August 10, 2026 Newsletter

  • Next Troop Meeting – August 10 – School Hall
  • Des Plaines River Canoe Outing – Sign-Ups Due August 10
  • Conservation Foundation “Take a Hike” Challenge
  • Fishers of Men – October 3 – Mundelein Seminary
  • Upcoming Activities

– Next Troop Meeting – August 10 – 7:00-9:00 PM – School Hall

We will finish up building the rockets. We will also be getting ready for the Des Plaines River canoe outing. Permission slips (see below) for the canoe outing are due at this Troop meeting. No late sign-ups can be taken.
The PLC had a very productive meeting last Monday. The SPLs will be updating the Troop about that meeting.
Class B uniforms – please!

– Des Plaines River Canoe Outing – Saturday, August 15

We are set to paddle on the Des Plaines River in Lake County. The six and a half mile stretch of river between Independence Grove Forest Preserve (Libertyville) and the Route 60 canoe landing (Vernon Hills) is perfect for beginner and intermediate paddlers. There are shallow sandbars and clear water in a few places that allow for breaks and cooling off in the water.
Scouts who have passed the BSA Swim Test are eligible to go. A Scout who has not yet passed the Swim Test may go if they are accompanied by a parent.
The permission trip for the outing is available in the Resource Center and is due no later than the August 10 Troop meeting. There is no cost for this outing. The Troop will provide canoes, life jackets, and paddles. Paddlers should plan to bring a sack lunch, snacks, sun protection, and a full water bottle.

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– Conservation Foundation “Take a Hike” Challenge

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The Conservation Foundation “Take a Hike” Challenge – Registration is now open! The program runs from September 1 through October 27, 2026. All hikes you do either with Scouts or on your own during the time period for the program count for this challenge! This is the easiest challenge ever!!! Hike anywhere for any distance and record it on your Tracker for the week. Hike six times during the 8 weeks, and you earn the hiking reward! First timers get a walking stick. Everyone gets a hiking medallion or a pin.
See https://theconservationfoundation.org/take-a-hike/ for information and links to online registration (required) and to the Tracker hiking log form. The hiking log form is posted in the Resource Center of the Troop website. Each participant needs to have their own 2026 Hiking Tracker hiking log form. This is what is needed to be filled in and submitted in order to get your hiking rewards!
It’s best to register right away. You should get a confirmation email letting you know that you registered successfully. You also will be getting weekly emails about the program. If you do not get these, register again or call Knoch Knolls Nature Center and ask what to do. Registration closes September 30.

– Fishers of Men Event – Saturday, October 3 – University of St. Mary of the Lake

Chicago Catholic Scouting is sponsoring an event at the Universsity of St. Mary of the Lake – Mundelein Seminary on Saturday, October 3.

How about a wonderful day outdoors on the lake at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein with other Scouts and Scouters?  That day is October 3, 2026.  Participation can be on the basis of a troop, pack or crew, or patrol or den, or a family (with a parent or another adult).  There will be fishing (whether for fun or for merit badge or other advancement – we are planning on having a Fishing Merit Badge counselor at the event and also someone with fishing advice and extra bait). And a chance to meet and talk with seminarians and a religious sister, who will share their interesting personal stories.  And a personal tour of the chapel by the seminarians.  And always the beautiful environs of the campus and the lake.  A beautiful setting for the day’s activities. The lake is not open to the public for fishing but the seminary grants Scouts special permission once a year to come and fish the lake.  Don’t miss this event. Here is a link to additional information.

– Upcoming Activities

  • Monday, August 10 – Troop Meeting – School Hall
  • Saturday, August 15 – Des Plaines River Canoe Outing
  • Monday, August 31 – Patrol Leader Council Meeting


Mr. Pelrine
Scoutmaster, Troop 965