WHERE TO GO CAMPING GUIDE Created By: Pachsegink Lodge #246 BSA Affairs Department May 2010

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MAQUOKETA CAVES STATE PARK 10970 98th St. Maquoketa, IA 52060 563-652-5833 Reservations: 877-427-2757

Maquoketa Caves State Park has more caves than any other park in Iowa. There are over a dozen caves, although most of them are small, and require a bit of wriggling to explore. This is a great park to learn the basics of caving, and is appropriate for any age scout. The limestone caves and bluffs are very scenic, and the park has beautiful trails to hike, for those noncavers. Dance Hall Cave is the largest cave in the park, and in most areas, you won’t even have to bend over to walk through this cave. (See photo on left) Some of the more fun caves, however, are the ones that are challenging to enter. The park also boasts a natural bridge, which spans across the canyon 50 feet above Raccoon Creek. Wye cave is also very large once you get past the entrance. It floods frequently, but when it is not flooded, it is one of the most cavernous caves in the park, and perfect for those scouts that love to explore.

Directions from Council: Take Ogden west for 1.6 miles to I-294 north. Take I-294 north for 1.5 miles to I-88 west. Take I-88 west for 103 miles to Exit 36 toward US-30W/Clinton Continue to follow US-30W for 44 miles to US-61 north Take US-61 north for 21 miles to Exit 312A toward Cedar Rapids/Maquoketa Turn Left onto CR-Y31 and travel 6 miles to 98th St. Turn left onto 98th, St, it will be ½ mile on the right. Miles from Council: 180 (3 hrs, 15 min) Campfire Rules: Ground fires and wood gathering is permitted at this park. Accesibility: Handicap accessible group and family sites are available, and some of the hiking paths by the caves are also accessible by wheelchair. Water: Water pumps and showers are usually on by mid April.

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Seasonal information: Park is open year-round for camping (caves are always the same temperature yearround!) Caving at Maquoketa is excellent any time of year, although fall is probably ideal. Some caves are flooded in the spring (like Wye cave), in the summer the scouts tend to not wear enough clothing to protect from scrapes and scratches while crawling through the caves, and in the winter hypothermia can be an issue if the scouts crawl out of the caves wet with mud or water. Most of these caves are dry, but no doubt your most adventuresome scouts will find a way to crawl through water and mud while exploring. Area Attractions: Caving! This is a great trip to earn Geology merit badge. Not only is there plenty of exposed rock that tell a fantastic geologic history over the past several hundred million years, but the cave formations are amazing. There are also plenty of signs and kiosks by the caves that explain the different geologic features and significance of the rock formations. There is even an interpretive facility with tons of teaching materials on the geology of the park. Activities inside the park: Caving, camping, hiking, and biking. Additional Comments: Kneepads and elbow pads are very helpful. A hardhat is important too, and always keep 2 sources of light on you at all times. And don’t forget the camera! Some of the most popular caves include Dance Hall Cave, Wye Cave, Barbell, and Fat Man’s Misery. Interesting fact about the park: The park was once featured on an episode of Rescue 911 when a hiker had fallen while at the park and was injured. Must do before you leave: Explore Wye cave! It is a straight drop to get into the cave, but once you are inside, it is very cavernous, and has some tough places to get through for those looking for more of a challenge. Reviews: “This is a great cave to learn caving basics. There are a lot of tough caves to get into, which is great for those looking for a challenge.” -Chris Brown, ASM Troop 337

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STARVED ROCK STATE PARK 2668 875th Road Oglesby, IL 61348 815-667-4726

Starved Rock State Park, located along the Illinois River, is well-known for its beautiful canyons and waterfalls. This park is very scenic, and is a great park for day hiking. Have a picnic by one of the many waterfalls in the back canyons, or climb the stairs to the scenic overlook of the Illinois River and dam. For the history buffs, hike up the stairs and learn about the history of Starved Rock, or enjoy the Nature and Visitor Centers’ fun exhibits and souvenirs. For the adventurers, explore the back of the park, where some of the more majestic canyons reside, such as LaSalle Canyon. Starved Rock and the surrounding areas have been used by humans for over 5,000 years. Prehistoric occupants survived on hunting and fishing, and created housing from mud and rock. Native Americans have also occupied Starved Rock, and many artifacts have been found in and around the park. Starved Rock is still an archeological hotspot today. Starved Rock earned its name after the legendary story of the Illini tribe, who was trapped on the rock by a neighboring war tribe. The neighboring tribe surrounded the rock, prohibiting any members of the Illini tribe to escape with their life. Most who stayed on Starved Rock eventually starved, with no access to food. History is rich in these parts, and you can even visit the Old Kaskaskia village, or the Zimmerman site across from Starved Rock. This is an old village from the 1600’s that was ideal for farming. Marquette visited this site when occupied by Native Americans, and several tribes have occupied this site over the last 1,000 years.

Directions from Council: Take Ogden west to I-294 south Take I-294 south for 3.5 miles to I-55 south Take I-55 south for 27 miles to I-80 west (Exit 250B) Take I-80 west for 45 miles to IL-178 (Exit 81) Turn left on IL-178 and continue for 2 miles Turn left onto Church St/IL-178 Maker an immediate right onto Mill St/IL-178 Continue for another 1.5 miles Follow the signs for Starved Rock State Park into the park Miles from Council: 83 (1 hour, 30 min)

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Campfire Rules: Campfires are only permitted in designated firepits. The campground has a campground store that opened in 2009 that sells firewood ice, and other camping essentials. Accesibility: Seven of the 133 campsites are available via wheelchair. There is also a youth group camping area, which you must reserve via permit. Seasonal Information: The park is open year-round, but the best time to go is the Spring. With the melting of the snow, the waterfalls are in full effect, and the flowers are in full bloom. If you plan on playing in the water, however, you may want to wait until it gets warmer in the later summer months. Winter can be very scenic as well, with beautiful ice formations from the waterfalls. There are plenty of events hosted year-round at the park, including Oktoberfest, nature hikes, and classes to learn about the park history, nature, and geology of the park. Take a look at the calendar of events at starvedrockstatepark.org. Area Attractions: If you can’t book a reservation at Starved rock State Park, Mattheissen State Park is right around the corner! Some troops only book reservations at Mattheissen, and take the 5 minute drive to Starved Rock State Park during the day. Mattheissen State Park has slightly more rugged campsites and fellow campers, and its own abundance of fun hiking trails and scenic wonders. Mattheissen also offers cross-country skiing in the winter. Equestrian camping is available along Route 178 (not part of the park), and equestrian trails and horse rental is available near the park on Route 71. The city of Ottawa is only a short drive away, and boasts the National Scout Museum and the gravesite of the founder of the BSA, William D. Boyce, in the Ottawa Avenue Cemetery. Activities inside the park: Starved rock State park has 13 miles of clearly marked trails. The main trails at the front of the park are paved and/or planked, but the back of the park (near the best waterfalls and canyons) are dirt. Fishing is available, and catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp, and crappie may be caught in the Illinois River. Boats can be launched at the west end of the park, and paddleboats are available for rental. Additional Comments: If hiking in warm weather, bring a towel and sandals. It’s going to be hard for your scouts to resist playing in the water under the beautiful waterfalls. Have a picnic next to/behind one of the waterfalls during the day, and don’t forget to relax every now and then to take in the sights. The best trails are in the back of the park. Interesting fact about the park: On March 14th, 1960, three women were murdered in St. Louis Canyon. A lodge employee named Chester Weger confessed to robbing and killing the three victims, and is currently serving a life sentence. Must do before you leave: Make sure you visit the canyons in the back of the park. If you have time, a visit to the Scouting Museum in Ottawa can be very fun and educational. Many troops visit Starved Rock State Park without any knowledge that the Scouting Museum is only a short drive away (15 – 20 minutes). Reviews:

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WATERFALL GLEN

Intersection of Cass and Northgate Roads Darien, IL 60561 630-933-7200 Waterfall Glen is a great place to go camping, or even just enjoy a day hike with your troop. Possibly the most attractive feature of this forest preserve is the orienteering course that is set up for the public to use and enjoy. Several courses are available, and are designated by difficulty. Your new scouts can try the easy course and learn basic map and compass skills, while your older scouts can go explore the more challenging course. This preserve is also very close to council (15 minutes!), which makes this appealing for shorter camping/day trips. The trails are beautiful for hiking, running, and biking, and covered with crushed limestone gravel. Don’t forget to take a hike down to the waterfall while you’re here!

Directions from Council: Take La Grange Rd south to I-55 south Take I-55 south to Cass Rd exit Take Cass Rd south to Northgate Rd. Turn right on Northgate, parking lot on your right Miles from Council: 10 (15 minutes) Activities in the park: If you are camping here, most likely it is to use the orienteering course. A permanently marked course is located in the northeast section of Waterfall Glen, near the trail head. Your troop can borrow maps, compasses, and activity sheets by calling the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at 630-850-8110. There are several courses available. Youth group camping by permit is available as well, with water pumps, a shelter, grill, and latrines available. Fishing is permitted in the preserve, at the still water locations by the old quarries. A model aircraft hotspot is available in the large open field in the southwest section of the preserve, for testing out model planes and rockets. For more information, contact Visitor Services at 630-933-7248.

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Area Attractions: One of the other close attractions to the area is the Argonne National Laboratory. Argonne is one of the oldest and largest science and engineering research laboratories in the Midwest. Call ahead and you may be able to book a tour of the laboratory. Waterfall Glen completely surrounds the plant, and mutant creatures from the plant have been known to eat smaller scouts that have been lost in the forest after dark. The preserve eventually set up the orienteering course to teach scouts the skills necessary to keep from getting lost with a map and compass, hence reducing the number of scouts being eaten by the mutant creatures. Since the course has been set up, the number of eaten scouts per year has dropped dramatically. Seasonal Information: The park is open year-round, and the orienteering courses can be used in the winter, spring, summer, or fall. Since the preserve is so close to council, it makes for a great day trip during the colder months. If your troop’s monthly theme is Orienteering, this is a highly recommended activity. The foliage in this preserve is very diverse, especially for a preserve so close to the city. During the warmer months you may see many people using the gravel trails in the park to train for the Chicago marathon. The preserve even hosts an annual race in July called the XTreme 10, which is a 10 mile race around the main trail loop in the park. During the spring, a leisurely hike and picnic at the waterfall is a great activity, but don’t forget to bring sandals and a towel!

Interesting fact about the park: Some of the 1996 movie Chain Reaction was filmed in the Zero-Gradient Synchrotron Ring Room and the former Continuous Wave Deuterium Demonstrator laboratory at the Argonne National Laboratory. The lab was also part of the Manhattan Project, which built America’s first atomic bomb. Must do before you leave: If it isn’t obvious, try the orienteering course! Many orienteering clubs come here to compete, so it’s certainly up to par! Reviews:

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Mississippi Palisades State Park 16327A Rte. 84 Savannah, IL 61074 (815) 273-2731

The Mississippi Palisades offer scenic bluffs and trails along the Mighty Mississippi. Palisades is a word used to describe a line of lofty, steep cliffs usually seen along a river. Located near the Mississippi and Apple rivers, this park is rich in Native American History. Stop in at the Visitor’s Center to educate yourself in the history of this beautiful park during your stay. For those geologists out there, the Mississippi Palisades is a great place to study and learn about the effects of wind and water erosion. Many fantastic rock formations have been created from millennia of erosion, which can be admired while hiking the trails of the park. Indian Head (pictured to the left) and Twin Sisters are just a couple of the many scenic wonders that can be viewed at the Palisades. Hiking, Geology, and Nature merit badges are excellent badges to work on while at this park. For those older scouts, find an outfitter and you can enjoy some rock climbing along the Mississippi. The Palisades are also dotted with caves, and Maquoketa Caves is less than an hour away, so there are several high adventure opportunities in the area. Boating, fishing, and even cross-cross skiing and sledding in the winter are encouraged, so there is something for every troop.

Directions from Council: Take Ogden Ave west to I-294 Take I-294 north to I-88 west Take I-88 west to US 39 North Take 39 North about 7 miles to IL-64 West Stay on 64 West (after ~30 miles, it will hit a T-intersection. Turn right, then left right away to stay on 64) 64 west will merge into 52 west. US 52 will hit a 3-way intersection with IL 84. Take IL 84 N Take 84 North through Savanna for about 5 miles to get to the north camping entrance to the park Miles from Council: 150 (2 hr, 30 min) Water: Showers and flush toilets are available May 1 – October 31. Group Sites: 2 youth group sites are available for reservation June 1 – October 31. Any group over 25 must get permission from site personnel before entering the park. 241 Class A and B sites are also available, but are non-reservable. Seasonal Information: During the winter, crosscountry skiing and sledding is available at the park. Ice fishing is permitted when the ice is thick enough.

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Activities inside the park: The Mississippi River and its backwaters is the perfect habitat for so many kinds of fish. Catfish and carp are the most commonly caught fish, but bluegill, crappie, and bass are out there as well. If you’re really good, you might even catch some Walleye or Northern Pike. There is no motor size on boats, and the boat launches in the park are free. The park has many magnificent trails, so be sure to take a least one hike while staying at the park. Also available is rock climbing, with such climbing routes as The Sentinel, Twin Sister, Butter Walls, and Buzz Off (originally named for a beehive that was nestled in a nearby rock crack, which is gone now). Area Attractions: Caving is available at Maquoketa caves state park, less than an hour away. The town of Savannah is 5 miles away, where you can get groceries, gas, etc. There are also plenty of outfitters along the Mississippi River for boating, rock climbing, etc. Chestnut Mountain Ski Area located south of Galena has an Alpine Slide: zoom down a 2,050 foot track descending a 476 foot drop on wheeled carts with a hand brake. Best time to visit is about 3:00 in the afternoon when crowds are lower. Weather must be dry. Rides are discounted when purchased in bulk. Boys will need about two hours of ride time to tire of the track, and there is a great view of the Mississippi River too. (This extra activity was discovered by ASM Scott Musil, Troop 89, Downers Grove and passed on to Troop 14 La Grange. Both troops highly recommend the Alpine Slide.) Interesting fact about the park: Indie music artist Sufjan Stevens referenced to it in his song "The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades Is Out To Get Us!" Must do before you leave: Check out the great rock formations. There are 15 miles of hiking trails in the park, and they are packed with great sites. If you are into high adventure, you can see these formations while rock climbing, but either way, make sure you spend some time to stop and admire them a bit. Comments/Reviews:

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Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls 40W095 Freeman Rd. Gilberts, IL 60136 (630) 232-5980

Now owned by Kane County and next to the Freeman-Kame Meagher Forest Preserve, Camp Tomo Chi-Chi Knolls used to be owned by the Des Plaines Valley Council, and was the site of many Fellowships and work weekends for Pachsegink Lodge. Sold in 2006 to Kane County, Camp Tomo has a rich history of lodge activity. Troops can still camp at camp Tomo, and in fact, the camp is specifically reserved for youth group camping. This camp is close to council, and older scouts will appreciate the nostalgic feeling of being back at the camp that has been a “home away from home” for so many scouts and scouters. Although the OA firebowl is gone, the camp still has a lot of tradition in those old trees. Directions From Council: Take Ogden west to I-294 North Merge onto I-290 West for 16 miles Merge onto I-90 West for 21 miles Turn North on IL-47 Turn right onto Freeman Rd Miles from Council: 46 (1 hr) Camping Fees/Availability: Six tent sites are available at $25/site for in-county youth groups, and $35/site for out of county youth groups per day. The lodge is available to rent for $100/day for in-county youth groups, and $150/day for out of county youth groups. If all 6 tent sites are rented for the same youth group, lodge rental is free. Activities in Camp: While you’re in camp, why not take a hike around the Leekwanai Trail? Starting near the entrance of camp, this trail winds its way along the back of camp, along the wetlands, and loops back to the Gilwell field. Many older scouts and scouters will recall doing various service projects along this trail, from clearing brush to marking trails. You may also find old, abandoned campsites used years ago along this trail, such as Bobwhite or Eagle’s Nest (named so for the highest point in camp). This camp is also a great place to get back to the basics of camping. Young scouts can work on advancement, such as cooking, knots, hiking, and wilderness survival requirements. The

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Gilwell field is also a great place for some fun games during the day or night. Area Attractions: Being close to Chicago, there are plenty of activities nearby, and Gilberts has been growing incredibly fast over the last decade. Medieval Times is about 20 minutes away, and you can literally hike to the Huntley Outlet Mall (about 4 miles) to pick up supplies or food. Culver’s has always been a favorite restaurant of many scouts visiting the camp, which is right next to the Huntley Outlet Mall. Interesting fact about the park: Tomo Chi-Chi was a Native American of the Yamacraw tribe, part of the Creek Indian Nation. With Oglethorpe, he has been called the co-founder of Georgia. He was a good friend to the English, which was an important relationship to the establishment of the colony as a military outpost against Spanish invasion. He died in 1739, and was buried in Savannah with military honors. Must do before you leave: Hike the Leekwanai Trail. Many of our lodge members’ blood, sweat, and tears went into maintaining this trail. Keep in mind that much of the trail may be overgrown, so take a map with you, and pay attention to the trail markers. Comments/Reviews:

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SHABBONA LAKE STATE PARK

4201 Shabbona Grove Road (mapquest 100 Preserve Rd) Shabbona, IL 60550 815-824-2106 Fax 815-824-2905 Originally home to tribes of Native Americans, the park derives its name from Chief Shabbona. Pioneer settlement of the area began in the 1830's. From Shabbona Grove, in the southeast corner of the park, homesteaders spread over the region and began farming the rich soil. In 1965, it was decided to develop a lake and recreation area on the site, and land acquisition was begun in 1969. By 1978, 1,550 acres had been obtained. In 1973, the lake area was cleared of trees, the shoreline was modified and earthen fishing piers and fish congregators were erected. By 1975, a 3,000-foot-long earthen dam with a concrete spillway was completed and the lake was formed.

Directions from council: Shabbona Lake State Park is easily accessible from the Chicago area via I-88. Take I-88 west to the Sugar Grove exit, which is approximately 2 ½ miles west of the Aurora toll booth. Take US 30 west from Sugar Grove approximately 22 miles to Shabbona.

Miles from Council: 55 (1 hr, 15 min) Campfire Rules: Each site has a picnic table and a campfire ring. Creating new fire rings and fires outside designated fire rings is prohibited. Accessibility: Shabbona Lake is a pilot site for disabled visitor accessibility and the facilities such as parking, picnic shelters, water fountains, restrooms, telephones, and even a specially designed fishing pier are totally accessible. A group campsite is also wheelchair accessible. Water Availability: Shower facilities close during the winter. Water is still available.

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Site Availability: The camp is open year-round, and 150 Class A sites are available for camping. The park also has 2 cabins with 2 rooms, accommodating a maximum of 6 people, costing $55. The cabins do not have running water, but do have electric baseboard heat so they can be used year-round. Seasonal Information: The park offers cross-country skiing on the nature trails in the winter. When the ice is thick enough, ice skating and ice fishing are also permitted. The rolling hills also provide a great environment for sledding and tobogganing. Activities inside the park: 8 miles of hiking are available at the park, and a trail brochure and special cassette tape are available at the camp office. The specially designed cassette tape will guide you along the “Touch the Earth” trail. The park offers scenic woodland and plenty of prairieland. Fishing is available via pier or b oat, and the man-made lake is stocked with smallmouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass, black and white crappie, black and brown bullhead, channel catfish, walleye, muskie, and perch. A 10 horsepower limit is enacted on all motors for the lake, and swimming is prohibited at the park. Interesting fact about the park: The park was named after Chief Shabbona, whose name literally means “built strong like bear” in the language of the Ottawa tribe. He was the grandnephew of Pontiac, who was consider ed one of the greatest chiefs of the Ottawa. He later joined the Pottawatomie tribe, and became chief. Must do before you leave: Hike the “Touch the Earth” trail. It’s educational, and provides for a fun, interactive activity for the scouts. Comments/Reviews: “We had a great winter campout in December. A foot of snow…found a great hill to sled down and took the boys on the ice to learn about ice fishing.” - Dana Rick

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CANTIGNY PARK 1S151 Winfield Road Wheaton, IL 60189 (630) 668-5161 www.cantingy.org

Two fantastic museums at Cantigny (aside from the beautiful grounds) are the McCormick Museum and the First Division Museum. There are frequently programs of interest to scouts held at Cantigny. Explore American history as seen through the eyes of the First Infantry Division and gain a renewed appreciation for those who serve to protect our freedoms. With more than 38,000 square feet, the First Division Museum provides an immersive and stimulating experience for visitors of all ages. And don’t forget to visit the famous Tank Park where kids have climbed and played for generations. Directions from Council: Take Ogden Ave west to I-294 north Take I-294 north to I-88 west Take I-88 west and exit at Winfield Road. Travel north on Winfield Road approximately three miles. The park entrance is on the right side of the road before Roosevelt Road (Route 38). Miles from Council: 19 (30 min)

Camping Availability: Campsite reservations are limited to nationally recognized youth groups (i.e., BSA, GSA, AWANA, Indian Guides, etc.). All campouts are FREE of charge. Camping is year round, except during January when the park is closed. Overnight camping is allowed on Friday and Saturday nights (there is no camping during holiday weekends or special event weekends). Only Scouts/youth group members and their leaders/parents may camp. Family camping is not permitted. Cantigny has two campsites available and each holds up to 100 people. Only one campsite per group may be accommodated. Cantigny is able to accommodate tent camping only (no campers or trailers). Cantigny's campgrounds offer washrooms, water pumps, trash collection and recycling bins, established fire pits, firewood, and picnic tables. Advanced reservations are required Activities inside the park: Hiking Cantigny’s 2 1/2-mile woodchip nature trail, filled with the wonderful sights, sounds and smells today's kids experience all too rarely, is a great experience. A map can be found inside the Visitors Guide. Pick up a copy of the Hiking Trail-Tree Identification Guide at the Visitors Center kiosk desk to use along the trail. Completion of the Guide meets some of the requirements for the Boy Scout Forester Merit Badge. (This guide is

recommended for summer and fall, when the trees have leaves.)

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Scout groups can fish at Shaffner Pond, in the northeast corner of the park. Fishing is allowed Saturday and Sunday mornings from sunrise to 8:30am and Mondays between 9 a.m. and 5 pm. Please call Security at 630.260.8207 to arrange a fishing outing. The pond is home to bluegill, bass, carp, and catfish and is strictly catch and release. Please bring your own fishing poles, bait, and gear. People over age 16 who are fishing must have a valid fishing permit. Cantigny has partnered with the DuPage Rivers Fly-tyers (DRiFT) to offer Boy Scouts an introduction to fly fishing. Boy Scouts can try their hand at different styles of casting, be introduced to fly-tying, and spend time fishing. For more information or to schedule an outing, please contact Glenn Hazen, DRiFT Merit Badge Coordinator, at 630 682 4984. Interesting fact about the park: Cantigny was named after the estate of General Robert McCormick, named after a small village in France which was the scene of fighting during World War I that involved the First Division, also known as the Big Red One.

Must do before you leave: Visit the museums! They are very interesting, and the museum will walk you through all of the great American Wars. The displays are very life-like, and don’t forget to enjoy the tanks in front of the museum. Adults will appreciate the historical information about each tank, and the scouts enjoy climbing on and around them. Robert R. McCormick Museum Tue-Sun: 10am to 4pm First Division Museum Tue-Sun: 10am to 4pm Comments/Reviews: “This is a GREAT campout for scout troops. Close to home, activities for the boys, learning opportunity and FREE camping!” – Dana Rick “The museum was really fun, but the campsite was right next to a major street. Still worth the price of free, but availability fills up fast, so plan 4-5 months in advance.” - Chris Brown, ASM, Troop 337

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GREENE VALLEY FOREST PRESERVE 23W799 79th Street Naperville, IL 630-933-7200 www.dupageforest.com

In its oak woodlands, savannas, and wetlands, Greene Valley boasts a collection of plants and trees not commonly found in other areas of the county. The preserve is home to many native birds, mammals and plants, and provides a spectacular display of spring wildflowers. In addition, management techniques such as prescription fires, reforestation and wetland restoration projects replace ecosystems lost long ago. The wildlife at Greene Valley is plentiful: In the wetlands, waterfowl, shorebirds and aquatic life flourish, and toads and frogs can be heard during the spring breeding season; red foxes, coyotes, meadowlarks, and bobolinks co-exist in the meadows; and owls can be spotted in the forest. Hawk-watching from Greene Valley Hill is popular with birders in the fall. The 190-foot Greene Valley Hill provides an enticing scenic overlook and is open to the public on weekends from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., spring through fall. A road leads from the base of the hill to a parking lot at the top, where visitors can get a bird's-eye view of DuPage County as well as the Chicago skyline. The introduction of native grasses and shrubs on the hillside combines conservational and recreational objectives, attracting native songbirds and wildlife while providing visual relief for preserve visitors.

Directions from Council: Go west on Hillgrove to Willow Springs Rd Turn left on Willow Springs Road and follow until Plainfield Road Turn right on Plainfield Road and follow until IL-83/Kingery Turn left on IL-83 Kingery and continue going south until 75 th Street Continue along 75th Street for 7 miles Turn left onto Greene Road Turn right onto 79th Street Miles from Council: 14 (27 minutes) Camping fees: This campground has 10 available campsites, all reserved for recognized youth groups. The following rates are for DuPage residents: $100 for Site 1, $25 for Sites 2-9 or $75 for Site 10

Accessibility: The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. At Greene Valley, the south parking lot off Greene Road includes barrier-free latrines and access to the preserve's trail system. A campsite in the youth-group camp is wheelchair accessible. For

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special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.

Activities in the park: The TrickyTree-Trek is a self guided nature trail that gives visitors a chance to make their own leaf identification keys, identify trees while blindfolded, or solve a crossword puzzle using a tree finder. Reservations and materials are available from Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center in Oak Brook. For more information, call 630.850.8110. The preserve also maintains over 12 miles of marked multipurpose trails through a variety of ecosystems, including woodland, savanna, and wetland.

Seasonal Information: Cross-country skiing is allowed at the forest preserve, and the flatter ground is closer to the river. Skiers are asked to stay to the outside of the trail, leaving the inside area for hikers and other trail users. When conditions permit, trails are groomed for classical and skate-style cross-country skiing. Interesting fact about the park: Greene Valley Forest Preserve used to be an old scout camp. While hiking through the preserve, you may even come across an old Order of the Arrow ceremonial ring. That is why we often hold our Brotherhood Conversion weekends at this forest preserve. See if you can find it the next time you visit! Must do before you leave: Take the Tricky-Tree-Trek. It’s an interactive way of hiking, and you get to hike through lots of different environments. Don’t forget to take some time to stop and smell the roses! Comments/Reviews: “This is a great location for hiking” – Dana Rick

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RAINBOW SCOUT RESERVATION (RSR) 2600 N Winterbottom Road Morris, IL 60450 815-942-4450 (year-round reservations) 815-942-1793 (summer camp June-Aug)

The front 40 acres of RSR is similar in maintenance and terrain to a state park. It is the main area used for the summer camp operation. The rest of RSR’s 730 acres is mostly unimproved with few roads or trails. It is ideal for a backpacking shakedown as the rough terrain can simulate backcountry hiking. RSR has three lakes on the property, all of which were created by strip mining operations in the mid-1900s. Long Lake is over a mile long and stretches across the property. Boundary Lake and Aqua Lake are crystalclear and very deep. They are located on the back edge of the property and are accessible from a separate gated road there, or via steep but fairly short portage from Long Lake. Both are regularly used throughout the year by fishermen who purchase licenses from the council. This is also a great place to study geology or local history. The camp borders the Mazon river, and its steep bluffs are ideal for fossil hunting. In fact, it is one of the richest fossil locations on. The river is also great for tubing when the water level is right. The I&M canal played a large role in Illinois history and several historical sites are nearby. Most campsites are very large and very open. Summer Day Camps are sometimes held in a single site. Approximately ¾ mile from the main camp area are two Adirondack bunkhouses, three-sided affairs that sleep a dozen or more scouts each. This area also has a fire ring, and a latrine that has seen better days. It is possible to canoe here on Long Lake. Reservations can be made to rent the dining hall (seats 120) or any of the other buildings or facilities on camp. A campmaster is on duty each weekend throughout the year. Camp is closed for a month during hunting season to prevent injury, as the council leases hunting rights to the property. Directions from council: Take I-55 south past I-80 to exit 240 (Lorenzo Road). Take Lorenzo Road west to Winterbottom Road (look for the Rainbow Council sign on your right about ½ mile past the stop sign at Jugtown Road). Winterbottom Road dead-ends at the camp entrance. Alternate directions: Take I-80 west to IL-47 south. Follow IL-47 through the town of Morris. Several grocery stores and restaurants are available in town. After crossing the Illinois River, turn left at the light on Pine Bluff Road. Take Pine Bluff east to Winterbottom road (look for the Rainbow Council sign on your left about 1/2 mile after the S-curve and bridge.) Winterbottom Road dead-ends at the camp entrance. Miles from council: 45 Campfire rules: Fires allowed in established rings. Firewood is readily available in the woods surrounding each campsite. Other park rules of interest: The camp ranger frowns upon hole-digging and the cutting of any tree, live or dead.

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Group sites: 12 front-country sites available. All well-maintained, with water (in season) and latrines. Most sites will accommodate 50 people quite easily. 1 unimproved campsite with a fire ring, no facilities, is located between Aqua and Boundary lakes. Adirondack campsite described above. Fees/special group/scouting discounts: 1.50/person/day for camping. Visit rcscouts.orgforms or call 815-942-4450 for information on renting buildings or facilities. Handicap accessibility: No paved trails or accessibility improvements. Most front-country terrain easily accessible. Deer Run campsite has access to electricity via extension cord by advance request. Water Availability: May 1- Halloween Seasonal information: Boating or swimming allowed in the lake as long as safe swim defense procedures are followed. Canoes can be rented through the council office. The Mazon river, which forms part of the camp boundary, makes for excellent tubing when the water is right. Camp is closed during deer season as the council leases hunting rights on the property. Area Attractions: The I&M Canal Rendezvous, held annually nearby, is a wonderful historical experience. Activities inside the park/campground: Excellent bluegill fishing with some largemouth bass. Snorkeling and even SCUBA are great choices in Aqua Lake, where remnants of the strip mine include a submerged truck and crane. The “back side” of the property is perfect for conditioning hikes with its rugged terrain, especially in fall when cross-country hikes are made possible by the lack of vegetation. High Adventure activities available in the area: The historic I&M Canal is just a few miles from camp and makes for excellent biking on the tow-path trail. The Illinois River begins just north of camp at the confluence of the Kankakee and Des Plaines Rivers. While the Illinois sees heavy commercial traffic, the Kankakee river is excellent for canoe trips. The climbing tower and full high/low COPE course, including zipline, are available, with instructors provided, for a fee. Must do before you leave: Make sure you hike across the dam to Aqua Lake to see the most beautiful part of camp. If you’re really looking for a challenge, see how many of the ranger’s chainsaw sculptures you can find! The eagle should be easy…the bear is a challenge…the blue gnome? Nearly impossible! Interesting Fact About the Camp: The Illinois state fossil (the Tully Monster) was found just a few miles from camp. This is the only place in the world that this fossil has ever been found! Comments/Reviews:

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MIRROR LAKE STATE PARK E10320 Fern Dell Road Baraboo, WI 53913 (608) 254 -2333 Toll-free: (888) 947-2757

Located only 3 miles from the Wisoconsin Dells, Mirror Lake State Park has a great campground for rustic camping, but is not as well-known as nearby Devil’s Lake (thus avoiding the crowds). The park contains many scenic wonders, including Mirror Lake, which is often so calm that not a ripple can be seen. 50 foot cliffs, wetlands, and forests are just some of the ecosystems you will encounter while visiting this park.

Directions from Council: Go West on Ogden Ave. to I-294 Take I-294 North to I-290 W Take I-290 W to I-90W Continue on I-90W for 160 miles Take Exit 92, US-12 Turn Left on US-12, then make an immediate right onto Fern Dell Road Proceed 2 miles to Mirror Lake State Park (On your right) Miles from Council: 188 (3 hrs, 15 mins) Camping Availability: Mirror Lake has 151 family campsites and 7 group sites. The park also has an accessible cabin for people with disabilities and a rental cottage that was designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Accessibility: 2 of the family campgrounds and 1 cabin is handicap accessible. There is also a specially adapted kayak available for use by people with disabilities, and a wheelchair-accesible fishing pier just north of the boat landing. The park also offers a half-mile trail that is accessible via wheelchair.

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Activities Inside the Park: Mirror Lake State Park offers the only house in the world designed by Frank Lloyd Wright that is available for rental occupancy. Designed in 1958, it was one of Wright’s last works. Known as the Seth Peterson cottage (after the Wisconsin native who encouraged Wright to design the house), it was restored in 1989. Tours are also available the second Sunday of each month from 1 – 4 PM, for $2/person. Groups of 10 or more should call (608) 254-6051 for a tour. Mirror Lake state park has two different habitats for fishing. Dell Creek is 10.5 miles long and flows into Mirror Lake. The stream is stocked with 5,000 fall fingerling and 3,000 spring yearlings each year. Most are brown trout. Mirror Lake has 137 acres of fishing habitat. The lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, pumpkinseeds, yellow and black bullheads, and walleyes. Boat, canoe, and kayak rentals are available in the summer. Mirror Lake State Park has 20 miles of hiking. 17 of these are available for cross-country skiing, 9 are available for biking, 1 mile is available for snowshoeing, 1 is available as an interpretive nature trail, and .5 mile is accessible for people with disabilities. Along the hiking trails you may see such wildlife as deer, raccoons, squirrels, bats, chipmunks, muskrats, beavers, mink, red foxes, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes. Seasonal Information: The campground is open year-round, and winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Cascade Mountain is nearby, and offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Many shops in the Dells are closed for the season, but year-round activities have been growing in number in the Dells in recent years. Area Attractions: The Wisconsin Dells is right next door, offering plenty of activities year-round. Cascade Ski Resort is about 20 miles east on I-90, for those that enjoy winter camping and winter sports. Devil’s Lake State Park is also about 15 minutes away, which is a popular location for hiking and climbing the canyons and bluffs. Interesting Fact About the Camp: The Blockbuster hit “Public Enemies”, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, was partly filmed in Mirror Lake State Park. Several gunfights and car chases were filmed in Mirror Lake State park and the surrounding areas. Visitors who hike the Echo Rock Trail at Mirror Lake will recognize the hilly terrain from the film. Fern Dell Road was also used for a car chase scene and shootout. Must Do Before you Leave: Visit the Wisconsin Dells! The campground is right next to the Dells and Lake Delton. If you wish to take a break and return to civilization for a bit, the Dells have plenty of attractions to offer, from mini-golf to year-round haunted houses. You can even take a boat ride through the dells, and learn about the geology of the dells. Comments/Reviews: “Devil’s Lake reservations can be difficult to get, but this State Park is nearby, and only a short drive to Devil’s Lake for hiking the canyons and bluffs.” –Chris Brown, ASM, Troop 337

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DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK

S5975 Park Road Baraboo, WI 53913-9299 (888) 947-2757 (for campsite availability) (608) 356-8301 (general information) More people visit Devil’s Lake State park annually (1.3 million) than any other state park in Wisconsin. Perhaps it is the scenic trails for hiking and biking. Or maybe it’s the famous rock climbing that thrill seekers come to enjoy. Or it might even be the beautiful Devil’s Lake itself that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country. Whatever it may be, Devil’s Lake State Park certainly has become a favorite camping destination for many scouts and scouters. Devil’s Lake State Park was established in 1911, and is one of Wisconsin’s oldest state parks. It was also one of the first four areas landscape architect John Nolen recommended be set aside when he began planning the state park system in 1909. Prehistoric Indians once inhabited the park and constructed numerous effigy mounds in the shape of birds and other animals. Ho-Chunk Indians also had a summer fishing village along the north shore of Devil’s Lake and a winter camp on the southeast shore. Over the years, the park has undergone many changes, and has seen quarries, a golf course, a toboggan slide, and private cabins within its boundaries. Directions from Council: Go West on Ogden Ave. to I-294 Take I-294 North to I-290 W Take I-290 W to I-90W Continue on I-90W for 145 miles Take Exit 108A, WI-78 S Continue on WI-78 for 9 miles, then turn right onto CR-DL Continue on CR-DL for 9 miles, then make a sharp left onto N Shore Rd. Miles from Council: 188 (3 hrs, 15 minutes) Camping Availability: Devil’s Lake has 407 family sites, 353 of which are reservable. There are 9 group sites that can accommodate a total of 240 campers. Reservations are strongly recommended, as Devil’s Lake campsites fill up quickly. Make reservations at least 6 months in advance for group sites, because they go quickly. Mirror Lake State Park is nearby, and much more available, if you cannot get a reservation at Devil’s Lake. The non-group sites are a bit cramped, and typically will not fit more than 2 tents.

Accessibility: Six wheelchair-accessible electric campsites are scattered throughout Devil’s Lake’s three campgrounds. Each site has a paved driveway, paved pathway leading to a running water restroom building, and right to use a handicapped accessible restroom and shower. Three of these sites are wooded, and three are in mostly open grassy areas. The park has 1.5 miles of trail that are accessible for people with disabilities. These include Tumbled Rocks Trail, Grottoes Trail, a sidewalk and wooden boardwalk along the south shore of the lake, and the paved pathways in both the north and south picnic areas. Other Park Rules of Interest: Due to the potential of carrying harmful emerald ash borers, firewood from more than 25 miles away is prohibited from entering the park.

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Seasonal Information: Water facilities are turned on about mid-April, but one winterized water tap and non-flush restrooms are available for campers all winter long. Quartzite campground is the only available campground in the winter, and is not very rustic. Five miles of Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails are also available. Ice fishing is available, but ice thickness and safety is not monitored by the park. Activities Inside the park: There are plenty of hiking trails to keep you busy. Devil’s Lake has 30 miles of trails, which range from easy meadow walks to rugged staircase-like stone steps steeply ascending several hundred feet up to the tops of the bluffs. The Ice Age Trail contains about half of the park’s trails. It also contains 8 miles of off-road mountain biking trails. The paved roads throughout the park are not bikerfriendly, however, as the hills and curves make it impossible for drivers to see far ahead, and many drivers are distracted by the scenery. Rock climbing is very popular around the park, but the park is not maintained for rock climbing; climb at your own risk. Nonetheless, there are plenty of outfitters to help scouts learn to climb, and this is a great place to earn climbing merit badge. Fishing and boating is available to scouts and scouters with a fishing license. Brown trout, walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish are abundant in Devil’s Lake. The nature center has a limited supply of fishing tackle that you can borrow. Boats and canoes can be rented at the park’s concession areas. A specially adapted kayak is available for use for people with disabilities. Area Attractions: Cascade Mountain is nearby for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The Wisconsin Dells is also nearby, which offers a plethora of activities and attractions. Tommy Bartlett’s Exploratory is a great place to visit for scouts working on Science merit badge. Interesting Fact About the Park: The park has several Native American mounds, including the effigy mounds and the Lynx mound. Must Do Before You Leave: Hike through Parfrey’s Glen. This is Wisconsin’s first State Natural Area, and is a spectacular gorge deeply incised into sandstone conglomerate of the Baraboo Hills. The exposed Cambrian rock layers provide excellent opportunities for geological interpretation, and is a great place to earn Geology merit badge. The walls of the glen are sandstone with embedded pebbles and boulders of quartzite! The moss-covered walls are moist from seepage, cool and shaded. This unique ecosystem within the park contains rare species of flora, insects, and wildlife. Food, beverage (other than water), and pets are prohibited. Cameras and imagination encouraged. Comments/Reviews:

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HOWARD H. CHERRY SCOUT RESERVATION Camp Wakonda 4521 Boy Scouts Road Central City, IA 52214 (319) 438-1837

The Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation, run by the Hawkeye Area Boy Scout Council, is comprised of two camps. The first camp, Camp Waubeek, was opened in 1931 thanks to a donation of $1,000 from Howard H. Cherry, and the efforts of American Legion Post #5. This camp was originally only 18 acres, but in 1957, Cherry donated an additional $14,000 to purchase another 125 acres. Finally, in 1965, Cherry donated an additional $25,000 to purchase an adjoining 265 acres to open a second camp, Camp Wakonda. Camp Waukonda contains a COPE course, and is the operating summer camp of HHCSR. Summer camp is in session for 4 weeks from mid-June to mid-July, but youth groups can reserve campsites in the off-season. Directions from Council: Go West on Ogden Ave. to I-294 Take I-294 North to I-88W Continue on I-88W for 103 miles to Exit 36 Take Exit 36 and take US-30 W for 44 miles Take Exit 312A to Merge onto US-61 N After 20 miles, take Exit 158 to IA-64 Continue on IA-64 for about 30 miles, then turn left on Main St/CR-E28 After about 1 mile, turn right onto Cherry St/CR-E28 After 8 miles, continue straight to go onto Prairieburg Rd/CR-X20 After another mile, turn left onto Maxwell Rd After 1 mile, turn right onto Boy Scouts Rd. Go 1 mile, camp is on your right. Miles from Council: 220 (4 hrs) Camping Availability: Camp Wakonda is an operating summer camp for 4 weeks each summer, but other weeks are available for campsite or activity reservation. Many other groups come to this camp, including a Children’s Hospital group and corporate groups to experience the high and low COPE courses. Activities Inside the Camp: As a functioning Boy Scout Camp, HHCSR has a plethora of activities for scouts of all ages. Amenities include an in-ground swimming pool, high and low COPE courses, dining hall, cabins, climbing wall, bouldering wall, and much, much more. The COPE course at HHCSR is one of its most well known attractions. The course consists first of low course activities designed on building teamwork and cooperation in a noncompetitive manner. Upon graduating the low course, individuals advance to the high COPE course, designed to enhance the

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individual, especially in the areas of self-confidence and self-actualization.

Interesting fact about the camp: The Allin B. Dakin Dining Hall is named after the Administrative Dean of the University of Iowa. He was also the first scout to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in the state of Iowa. Must do before you Leave: Experience the COPE course! The course takes place on specially designed and built structures, including the Burma Bridge, Balance Beam, Two Wire Traverse, Multi Line, Skywalk, HeeBee GeeBee, Vertical Playground, Cargo Net, Centipede, Giant’s Ladder, Rappelling Wall, Confidence Pole, and a 300 ft zip line! Comments/Reviews:

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CAMP SHAW-WAW-NAS-SEE 6641 N 6000W Rd. Manteno, IL 60950-3428 (815) 933-3011

Camp Shaw-waw-nas-see, more affectionately known as Camp Shaw, is primarily a 4-H camp and accredited by the American Camping Association. When summer camp is not in session, scouts and scouters can rent out campsites or cabins for the weekend. Located right next to Kankakee, Camp Shaw is a short trip away for a fun and inexpensive weekend. The camp rangers will even let scout troops camp for free if they provide service for the camp (clearing brush, removing invasive species, creek bank improving, etc.) The camp has plenty of activities for scouts of all ages and abilities. Accommodations are made for scouts with disabilities. Recently the camp has acquired a horseback riding program, and is a great place for scouts to work on Horsemanship merit badge. For a small fee, scouts can not only ride horses, but also learn how to groom, train, and feed them. Campsite Availability: 22 rustic cabins are available for rent, each housing 10 scouts. Two heated cabins are also available for rent, accommodated 10 scouts each. There is a bathroom in each of the heated cabins, which are available year-round, when summer camp is not in session.

Directions from Council: Turn right on Brainard, go ½ mile, then turn left onto 47 th Street Proceed ½ mile, then turn right onto La Grange Rd/US-45 Continue south along US-45 for 34 miles, then turn right onto Wilmington Rd/CR-25 Proceed along CR-25 for 5 miles, then turn left onto Tulley Rd/CR-79 After 2 miles, Tulley Rd becomes N 5000W Rd/CR-7 After another 4 miles, turn right onto W 8000N Rd. After 1 mile, turn left onto N 6000W Rd. Camp Shaw is on the left.

Additional Comments: Camp Shaw is a very scout-friendly camp. Many of the camp staff are or were scouts themselves, and enjoy showing their camp to scout units that camp for the summer or the weekend. Free lodging/use of camp grounds for units that provide service to the camp is something that every troop should take advantage of, because it helps the camp, and the helps the boys earn service hourse for rank advancement.

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Activities Inside the Camp: The camp has an in-ground pool, open from June to September, an archer y range, and over 8 miles of hiking trails that link up to the Kankakee State Park trail system. Along these trails you will find waterfalls, fossil beds, rare plants, limestone cliffs, and the gravesite of Potawatomie Chief Shawwaw-nas-see. The camp also offers a low ropes course and a zip line over Rock Creek. It also maintains a butterfly garden, a small working farm and petting zoo, and offers horseback riding. Camp Shaw also provides opportunities for scouts to practice First Aid skills, lashing and pioneering projects, camping skills, fire building, and outdoor cooking. Area Attractions: The grave site of Chief Shaw-waw-naw-see is at nearby Rock Creek, and is commemorated by a boulder along the nature trail. After the Potawatomi ceded all of their land along the Kankakee and Illinois rivers to the United States, most Potawatomie left the area. Chief Shaw-waw-naw-see was granted a land reserve and stayed behind. When he died in 1834, he was interred in a seated position above ground near Rock Creek, his pipe, tobacco, knife, rifle, tomahawk, and other artifacts entombed with him. In 1838, the chief was buried, and a large boulder bearing his name and the date the Potawatomie departed was left at the burial site. Kankakee River State Park is also nearby, and is a great place for river activities. The river is dotted with outfitters for canoes, kayaks, and even paddleboats (or you can bring your own). Fishing along the Kankakee River is fun, and in fact the state record walleye, a 14-pounder, was taken from the river in 1961. The river contains populations of smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, clack and white crappie, channel catfish, northern pike, bluegill and walleye. Must Do Before You Leave: Try your hand at some horseback riding at the Camp Shaw stables. The horses are well trained, and the fee is minimal. Cost is around $30 for Horsemanship merit badge. Interesting Fact About the Camp: Camp Shaw has the distinction of having one of every type of conifer that grows naturally in Illinois planted on its property. Comments/Reviews:

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CAMP MACH-KIN-O-SIEW W11925 Outlet Drive Elcho, WI 54428 (715) 275-3580

More affectionately known as Camp Mach, this camp is a pristine wilderness formed when glaciers drove south across Wisconsin. Scouts can marvel at the beautiful forests and glacial lakes, as well as the acres of bog that make up Camp Mach-Kin-O-Siew. The camp boasts over 500 acres of natural beauty, and contains 13 campsites and 8 program areas. Summer camp is in session for two weeks: usually the last week in July and the first week in August. At Camp Mach-Kin-O-Siew, scouts will cook their meals in their campsites after picking their food up from the commissary. There is no dining hall. During the day, scouts can take a variety of merit badges, including Waterskiing on Lake Enterprise, or take part in other activities like Call of the Wild, DPVC’s Pioneer themed program for scouts 15 and older. On Tuesday nights, Scouts will assemble out in the Deer Field for the Order of the Arrow Callout ceremony performed by the Pachsegink Lodge ceremonies team. Scouts and Leaders alike will love the beauty of the camp, and the dedication of the top-notch staff. History: Camp Mach-Kin-O-Siew, located just outside Elcho, was once owned by J.L. Kraft, founder of Kraft foods. It is still owned by Kraft family descendents. The Kraft Family once used the land as private hunting ground, and originally called the lake “Lake Machkinosiew”, the namesake of the camp. The fireplace in the Scoutmasters Pit used to be for cooking the day’s hunt, and the Program Building was built around the fireplace after the donation of the land to the Boy Scouts. This BBQ “Pit” is what gives the Scoutmaster’s Pit its name. The land that is now Camp Mach-Kin-O-Siew was taken over by the West Suburban Council in 1954. Kraftwood Estates is now located across the lake, and they occasionally allow visitors from the camp to visit and take a tour. Kraftwood Estates used to be well-known for its luxurious gardens, and hosted tours and dinner parties quite often. Although it is only used as a temporary summer home for the Kraft family now, and not as extravagant as it once was, Kraftwood Estates is still a great place to visit while at camp if you can. Full of rich history, and home of a huge totem pole (you can learn more about the history of the totem pole at the Estates), it’s only a short canoe ride away! Program Areas: WATERFRONT: The beautiful Enterprise Lake is certainly one of the most admired features of the camp. Spanning 500 acres and 27 feet of depth, this crystal beauty has furnished many memories for scouts and scouters over the years. Featured merit badges include Swimming, Lifesaving, Motorboating, Waterskiing, Small Boat Sailing, Rowing, Canoeing, and even specialty merit badges such as Underwater Basketweaving! BSA Snorkeling, BSA Lifeguard, and Instructional Swim are also available, and don’t forget to try out the camp’s very own waterslide! The Swimming area includes a pier and a floating raft at the end of the Swimmer’s area. Enterprise Lake also has an island, owned by Camp Mach-kin-o-siew. It was once possible to boat over to the island for the famous “Island Lunch,” but is now protected as a wildlife sanctuary for nesting loons. The Stairway to Heaven also leads to a tall lookout tower, where you can view the lake from on high.

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SCOUTCRAFT: Further down the path from the Waterfront is the Scoutcraft area. Once located in what is now the “demo” area (where much of the First-year camper program is taught), a new Scoutcraft area was built in 2001, just across the bridge to the firebowl. And by “built”, of course, built with knots, lashings, and timber, the good old fashioned way. Many scouts and staff have helped to make this area a pioneer’s heaven. There are always projects going on, including bridge canopies, monkey bars, and fences surrounding the fire-building pit, axeyard, pioneering area, and wilderness survival area. Featured merit badges include Pioneering, Wilderness Survival, Cooking, Fishing, Camping, Orienteering, and First Aid. The Scoutcraft team also puts out a Knot of the Day, and have occasionally been known to let members join the “boat club”, where candidates must tie a certain knot or knots, and pretend to be a boat. NATURE: What a great area for a great camp! Located in the nature niches on the way to the firebowl, this program area is great to visit for anyone that just wants to “get away from it all”. Featured merit badges include Mammal Study, Reptile and Amphibian Study, Environmental Science, Bird Study, Soil and Water Conservation, Insect Study, Astronomy, Weather, Fish and Wildlife Study, Geology, Forestry, and of course, Nature. If you feel like learning more about the environment around you, tag along for the edible plant hike. And what better way to enjoy the incredibly clear skies at Camp Mach than by attending the “Pink Floyd under the Stars”, in the Deer Field? HANDICRAFT: How about learning a new type of craft? The Handicraft area can help with that! Located between the Waterfront and the Scoutcraft area, this program area offers merit badges such as Basketry, Wood Carving, and Leatherwork. Bring home a souvenir that YOU created for mom and dad! SHOOTING SPORTS: Walk a half-mile down the path from the waterfront, and you’ll come across Shooting Sports, where every boy loves to be. This program area features Archery, Shotgun, and Rifle merit badges (see photo on left.) Just past the Deerfield, these areas allow boys to shoot rifles at stationary targets, shotguns at clay pigeons, and arrows at haystack targets. They even have an archery adventure course set up, where scouts can follow a course through the woods, and shoot at various objects, such as fake deer, a tire swing, etc. Try to get the high score of the week, and impress your friends with your bulls-eye targets! CLIMBING TOWER: Located in the Deer Field is the camp’s climbing tower. Built to replace the now extinct “Montgomery Tower” (used as a repelling tower until 1999, and then torn down several years later by Pachsegink Lodge), this climbing tower will truly challenge all who attempt to climb it. At the top of this tower is mounted a replica of a human skull, and to truly tame this beast of a climbing wall, scouts must “kiss the skull” at the top before repelling down. There is only one merit badge offered at this Program area, but one is all it needs: Climbing! FIRST YEAR CAMPER (FYC): This program at Camp Mach-kin-o-siew is designed to propel new scouts through rank advancement. Any and all requirements for Tenderfoot through First Class rank that can be completed at camp are included in this program. The FYC program is highly recommended for any scouts that need rank advancement through first class. OUTPOST: This program is basically the opposite of First Year Camper. It is designed for the older scouts who want to do more rugged mountaineering, and are not as concerned with earning tons of merit badges at camp anymore. There are different Outpost activities each day, which include day hikes, forging metal with an iron forge, lunch on the lake (take some canoes out on Big Apple lake for a floating luncheon!), wilderness survival camping (make your own shelter), a visit across the lake to Kraftwood Estates, and much, much more. The program is left flexible for the boys to decide their own Outpost program, which makes it a very interactive and fun program for older scouts.

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Other fun activities at Camp Mach-kin-o-siew: BOG HIKE: One of the most unique features of Camp Mach is its famous bog. The bog is basically floating land, and scouts can take a 30 minute hike through the muck, mire, and mud. It might not sound appealing at first, but it’s a lot of fun. Bring a spare change of clothes you can throw away at the end of the hike, and don’t forget to duct tape your shoes! Many shoes get stuck in the bog and lost forever. Along the hike, you will have the option of tasting fresh bog water, participating in a “bog fight”, and learning the story of “Bog Bill!” TRADING POST: Not surprisingly, this is one of the most visited areas of camp. At the trading post, scouts can stock up on candy, ice cream, soda, and of course, dozens of flavors of slushees. Anything that you forget to bring to camp can be bought at the trading post, including ponchos, toothbrushes, merit badge books, basketweaving kits, shirts, OA merchandise, and much, much more. You can also rent out some paddles and ping pong balls for the ping pong table outside, or horseshoes for the horseshoe pit. CAMP CUP: This event is a multi-event competition between patrols, spanning the course of the week. New challenges are created every year, but the Monster Campsite event is a staple of the competition. For Monster Campsite, scouts must create a theme for their campsite, and decorate their campsite accordingly. Points are awarded for creativity, effort, and of course, proper use of knots and lashings. CHAPEL SERVICE: The camp’s chapel, located behind the gilwell flagpole and FYC demo area, is available for religious services. A scout is reverent, and both non-denominational and denominational services are given on Fridays. What better place to enjoy the works of our creator than in the beautiful splendour of Camp Mach-kin-o-siew! CALL OF THE WILD: On Thursday night, scouts can hike to the back of camp and spend an evening in the wilderness. This is a “bare essentials” night of camping, and scouts interested in the pioneers will find this experience fun and memorable. TIOSPAYE NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE: On Thursday night, scouts interested in Indian lore will enjoy this event. Held in the Deer Field, scouts will gather around a tepee and hear Native American tales and learn such crafts as beadwork and leatherwork. ORDER OF THE ARROW: Tuesday night is the Order of the Arrow callout. Candidates will then spend the day in cheerful service the next day, and will be inducted into the Order of the Arrow on Wednesday night, upon completion of their Ordeal. Any merit badge classes missed by candidates can usually be made up on Friday. Brotherhood conversion is now also offered at camp, and the Brotherhood ceremony for those wishing to convert will be held on Wednesday night. ADULT TRAINING: Camp Mach offers several different training classes for adults, including Climb on Safely, Trek Safely, Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defence, and Leave No Trace. CAMPFIRE PROGRAM: On Sunday night, scouts will gather in the campfire bowl for a series of songs and skits performed by Camp Mach’s phenomenal staff. On Friday night, the troops will perform for the rest of camp, and awards will be presented.

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Area Attractions: Although there is really no reason to ever want to leave Camp Mach, sometimes it is necessary to leave camp for a fun afternoon of activities. One popular activity is white-water rafting. Shotgun Eddie’s is about a 45 minute drive from camp, and offers a more peaceful raft ride, with a few rapids. For a more high adventure rafting trip, try driving about 90 minutes to Kosir’s Rapid Rafts, in Silver Lake. It’s a further drive, but the rapids are big. The river is controlled by a dam, so you can enjoy some big rapids even when there hasn’t been much rain. Rhinelander is the nearest city to Elcho, but if you just need to pick up supplies, the town of Elcho should do just fine. Rhinelander is about a 40 minute drive from camp.

Directions from Council: Go West on Ogden Ave. to I-294 Take I-294 North to I-94W Take exit 316 to merge onto I-894 W Continue onto US 45 N for 20 miles Take US-41 all the way to Oshkosh Just past Oshkosh, turn onto US-45 N US-45N will join up with Rt. 47, and take it all the way to Elcho Make a left at Enterprise Lake Rd (just past the school) Stay to the right (on Enterprise Lake Rd) when the road splits When the road splits again, stay to the right again, to take Indian Hills Dr Make a left on Outlet Dr, and take it all the way into camp. Miles from Council: 330 (5 hrs, 45 min) Logistics: Check-in to arrive at summer camp begins at 1PM on Sunday, and runs through Saturday. Troops must check out by 10:00 AM on Saturday. 2010 adult summer camp fee is $210, youth summer camp fee is $280, not counting any early bird specials. Off-season Camping: If you would like to reserve at campsite at camp Mach-kin-o-siew for weekends other than summer camp, please contact the council office at (708) 354-1111, or you can stop by the office to pick up registration forms for the council camps. Camp Mach is a great place to spend a long 3-day weekend, and also a great place for cross-country skiing in the winter. Comments/Reviews:

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