The Outdoors
Are Calling...

Dunlap students earn third place in a regional First Aid Competition.  

From broken bones to bruises, Scouts are prepared to help.  Read more, here.

hank you to our local heroes at the Peoria IL Fire Department.

Last night, firefighters from Station 20 stopped by to discuss first aid equipment, personal safety, and why they chose to become first responders.

We are incredibly grateful all that they do to keep our community safe.

Luckily, they mentioned popcorn as a favorite snack just before two scouts presented the station with a box of goodies from our Scout Council to say thanks as part of the Heroes and Helpers program.

As Dunlap's first all-girl Troop, we are proud to be part of long legacy of excellence. After three years of hard work, it won't be long until we have our first class of Eagle Scouts this year.  We are incredibly proud and grateful to be part of a program shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

To celebrate Scouting America's birthday and 115 years of scouting, our Troop headed to the Peoria Rivermen Hockey game.  It was an action-packed night that included a KO in the first 3 minutes!

Thank you to all the scouts who came to worship today and celebrated Scout Sunday.  

If you missed it, check out the live stream!

Scouts had a great time learning new skills at the Merit Badge University. What a fabulous event!

Even our leaders are learning new skills thanks to the adult CPR offering!

Great job scouts from Troops 888 and 88 today at the unveiling of our new council sign! 

We are proud to be part of an organization that is preparing youth for the world of tomorrow.

We came, conquered, and left it better than we found it.  

Want to hear and see more about our awesome adventure? Click here!

Scouts and their families had a great time hitting the ice and working on their skating merit badge.  A big shout out to Mr. Kravetz and Becca for lending your expertise!

In November, Troop had the opportunity to dive into adventure and get a behind-the-scenes look at USS Cobia, sound the alarm, learn about life on a submarine, and sleep on the World War II-era vessel!

Want to hear and see more about our awesome adventure? Click here!

The Signs, Signals, and Codes merit badge covers several nonverbal communication methods: emergency signaling, Morse code, American Sign Language, braille, trail signs, sports officiating hand signals, traffic signs, secret codes, and more.

Using the resources from the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, scouts were able to send and receive messages in various ways. 

With all the excitement around the Presidential election, scouts thought it would be a great time to explore what citizenship really means.   Merit badge sessions were offered in November including Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the Community, and Citizenship in the World.  

In addition, Peoria City Manager, Patrick Urich, was kind enough to stop by and give us some insight into the role of a non-elected public official.  Scouts learned about how the city manages its services and importance of following local politics.

When the days get shorter and the nights get colder, it means one thing:  Time for our Annual Spooky First Aid Walk.  

This year scouts practiced first aid care for burns, smoke inhalation, broken bones, vehicular injuries, and much more.  

By practicing these skills in different scenarios, scouts become prepared for whatever challenges they may face.

A camping tradition for our Troops. 

Red Rock is a hidden gem just outside our town and the private property of Mr. A who continues to dedicate his time to the advancement of Scouting.  

The acres of wilderness allow for some unique camping experience that can't be done elsewhere.  Scouts enjoyed both Pioneering and Wilderness Survival training.

In October, we learned about how being prepared and aware of possible hazards and dangerous scenarios makes us less likely to become accidentally hurt or become a victim of crime.  To see what we learned, click here.

With our Scouts in so many different activities at school, the girls chose to meet after marching with their respective groups in the parade to clean up the route and make the community shine for homecoming.  

Thanks to the volunteers at Northminster Presbyterian Church, Peoria IL for helping us get some cool safety vests!

Great work, ladies!

Congratulations to our two newest Arrowmen! 

Both girls successfully completed their Ordeal and have learned what it means to live a life of cheerful service.  

A big shoutout to Becca who took the next step in her OA journey and became a member of the Brotherhood! 

Onward and upward!

From a misty morning fog to a beautiful autumn afternoon.  Scouts taking 5-mile and 10-mile hiking challenges today and learning about cooking. 

Percy also continues to follow us everywhere we go. 

Also, a tip for any new Scouting volunteers. Looking to make new friends?  If you brew it, they will come. Thanks, Mrs. Larson!

And just like that, this year is off to a great start! 

August included an Olympic-themed kickoff meeting by the Boy's Troop and an amazing Popcorn kickoff led by scouts from both troops and our amazing Popcorn Kernel, Mrs. Emily!

September plans include fitness tests, situational awareness training, and starting the hiking merit badge for many.  Stop by and join us!

The girls had a fabulous time on our first campout for the school year.  Camping at Wildlife Prairie Park is always exciting!  The sounds and sights can't be experienced elsewhere in central Illinois.

We loved hearing the bison and the elk.   The TTP patrol was quick to mention that this is not the first time they have camped next to bears, however, thanks to our trip to the Smokey's.  

A special thanks to Gene N. Olson for showing us the ins and outs of fishing.  The girls enjoyed a full day of fishing at Deep Lake and several completed the Fishing Merit Badge.  

The evening was rounded out with 42 scouts learning to batter and fry fish.  It was delicious and even Scoutmaster Hartman was proud to go home and show off her new skill to her family.

Congratulations to our Senior Patrol Leader, Ella, for being the first in our Troop to complete the National Youth Leadership Training program this summer!

This honor is reserved for those Scouts who have shown leadership potential among their peers.  

NYLT is an exciting, six-day course combining outdoor adventure and classroom instruction. 

It offers experiences and tools to transform participants while enhancing and expanding the leadership skills they have already shown.

We have already seen the benefits in our Troop as you have taught us new ways to lead and learn.  Great job!

Summer Camp with our Troop is all about having fun with friends while achieving goals.  It is always a highlight as a leader to see how much each girl grows over the week.  We always leave a better person than when we started.

Read about all the fun, bloopers, and lessons on our blog.

We had a great time at the Hartman campfire.  

Not even a little rain could stop the fun… both indoor and outdoor games, hot dogs, and s’mores.   

The “red sky at night” was definitely a delight.  

Best of all was catching up with our families and their summer adventures.

Scouts from Troops 88 and 888 assisted our local Hy-Vee store by respectfully folding and finding new homes for the 30 flags used in their annual 4th of July celebrations.  Everyone had the opportunity to learn more about important topics such as: 

• What is a POW or MIA?

• How do we recognize them on war memorials?

• What happens when remains are identified?

• How do we fold the flags of military branches?

As always, it was a great opportunity to remember that our freedom comes with the sacrifices of those that defend and protect it. Great lessons for all.  

Congratulations all our Scouts who advanced and earned merit badges.  Well done!  

Star -  Ella and Victoria
Second Class - Isabel

Tenderfoot - Claire and Hannah

Scout - Jane and Lanora

ILST complete and we have a solid group of Scouts ready to lead the Troop next year! 

Everyone left feeling empowered to achieve their vision for success and able to work more cohesively as a team.  

Mission accomplished!

We had an amazing time at Great Oaks in Lacon working together to traverse the tree canopy!

Through teamwork, encouragement, and loads of Scout Spirit, the ladies learned that they can achieve great heights. 

Also in April, our adult leaders took a weekend out for some skill sharpening.   

More than 25 area leaders gathering in Morton to learn more about outdoor leadership skills. 

Look... they are playing our favorite game!

Thanks to Mr. Staggs and Mrs. Hartman for spending your weekend to become fully trained! 

Every Scout deserves a trained leader!

In April, Troop 888 co-hosted the Council Camporee.  It was a fun Zombie themed weekend that tested the Scouts knowledge of fire-making, navigation, first aid, shooting sports, and Scout Spirit. 

The older patrol led the stations and the younger patrol through the competition. 

We might have to keep an eye on that Ingerwater this summer at camp, however.  Can't take any chances on a resurgence!  

Learning so much about Illinois wetlands and migratory fowl thanks to our awesome specialist, Elizabeth Navas.  

Scouts had a chance to see a real Bald Eagle and decided to see what our Troop mascot looked liked in a real Eagle’s nest.  

Oh, and in case you haven’t met him…

Here is Percy.   Short for Perseverance.  Short for Sir Perseverance Ogle the Eagle of Gettysburg.

With school out for President's Day, the Troop gathered at our local ice rink for some fun and instruction from our very own skating experts.  

Thank you to Mr. Kravetz, Becca, and Mrs. Rowan for showing us the ins and outs ice skating.   The ladies had a great time and look forwrd to going again!

In February, the girls participated in their first First Aid rally! It was an exciting learning opportunity.    Skills were practiced under time constraints. 

Some of the "victims" looks so real it was a little disturbing... which was exactly why the did it.  Great job to the all those who organized and volunteered to put on such an amazing event!

Congratulations all our Scouts who advanced and earned merit badges.  Well done!  

Life - Becca

First Class -  Ella and Victoria

Tenderfoot - 

Abby, Emma, and Isabel

Scout - Hannah

Troop 888 had a fabulous time at the Klondike Derby this weekend.  We pitched our tents in the snowy (and muddy) central Illinois tundra and stayed warm using everything we learned. 

The ladies sharpened their skills in many areas including First Aid, Navigation, Lashings, Cooking, and so much more. 

A big shout out to our buddies in Troop 57 Eureka.  They showed such tremendous Scout Spirit that even our adult leaders left the event ready to be better Scouters!

Our first meeting in December each year is held aside to shop for our local giving tree.  The girls chose two tags this year, each describing the needs/ wants of a child their age for Christmas.   Each Scout contributed $10 of their own money and Scoutmaster Hartman matched the donations.  

It is always a great learning opportunity to watch the Scouts put themselves into the shoes of a less fortunate child and take the time to understand what their life might be like. 

The ladies also prepared speeches and held elections for Troop positions.   Congratulations to our new Senior Patrol Leader, Victoria!

The ladies took time to appreciate all the friendships they have made due to Scouting during the 2nd Annual Friendsgiving celebration.  A buffet of treats and some team building games helped strengthen their bonds even further.

We had a a great time with around 700 of our closest friends in scouting today! 

A special bonus was seeing nearly all our troop from Jambo!

Check out our detailed blog!

September was about Personal Fitness and Popcorn.   The girls performed their annual fitness tests and made goals on how to be more healthy.

A welcomed addition this year, Mrs. Emily as our Popcorn Kernel!  She has helped us organize popcorn sorting,  show 'n sells, wagon sales, and you name it sales.  Our popcorn number are astounding compared to last year!

We had a wonderful time this morning at the ministry fair for our Charter Organization.  

Thank you, Northminster Presbyterian Church, Peoria IL for continuing to invest in the Scouting program.  You are changing lives one Scout at a time.

Epic memories made! The rafting course was extremely fun and the troop learned a ton on this outing.  Scouts spoke with experts about the creation of the waterway, how the rapids are created, and even were able to watch the dam being opened and see for themselves how the flow rate changed the water surface quickly. They also had some safety lessons from the lifeguard and even practiced throwing a lifesaving line.

Scouts that hustled were able to traverse the coure up to 11 times! By the end, Scouts were able to navigate the rapids backwards! 

Special thanks to Mr. Kravetz for his extensive efforts in making this happen. His passion for kayaking made this event what it was.

What's better than waking up to a new adventure every day?  Doing it with 14,000 of your closet friends!  Five members of our troop joined our council's contingent for an epic 10 day journey that will never be forgotten.    

Highlights including zip lining, whitewater rafting, leadership training, and the cutest little bear cubs in the world. 

Check out our detailed blog!

What  a difference a year makes! 

This year our troop filled our own campsite!  Not only did the ladies do a fabulous job keeping their site clean, they exhibited overall Scout Spirit worthy of the highest honors:  The Baden Powell Award.   Way to to go, ladies!

Challenge accepted…mission complete!

In March, the girls spent the weekend exploring more than 300 tunnels and passageways and camped 130 feet underground at Wisconsin’s largest onyx cave.   It was a great trip and highly recommend for other troops.  

There was no shortage of things to do and the girls chose to do an orienteering course, search for some hidden items in the caves, and even won the golden nugget challenge (with a grand total of 1 - sometimes you just need to have the courage to stand up).

Troop 888 has been busy learning the ins and outs of their scout handbook this spring.  Whether its a deep dive into lashings and pioneer structures or First Aid requirements with our own Dr. Aulakh, the girls have challenged themselves to learn and do their best in so many new areas.

Over the past few years, there have been loads of female BSA troops formed in our region.   In April, the scouts gathered at Ingersoll to get to know other girls in the region.   It was a fun, but cold weekend.  Shooting sports, patrol cooking contests, and even some fun at the lakefront.  It's great to know you are part of a larger group and that by just being a scout - you belong!

We are grateful for the amazing leaders and experts who help guide our troops. 

In February, Mr. Olson and Mr. Kravetz taught the troop some basics about packing, staying dry, and the watercraft used for the Cache Lake, Canada adventure this summer.

In February, the scouts learned how to be better teachers and students.   The skills we cover in scouting aren't meant to be quickly forgotten. 

Using the EDGE method helps deliver a deep understanding of the information we cover while enabling the girls to practice leadership skills.

Troop 888 is excited to welcome the next class of scouts into our troop.  Thank you to Pack 3245 for allowing us to speak at your Blue and Gold this month.   It was a fun event with some amazing food and great people.  

We look forward to seeing the scouts soon at an upcoming meeting.

Just before the holidays, the girls had the opportunity to serve alongside our sponsor organization by shopping for a child on the Angel Tree.  Each scout brought money to pool together and shop for clothing/presents for a local girl their age. 

It was heartwarming to watch the high level of care and thought used when choosing the gifts.  

Final pic includes donations from the church.

The December Lock-In was a blast!

The girls stayed up super late, slept under a fort of mats (on a trampoline - their choice), watched movies, danced, and wore the springs out of the the place jumping around. 

In February,  Troop 888 celebrated its winter Court of Honor. 

Congratulations to all the girls who earned new rank!

In September, the troop packed up and headed to Wisconsin for an epic day at the perfect crag.  

The scouts learned new rock climbing and rappelling skills while honing their leadership capes and teamwork.

In October, our entire troop was able to join troops from our area for a record-breaking campout at Ingersoll Scout Reservation. 

The girls practiced orienteering, archery, and rifle shooting.  Even more fun, we joined up with other girl troops for some songs and to make new friends.

In November, we camped at the amazing RMS lodge at Ingersoll. 

The girls bunked together and participated in a Brown Sea Island round robin learning knife skills, knot-tying, fire-building, and camp cooking.

In June, the girls spent the week at Ingersoll Scout Reservation for their first week of BSA Scout Camp.

Highlights included merit badge clinics, open waterfront times, OA callout, climbing wall, root beer in a bottle and so much more.  Best of all, the staffers.  Memories were made and skills were gained.  

In July, the girls attended the Merit Badge Clinic at Camp Wokanda.

They learned about insects, took home butterfly cages and caterpillars that hatched into painted lady butterflies.   

In August, we visited Dresden Nuclear Power Plant.

Scouts worked with nuclear engineers to perform tests, learn about nuclear energy and its applications, and explore career paths.

The girls had fun tonight meeting with Troop 88. 

Older scouts scouts did a great job teaching knots and knife skills.

The Tricky Trash Panda patrol worked hard on finishing their requirements for scout rank.

Troop 888 participated in their first Crossing Over ceremony this May.  It was an exciting evening as we welcomed two girls to the troop.