River Trails District

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Welcome to the River Trails District
Supplemental Resource Center! 

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The River Trails District, Chicago Area Council, BSA is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing self-reliance, patriotism, teamwork, self-esteem and leadership skills to the Chicagoland youth between the ages 7 to 20. This is all made possible by the outstanding dedication and service of our volunteer leaders.

The River Trails District proudly serves the youth and communities of  Archer Heights; Avondale; Bridgeport; Brighton Park, Cicero Township; Herinosa; Humboldt Park; Logan Square; Lower West Side; McKinley Park; New City; South Lawndale; and West Town since 2001.

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2009 Owasippe Leader Kick-Off Meetings

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Owasippe Scout Reservation
2009 Leader Meetings

All unit leaders planning on attending summer resident camp, Venture camp, Webelos camp, and/or the high adventure base are highly encouraged to attend. Meet the camp directors, hear about the exciting program opportunities at camp and get a jump start on the 2009 camping season

Meeting Dates and Locations:

Tuesday, March 10th 2009
Central Region Office
230 W. Diehl Road, Naperville

Wednesday, March 11th 2009
Five Holy Martyrs
4327 S. Richmond Street, Chicago

All meetings start promptly at 7:15 p.m.

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Lord Baden-Powell University

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Lord Baden-Powell University

 

“Proudly serving Scouters from throughout the Central Region of the Boy Scouts of America for Nineteen Years”

 

 

 

Friday, March 20th – Sunday, March 22nd 2009

 

Salvation Army Wonderland Camp and Conference Center

9241 Camp Lake Road

Camp Lake, WI 53109

 

The purpose of Lord Baden-Powell University of Scouting (LBPU) is to provide introductory, supplemental, and advanced training for all functions related to commissioner service, membership, finance, and program for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturing, Varsity, and Sea Scouting.  Much of the specialization provided only at LBPU is the strength found in our offering this innovative curriculum.  LBPU is there to augment the training programs existing within the local councils.

 

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53rd Annual Potawatomi Hike

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Potawatomi Hike

 

The Order of the Arrow, Michigamea Lodge # 110 of the Calumet Council will be hosting their 53rd Annual Potawatomi Hike on Saturday, March 28th 2009.  The Potawatomi Hike will be held at the Indiana Dunes State Park located in Chesterton, Indiana.

 

The hike is open to all Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers regardless of council affiliation.  Hikers will have their choice of taken a 5, 10 or 20 mile hike on marked trails.  The primary route goes along the lakeshore and then continues on across the dunes and back to the Nature Center.  The hike will take place regardless of the weather.

 

No advance registration is required.  Registration begins at 8 a.m. at the City West Shelter, opposite the large parking areas for the beach and the hike kick-offs at 9 a.m. (You can come later in the day to hike but you must register before 12 p.m.)

 

The cost traditional is $ 4 per person and includes a trail patch.  Parking cost should be in the $ 8 range for out-of-state license plates per vehicle.  The Order of the Arrow, Michigamea Lodge will also have refreshments for purchase at the concession stand.

 

Directions: Take I-94 east, approximately 25 miles past Indiana-Illinois State border to Indiana Route 49 and exit north to the park (about 3 miles)     

 

Camping: There is youth group tent camping available at a RV Campground.  For more information on camping please call (219) 926 – 1952.

 

For more information please contact the Calumet Council Service Center at (800) 513 – 2343 or visit www.calcouncil.org

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Scout Day with the Chicago White Sox

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Scout Day

with the Chicago White Sox

 

 

Chicago White Sox

@

U.S. Cellular Field

 

 

Saturday, April 11th 2009 @ 3:10 PM

vs Minnesota Twins

 

 

The Chicago White Sox baseball team had dedicated this day to the Boy Scouts.  The White Sox are offering specially priced discounted tickets to all Chicago Area Council Scouts and their family and friends.  So, come out and support the defending American League Central Division Champions on their hunt to a World Series title.  All Scouts attending can participate in a pre-game parade on the field and Scout will receive a Chicago White Sox Scout Patch.

 

$ 20.00   Lower Reserved 

 

$ 14.50   Upper Deck Box           

 

CLICK HERE for more information...

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District Pinewood Derby

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River Trails District
District Pinewood Derby

This year's District Pinewood Derby will be racing into history.  This year the Pinewood Derby is no longer just for Cub Scouts.  There as been a new division of competition added for Boy Scouts only, the semi-truck pinewood derby race.    

On your marks, get set, GO! 

Sunday, April 19th 2009

St. Frances of Rome
1431 S. Austin Blvd.
Cicero, IL 60804

All engines are roaring and so are our Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, so let the Pinewood Derby begin!  Pack 3345 and Troop 345 of St. Frances of Rome will host their annual District Pinewood Derby on April 19 2009.  Stay tuned for the application to register will be on-line soon!  Meanwhile, contact Rich Jakubowski at (708) 780-1782.

AND YES...I DID MENTION BOY SCOUTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL RACE TOO!  For more information on what the Boy Scouts can race, go to www.indyproducts.com or call direct at (317) 831 - 1114.  This site will provide you with information on purchasing a Pinewood Derby Semi-Truck Kit!  Let's pedal to the metal and goooooooooooooooooo!

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64th Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage

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Lincoln Pilgrimage

 

The Abraham Lincoln Council will be hosting their 64th Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, April 26th 2009 in Springfield, Illinois.  They will be commemorating Abraham Lincoln’s birth “Two Hundred Years Ago.”  The weekend will include historic sites & hikes, pioneer days, ceremony at Lincoln’s Tomb, parade to the Old State Capital and much more.

 

Flyer: www.alincolnbsa.org/pilgrimage/Pilg%20Flyer%2009.pdf

 

Registration Form: www.alincolnbsa.org/pilgrimage/Pilg%20Regis%2009.pdf     

 

For more information please contact the Abraham Lincoln Council Service Center at (217) 529 – 2727 or visit www.alincolnbsa.org or e-mail AskAbe@Scouting.org

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55th Annual U.S. Grant Pilgrimage

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U.S. Grant Pilgrimage

 

The Blackhawk Area Council will be hosting their 55th Annual U.S. Grant Pilgrimage from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, April 26th 2009 in Galena, Illinois.  The weekend will include historic sites & hikes, special Scout discounts in town, canoe race, bucket brigade, Cub Scout activity area, water balloon launch, historic exhibits and annual parade.

 

Flyer: www.usgrantpilgrimage.org/forms/Pilgrimage_Flyer2009.pdf

 

Registration: www.usgrantpilgrimage.org/forms/Pilgrimage_Reg2009.pdf

 

Camping Info: www.usgrantpilgrimage.org/Camping.htm

 

For more information please contact the Blackhawk Area Council at (815) 397 – 0210 or visit www.blackhawkscouting.org or www.usgrantpilgrimage.org

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Scout Day at the Illinois Railway Museum

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Scout Day

Illinois Railway Museum

 

Scout Day at the Illinois Railway Museum will be held on Saturday, May 16th 2009.  The Illinois Railway Museum is located at 7000 Olson Road in Union, Illinois 60180.   Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers will participate in a day long event, including a flag ceremony, awarding of badges and touring the museum.

 

For more information please contact the Illinois Railway Museum at (800) BIG – RAIL or (815) 923 – 4000 or visit www.irm.org

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Baraboo Circus Heritage Weekend

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Baraboo Circus Heritage

 

 

The Glacier’s Edge Council will be hosting their 23rd Annual Baraboo Circus Heritage Weekend from Friday, May 15th to Sunday, May 17th 2009 in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  The weekend will include admission to the Circus World Museum which features circus performances, camping at the fairgrounds, sideshows, skill competitions, miniature circus wagon competition, leader Dutch oven dessert bake off, Scouting Museum, and a center ring stage show.

 

Registration: www.doubleknot.com/openrosters/DocDownload.asp?id=53112

 

For more information please contact the Glacier’s Edge Council Service Center at (608) 756 – 4669 or visit www.glaciersedge.org    

 

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Asleep with the Fishes at the Shedd Aquarium

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Asleep with the Fishes
Shedd Aquarium
 
 
 
Grab your sleeping bag and pillow and join us for an overnight adventure at the Shedd Aquarium.  Before snuggling into your sleeping bag, immerse yourself in the many aquatic environments through special programs, games and hands-on activities.  In the morning, enjoy a continental breakfast and visit with the fishes once more before your journey comes to an end.
 

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Present the Colors with the Chicago Blackhawks

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The Chicago Blackhawks
proudly presents
Presentation of the Colors Scout Package
 
 
The Chicago Blackhawks season is in full swing and there is a buzz about the team all around Chicago.  Right now, the Blackhawks are offering a limited number of dates as part of a special Presentation of the Colors Scout Package.
 
As part of this package, your group will receive:
 
  • fifty (50) 300-level seats at $ 25.00 each
  • Chicago Blackhawks Scout Patch
  • Troop/Pack name welcomed on video board
  • Up to eight Scouts to present the colors on the ice
 
The entire package is available for only the cost of fifty tickets at $25.00.  Availability is limited to one group for each of the dates reserved.
 
For for information, questions and/or concerns please contact Nick Zombolas at (312) 455 - 7097 or at nzombolas@chicagoblackhawks.com   
 

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Wood Badge for the 21st Century

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Wood Badge
for the
21st Century
 
 
August 8th - 15th 2009
 
Owasippe Scout Reservation
9900 Russell Road
Twin Lakes, MI 
 
The Chicago Area Council is pleased to invite you to become part of Wood Badge histroy by experiencing this once in a liftime adventure!  Wood Badge is known world wide as the premeir training course fpr Scouters, this experience heralds livelong personal development skills.  This training course is for all Scout leaders of all programs and will teach you skills that will help you become a more effective leader and help you to develop hig preformance teams to make your den or pack grow, make your patrol or troop go, and take you Venture Crew to the next peak.  The skills you will learn also transfer to business and life.
 

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National Youth Leadership Training

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National Youth Leadership Training
 
August 9th - 15th 2009
 
Owasippe Scout Reservation
9900 Russell Road
Twin Lakes, MI
 
The National Youth Leadership Training course centers around the conceptes of what leader must be, what he must know, and what he must do.  The key elements are then taught with a clear foucs on how to.  The skills come alive during the week as the patrol goes on a quest for the meaning of leadership. 
 

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Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days

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Northern Illinois Hunting & Fishing Days 

 

 

The Annual Northern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Days will be held from Saturday, September 26th to Sunday, September 27th 2009 at Silver Springs State Park located at 13608 Fox Road in Yorkville, Illinois 60560.  The event will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, rain or shine.

 

Admission is Free!  The event will include hands on activities for all ages, angling and casting demos, canoe rides, fly tying & casting, kids casting area, stocked kids fishing pond, and many seminars.  The event will also feature over 75 vendors, food court, give-a-ways and raffles.  The also will be a Archery and BB Gun range.

 

Flyer: www.huntingandfishingdays.org/2009%20flyer.pdf  

 

For more information please visit www.huntingandfishingdays.org

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Wanted! ... Pop Can Tabs

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The Order of the Arrow, Kittan Chapter is requesting your unit’s help in collecting pop can tabs.  This is a service project that will be on going throughout the 2008-2009 Scouting program year.  The goal is to collect a sizeable amount of pop can tabs that will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House to help off-set cost of special medical treatment for children.  On average, one empty milk jug full of pop can tabs will provide one child 30 minutes of treatment such as chemotherapy for free.    

 

In addition, the tabs from vegetable, soup and/or pet food cans also will be accepted.   

 

Pop can tabs can be dropped off at all O/A Kittan Chapter Meetings or District Roundtable Meetings.  For more information please contact Kittan Chapter Adviser, Daniel C. Stegvilas, Sr. at (773) 247-6533

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Scout Recruitment Drive 

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This is an exciting time in Scouting and we want to share it with as many youth as possible.  It's time to get out there and continue too spread the word.  We should never stop growing as unit and as a district.  Remember, with every new youth comes a possible new leader.  So, please!  RECRUIT, RECRUIT, RECRUIT! 
 
When requesting recruitment fliers for your unit please supply David with the following information:
 
  • Unit number
  • Date needed by
  • How many needed
  • Recruitment Night, time & location
  • Contact person w/phone number
 
If you would like assistance with your unit's recruiting efforts, please feel free to contact District Executive, David Tafur at (312) 421 - 8800 ext. 246 or david@chicagobsa.org 
 
Tips for a successful Scout Recruitment:
  • Do boy talks at schools
  • Have Scouts bring a friend to a meeting
  • Go door to door with fliers
  • Post an article in the local neighborhood newspaper
  • With permission - Do a display at the neighborhood library 
  • With permission - Post posters in the community businesses
  • Have a successful Webelos-to-Scout Transition

So hold a recruitment night open house and showcase your unit and it's history as well as what Scouting is all about.  If your not sure or need help in holding a open house please click on the link below.   

CLICK HERE for more info

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Illinois BSA License Plate

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Sample Eagle Scout License Plate

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EAGLE SCOUT LICENSE PLATE

 

Attention all Eagle Scouts!  Order your very own Eagle Scout License Plate today.  By purchasing a set of Eagle Scout License Plate, you will help support grants to the Boy Scouts of America. Grants will be awarded to the county division in which the plates are sold.  All applicants must provide a copy of his Eagle Scout Certificate or written proof from the local council.  

 

CLICK HERE for more information...

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Commissioner's Needed!

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Unit Commissioner's
 
The River Trails District Commissioner Staff is in need of volunteers to serve as Unit Commissioners. 
 
No experience needed! 
 
Unit Commissioners are a vital part of a unit's (crew, pack, and/or troop) overall success.  Former or current scout leaders make the best volunteers to serve as a Unit Commissioner.  A Unit Commissioner helps his/her assigned unit's during the re-charter process, school night recruitment, unit committee meetings and makes regular visits to the unit to ensure it is providing a quality program. A Unit Commissioner is idealy assigned one to three units, depending on the number of UC's available in the district

Show Scout Spirit, be responsible, have a dedication to help and serve others a must!

Communication and Problem Sloving Skills a plus!  
 
Training will be provided at no cost!

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Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner
 
The district is also seeking help for the Cub Scout Roundtable.  We are currently in need of a Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner.  If you or someone else you know are interested in the position or maybe would just like to help out for a month or two, please let us know ASAP.  No training required but knowledge of the Cub Scouting program is a must.
 
If you are interested in becoming a Unit Commissioner/Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner or would like to learn more, please contact ASAP District Commissioner, James Koziel below. 

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Beacon Award

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Beacon Award
 
A special recognition for units promoting Scouting in their community
 
 
How to Qualify:
 
  • Send in a newspaper clipping of an article or photograph that shows your unit completing an activity that positively displays the Scouting program to the general public.
  • Plan and complete a simple activity that positively displays the Scouting program to the general public, such as:
 
  1. Provide a uniformed color guard for a civic ceremony, such as a parade or other public event
  2. Have your Scouts present a brief annual report to your chartering organization's governing body
  3. Perform a flag rising and/or flag retirement ceremony, or lead the Pladge of Allegiance at a public meeting
  4. Provide service to an outside organization, such as staffing an information booth at a community event or celebration

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P.R.A.Y. - Duty to God

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Purpose:
To learn about and promote religious emblems

Requirements:
Attend or make a presentation on religious emblems
and make a commitment to Duty to God

Eligibility:
Both youth and adults of all faiths

 

CLICK HERE for More Info.

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The Silver Squirrel Award

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UNIT-BASED RECOGNITION FOR 
TROOP, PACK,AND CREW SCOUTERS

Need a way to acknowledge that dedicated but
uncelebrated Scouter?  You know the one! 
The person that's always there when they're
needed?  The one that makes your program
work, but will never be considered for the
District Award of Merit or the Silver Beaver? 

Here's the answer!

CLICK HERE

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Website Disclaimer

THE “RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT WEBSITE” IS NOT AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF EITHER THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA OR CHICAGO AREA COUNCIL. THIS WEBSITE IS NOT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA OR CHICAGO AREA COUNCIL.  THE “RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT” WEBSITE IS PRIVATELY OWNED AND OPERATED.  THE “RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT WEBSITE” ENSURES THAT ANY AND ALL MATERIAL AND RESOURCES PROVIDED ON THE WEBSITE IS TIMELY, RELEVANT, ACCURATE AND EDUCATIONAL TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE DEDICATED SCOUTS AND SCOUTERS OF RIVER TRAILS DISTRICT ABOARD.

 

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Questions, Comments, and/or Suggestions
CLICK HERE

District Calendar

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March 2009

March 2nd 2009 
Casmir Pulaski Day

March 4th 2009
Owasippe Lodge Meeting
Tribune Freedom Center
777 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610  
7:30 p.m.

March 6th 2009
District Commissioner Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall) 
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
6:30 p.m.

March 8th 2009
Daylight Savings Time Begins

 March 9th 2009
District Commitee Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall) 
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
7:30 p.m.
 

March 16th 2009
District Roundtable Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
7:00 p.m.

March 17th 2009
St. Patrick's Day

March 20th 2009
Spring Begins

March 23rd 2009
Kittan Chapter Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall) 
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
7:30 p.m.

 

April 2009

April 1st 2009
April Fool's Day

April 1st 2009
Owasippe Lodge Meeting
Tribune Freedom Center
777 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
7:30 p.m.

April 3rd 2009
District Commissioner Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond St.
Chicago, IL 60632
6:30 p.m.

April 5th 2009
Palm Sunday

April 10th 2009
Good Friday

April 12th 2009
Easter Sunday

April 13th 2009
District Committee Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond St.
Chicago, IL 60632
7:30 p.m.

April 19th 2009
District Pinewood Derby
St. Frances of Rome
1431 S. Austin Blvd.
Cicero, IL 60804
Time - TBA

April 22nd 2009 
Earth Day

April 25th 2009 
Arbor Day

April 27th 2009
District Rondtable Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall) 
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
7:00 p.m. 

 

 May 2009

May 1st 2009
District Commissioner Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond St.
Chicago, IL 60632
6:30 p.m.

May 1st - May 3rd 2009
Owasippe Lodge Spring Fellowship
Rainbow Scout Reservation 
2600 N. Winterbottom Road 
Morris, IL

May 6th 2009
Owasippe Lodge Meeting
Tribune Freedom Center
777 W. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
7:30 p.m.

May 10th 2009
Mother's Day

May 11th 2009
District Committee Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond St.
Chicago, IL 60632
7:30 p.m.

  May 15th - May 17th 2009
District Spring Camp-O-Ree
Camp Sullivan 
147th and Justamere Road
Tinley Park, IL  

May 18th 2009
District Rondtable Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall) 
4327 So. Richmond Street
Chicago, IL 60632
7:00 p.m. 

May 25th 2009 
Memorial Day Observed

May 23rd 2009
Candlelight Bowl
Rolling Lanes
6301 Joliet Road
Countryside, IL 60525
7:30 p.m.

May 22nd - May 25th 2009
OSR Work Weekend
Owasippe Scout Reservation 
9900 Russell Road
Twins Lake, IL

May 25th 2009
Kittan Chapter Meeting
Five Holy Martyrs (parish hall)
4327 So. Richmond Avenue
Chicago, IL 60632
7:30 p.m.

May 31st 2009
Memorial Day

 

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February 12th 2010
4:18 p.m. CT

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IT'S TOTALLY FREE!
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