heat but not moisture.
- A mid layer worn over your base layer; this is your insulating layer. Often this is a fleece jacket with good insulation, and lined walking pants.
- A shell layer: this layer is worn over other clothing and protects you from wind and moisture, such as rain jacket and wind or rain pants.
- No cotton ever: cotton retains moisture and can make you cold once you perspire or become wet. Do not wear any cotton when hiking in cold temperatures.
- Wear wool socks and bring an extra pair: thick insulating wool socks will keep your feet warm. Bring an extra pair along too in case your first pair gets wet.
- Parish Creche - Thank You!
We had 21 Scouts, leaders, and parents come out to help with taking down the parish creche last Saturday! It took us only 15 minutes to disassemble the creche and store it in the basement of the church! Thanks to everyone who came out to help. There is strength in numbers!
- BSA Health Forms for 2021
Please check your email for the note about BSA health forms. They are due back to the Troop by May 31, 2021.
See you on the trail this coming Saturday!
John Pelrine
Scoutmaster, Troop 965