Canoe camping on the Wisconsin River

One of the most popular outings in the Troop’s repertoire is canoeing on the Wisconsin River west of Madison, and camping overnight on a sandbar in the middle of the river.

Because the river captures water from more than 10,000 square miles and because there are reservoirs upstream, the amount and depth of water can vary. The river conditions and weather forecasts are watched closely by the professional outfitter we use and by the Troop leaders.

The river conditions are posted by the U.S. Geological Survey at its web site. Last year the river was deeper and faster than typical, so while we were able to paddle safely, we were unable to camp on a sandbar … there weren’t any that were suitable. We used the outfitter’s alternate campsite, a town park right alongside the river in Muscoda.

Right now, conditions are just about perfect, so things are looking good for our trip later this month.

Event for new Scouts and families

Troop 18 is part of the Potawatomi District of the Northeast Illinois Council. The District is hosting a welcoming event for the new Scouts next Saturday morning at Lovelace Park  in Evanston, on Gross Point road between Wilmette Ave. and Central St.

The event runs from 9 am to noon, and includes fishing instruction and a Fishing Derby, with contests for the biggest and the smallest fish. Detailed information and online registration is available on the Council website. While you’re visiting the site, be sure to check out the Council’s calendar for upcoming events and opportunities.

Time to RSVP for Wisconsin River canoe trip

Please remember to RSVP if you're going on the Wisconsin River canoe camping trip on September 14 and 15 [info]. The RSVP form is here. Payment and all paperwork are due at our meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the Winnetka Congregational … [Continue reading]

Scouts: Expanded options for High Adventure

Troop 18 has been a regular participant in the High Adventure program at Philmont Scout Ranch in the mountains of New Mexico -- you can see a picture from the Troop's most recent trip there on our home page. Philmont's first camping season was in … [Continue reading]

The Personal Fitness merit badge

The Personal Fitness merit badge is required for advancement to Eagle Scout, and can be used as one of the badges for advancement to Star and Life rank. Requirement 1 for the badge includes this: Before completing requirements 2 through 9, have … [Continue reading]

First Fall meeting next week! Canoeing in September! Devil’s Lake in October!

Scouts and Parents, We'll have our first post-summer meeting on Tuesday, September 3, at 7:30 pm. Because of the rummage sale preparations underway at Christ Church, our September meetings will be held in the gym of the Winnetka Congregational … [Continue reading]

Coming into the home stretch for rank advancement

As we approach our May Board of Review and Court of Honor, scouts should work with their patrol leaders and the scoutmasters to ensure that the requirements for rank advancement are met, and that plans are in place to complete any open items. The … [Continue reading]

Starved Rock campout permission slips due Tuesday

Our campout at Starved Rock State Park is this coming weekend. Signed permission slips are due at Tuesday's Troop meeting. A copy of the fly for the campout can be downloaded here. … [Continue reading]

Astronomy observation session Friday, April 5

We will have an observation session to help meet requirements for the Astronomy merit badge at 8pm at Crow Island Woods. The session will be led by Andy Bulluck of Skokie Valley Astronomers. The session should include constellation-spotting, … [Continue reading]

Are you weather smart?

The scouting.org website includes training resources that can be valuable to everyone involved in scouting. As the days grow longer, spring warms, and we spend more time outside, it's good to refresh our knowledge of how to to plan for and respond to … [Continue reading]