Tall Grass District

Welcome

The Tall Grass District serves the Southwestern Illinois communities of Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Westmont, Darien, Burr Ridge, and Lemont. From camping  in the below freezing elements with 200 of your closet friends to diving off a pier at Sea Base in Florida Tall Grass runs the gambit of adventure. We are also known for service in the community were in over the last 8 years our members have donated nearly 150,000 hours of community service hours helping to keep our neighborhoods' strong.

The Pathway to Adventure Council includes Units from Chicago, Southwestern and Southern Suburbs, and Parts of Northwest Indiana.

The West Area includes Units from Arrowhead, Tall Grass,  Twin Lakes and Voyager Trace Districts.

The West Area Service Center Information:

Address: 811 W. Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525
Phone: 312-421-8800 ext. 215 (Front Desk)
Hours of Operation: M - F (8:30 am - 5:00 pm)

The West Area Scout Shop Information:

Address: 811 W. Hillgrove Avenue, La Grange, IL 60525
Phone: 708-352-3144
Hours of operation: M - F (10 am  - 6:00 pm);  Sa (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)



Tall Grass District Contact Information

Even before the coronavirus prompted concern about face-to-face meetings, Scouts have been able to conduct boards of review by video.

View photos of Klondike by clicking on the link below:

Tall Grass Klondike 2020



Check out the Tall Grass District Newsletter:

March 2020:

https://mailchi.mp/ce704affca90/tall-grass-district-newsletter-february-2020

January 2020:
https://mailchi.mp/75a2009d1266/tall-grass-district-newsletter-january-2020







Council Newsletter Coming Directly to You Now!

Keep informed of what is going on, please sign up for the 2 newsletters that are available!
Newsletter Signup

In the space below, you will find stories and photos of events that have occured around the Tall Grass Distict. It's an opportunity to read and see what Scouts and Scouters are doing. If you have a story or an event that you would like to see, on this page, please submit your request to Ray Delcourt. raymond.delcourt@scouting.org

Woodbadge Dinner 2018

2018 Silver Beaver



2018 Blackhawks Pinewood Derby

Scouts in the News:

(June 2016)

Boy Scout, Zachary Fortuna, from Troop 56 - Burr Ridge organizes a toy drive to help children with cancer. He was featured on the WGN News. Follow the link to the story.

Zachary's Story


(March 2016)

Eagle Scout Zachary Busch, Life Scout John Cagney and their friends were featured recently on WGN news with Tom Skilling! They, in association with the Downers Grove North High School Science and Engineering Club, lauched a weather balloon to the edge of space. The follow videos are from an on-board camera showing a unique perspective. Video #1 shows the preparation and launch. Video #2 shows Earth form Stratosphere. Video #3 shows the landing.

Video #1: Weather Balloon Preparation and Launch
Video #2: Earth form the Stratosphere
Video #3: Landing

STEM and Scouting in Action!

Scouting Around the Council 2017

Klondike - 2017









Scouting Around the Council - Archive

5th Annual Troop 101 Pinewood Derby Cut Out Event: St. John Lutheran Church in Darien - January 24, 2016

by Mark Greg

The room is noisy. 

The air is filled with saw dust. 

Parents are feverishly moving from station to station with determination. 
Is it a woodworking event at a big box home improvement store? 

No, it's the 5^th Annual Pinewood Derby Cut Out event that took place in the basement St. John Lutheran Church in Darien on Sunday, January 24 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. 
This year, over 75 people form over a dozen Cub Scout Packs. Twenty Cub Scouts and parents arrived by 11:00 am. 

We [had] the following stations:

• three design tables staffed by Boy Scouts and adult leaders to assist with car design

• 3 scroll saws

• 3 drill presses

• 3 band saws

• 3 bench top sanders

• moto tools and drills

• three digital scales with weights

Our Goals

Why does the Annual Pinewood Derby Cut Out event take place? One tenet of the Scout Oath is "to help other people at all times." 

As a one-time Cub Scout parent and former Cubmaster, I recall the stress of building a Pinewood Derby car for the first time.  I found that I was one of the few individuals in my Pack that had access to hand tools  and bench top power tools.  As a result, I began hosting annual cut out events in my basement to support the Cub Scouts in my Pack.  Similarly, my wife wanted our sons to continue on in Scouting until they earned Eagle Scout rank.  I used the annual Pack Pinewood Derby Cut Out Event as an excuse to buy a bench top power tool each year until I accumulated what I wanted. 

Fulfilling Societal Needs

Moving on to Boy Scouts, I encountered many of our Webelos II's bridging into Boy Scouts were coming from single parent homes where Mom (or Dad) did not have access to hand tools, power tools, or the skills required to build a car. 

Similarly as the makeup of the community changes, many foreign-born parents do not have previous experience with Cub Scouts in the country they grew up in.  They wish their sons (and daughters) to assimilate into American culture, in part through Scouting.  In many cases, they do not have prior experience building a Pinewood car, using hand tools, or operating bench top power tools. 

To help take the pressure off, we strive to have each car leave the event weighing between 4.90 and 4.95 ounces.  That leaves enough weight for glue and paint and not be over the limit of 5.0 ounces.  Their car or cars are completed for the most part - only painting, decorating, and installing the wheels remains. 

Many of our parents are return customers - I usually start receiving emails in September asking if Troop 101 will be holding the event again. 

Mentoring

The Cub Scout fathers are the future Boy Scout fathers who will hopefully be running Pinewood Derby Cut Out events themselves one day. Troop 101 Scouts work with Cub Scouts and their parents at one of three design tables to assist with moving from idea to marking the block of wood for cutout. The more senior Boy Scout leaders are there to mentor the up and coming Cub Scout and newer Boy Scout Assistant Scoutmasters.   

We also want to have the fathers and mothers learn how to use hand tools and power tools properly and safely.  Each participant must wear eye and ear protection.  With instruction and supervision, those parents will learn how to properly use hand and power tools.  They will develop the skills and self-confidence to say, Wow, I did it!"

Our event also serves as a recruiting technique to encourage Cub Scouts (and their parents) to continue on into Boy Scouts and possibly recruit Cub Scouts into joining Troop 101.

Finally, as a member and church leader, I want the Darien and surrounding suburbs to know that St. John Lutheran Church is actively engaged in our community. 

Lastly, it fun!  There is a certain camaraderie among Scout leaders and parents.  Many of these individuals I've known for over 15 years. The event was a great success thanks to many Boy Scout and St. John church member volunteers. 

Troop 101’s Scoutmaster is Mr. Mike Spicuzza. He may be reached at mjspicuzza@gmail.com or (630) 849-8241.

Please join us in our next major event, our 43rd Annual Pancake Breakfast at Eisenhower Junior High School (1410 West 75th Street Darien, IL) on Sunday March 8, 2016 from 8am to 1pm.

Tickets will be available at the door for 6$.  All cub scouts wearing their uniform are free.   

KLONDIKE - 2016

This year's Klondike was held at Camp Oh-Da-Ko-Ta, January 29th and 30th.

"We had a Fantastic Klondike!  The weather was JUST cold enough and the boys and parents where AWESOME!" - Ray Delcourt


 

 Resources shared in recent Roundtable discussions.  Click on the links below:

November Roundtable:  Den Leader Tips and Tricks (Virtual Program resources)

December Roundtable:  Pinewood Derby (Virtual vs. Hybrid and technology)

Virtual Pinewood Derby - Tech

Pinewood Derby Planning and "Extras"

Resources shared by everyone in the chat:

• speedtest.net
• https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/(software camera switching)
• For record and show events, HandBrake can help bring file sizes down to usable sizes. 
• Vimeo does not have file size limits

Tall Grass Roundtable: 

Our Roundtable Commissioners welcome your input on possible sessions and topics to be covered.

All Scouting Adults are welcome to attend--parents and registered leaders alike.
Come find out more about our district, it's happenings, and meet other Scouters!
You never know what you might learn--or help someone else with.

Contact:

Boy Scout Roundtable Commissioner

Karen Schneider
bluethread@yahoo.com

Cub Scout Roundtable Commissioner

Brian Chiko
russkie_rider@sbcglobal.net

Training Awards for Adults Leaders

National Youth Leadership 2019

Proceedure for Online Training

If you are a new registered adult, be sure to take your YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING NOW!!

For more infomation go to:   Youth Protection Training

Wood Badge

Youth

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

• Safety Afloat – needed when outings may include watercraft; renew every two years
• Safe Swim Defense – needed when there may be swimming activities, man made or natural areas; renew every two years
• Climb on Safely – needed when climbing will be part of the outing activities
• Program Safety / Drive Safely – how to be a better defensive driver, recognizing hazards and preventing collisions.
• Baloo Prerequisite Training – Health and Safety Considerations; Cub Scout packs MUST have a BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) trained leader on site for any overnight activity.  This is the prerequisite to the in person training.

Youth Protection Training – Y01 (available only on-line at my.scouting.org)

True youth protection can be achieved only through the focused commitment of everyone in Scouting. It is the mission of Youth Protection volunteers and profe

sionals to work within the Boy Scouts of America to maintain a culture of Youth Protection awareness and safety at the national, regional, area, council, district, and unit levels.
Youth Protection Training is required for all BSA registered volunteers.
Youth Protection Training must be taken annually.
If a volunteer’s Youth Protection Training record is not current at the time of re-charter, the volunteer will not be re-registered.
Volunteers with expired YPT will not be allowed to participate in BSA activities until their Youth Protection Training has been updated.
 
Cub Scout Leader Training

Den Leader & Assistant Position Specific Training – C42 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)
This course provides Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelos Den Leaders and Assistants with the information and tools they need to run a successful den meeting.



Cubmaster & Assistant Position Specific Training – C40 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)
This course provides Cubmasters and Assistants with the information and tools they need to successfully lead a Cub Scout Pack.

3/24 Downers Grove; 4/7 Arlington Heights Area, 9/22 Calumet Area; 10/24 Chicago Area; 11/3 Arlington Heights Area; 11/10 La Grange Area; 12/1 Calumet Area.

Pack Committee Member Position Specific Training – C62 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) The purpose of this course is to familiarize pack committee chairs and committee members with the various responsibilities of the individual members of the committee as well as the committee as a whole.


Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO) – C32
This overnight Cub Scout leader training is required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters. This course also replaces the previous OWLS Course.





Boy Scout Leader Training

Scoutmaster & Assistant Position Specific Training – C42 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)  Scoutmaster & Assistant Specific Training provides Scoutmasters and Assistants with the basic information and tools they need to lead successful Boy Scout troops. This course along with Introduction to Outdoor Leaders Skills is required training for all Scoutmasters and Asst Scoutmasters to be considered trained for their position.


Introduction to Outdoor Leader’s Skills (IOLS) – S11
This training introduces the adult Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, or Crew Advisor to the outdoor skills learned by scouts through First Class rank. This includes interactive sessions on cooking, fire building, orienteering, knot tying and much, much more! All Scouters are invited, including Committee members and any other interested adult leaders.



Troop Committee Challenge – WS10 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)
This course provides committee Chairs and members with the tools they need to support a Boy Scout Troop.




Merit Badge Counselor Orientation – D76 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)
This course, required of all Merit Badge Counselors, gives you the confidence and consistency needed to counsel Boy Scouts in Merit Badges.



Venturing Leader Training

V

enturing Leader Specific Training – P21 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org)
This course is intended to provide Venturing Crew Advisors with the basic information they need to help youth leaders manage a crew.



Crew Committee Challenge – WS12 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org.org)
This course will discuss the roles and responsibilities of a Venturing Crew Committee and how to keep positively engaged in the functions of a successful crew.








Supplemental Adult Training

Wood Badge – A90
Wood Badge is advanced leadership training for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing adult leaders at the unit, district, council, and professional levels. It is taught by living the experience of a Boy Scout Troop, utilizing the patrol method, over two weekends.



The Trainer’s Edge - H96
The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. The course uses contemporary training techniques and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, or "learning by doing." Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to “train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media for delivering excellent presentations to groups



Training the Chartered Organization Representative – D72 (also available on-line at my.scouting.org) This course is designed to familiarize the Chartered Organization Representative (COR) with the Scouting program. The presentation will help to orient the new COR’s and serve as a review for those with Scouting experience.



Wilderness First Aid Training – N02
This class meets the requirements for Wilderness First Aid established by Boy Scouts of America




Religious Emblem Counselor / Facilitator



Youth Training

Den Chief Training – C31
The Den Chief is a critical member of the Cub Scout leadership team. To be successful, he must realize the importance of his job. Den Chief Training is intended to build enthusiasm for the position, develop high morals, and teach the skills the Den Chief will need to be successful.



National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) - S78
National Youth Leadership Training is an exciting, action-packed program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops.

Do you have questions about Rechartering, Journey to Excellence, Membership applications or Crisis Documents

Answers can be found at Unit Resources




Online Registration How-To PDF:

Unit-Guidebook-for-Online-Registration-November-2018


Link to Online Registration Information:

https://www.scouting.org/resources/online-registration/

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