I have added our updated camp schedule/plan (10/10/2024). Pere Marquette State Park – October 11-13, 2024 – Schedule.pdf If you would like to correct or add anything, please let Jeff or DJ know.

We will be camping at the Duncan Hill Site at Pere Marquette State Park! Here is the exact location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nNg5ovr15sECyZzD6

We will be hiking on their many trails in addition to fishing opportunities. At 10AM on Saturday, we will split into two groups. One group will go with Interpreter Lester on a special off trail hike and teach tree identification. The other group will be fishing at the visitor center. Please bring a sack lunch. After lunch, the two groups will rotate. The visitor center is available with indoor bees, and eagle’s nest replica, and many other education opportunities. In addition to our normal uniform to arrive and depart camp, please plan on wearing your uniform during the time at the visitor center to represent Trail Life.

Cost is $6/person. Click here to pay: https://trail-life-troop-il-1320.square.site/produ…

We are in campsites 2 and 5 on Duncan Hill, ideally all in Group Camp 5, but 2 is available for extra room.

Edgemont Bible Church is hosting a non-Trail Life campout at our location. This is an opportunity for Trailmen to earn service hours by helping plan and run different events (i.e. campfire, setting up tents, etc.)

This will be a shorter hike-in to introduce new Navigators and Adventurers to hiking. Our main goal is to get new Navigators on the trail and build confidence in their capabilities.

Friday, we will be parking at the Secret Canyon Loop Trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NF7JoqgXn12Ydc5D6

An exact time to depart will be determined based on the youth/leader availability, but in general we would like to leave in the early afternoon to allow travel time and time to hike into the location.

On Saturday, the Navigators will explore the Secret Canyon Loop , Illinois – 112 Reviews, Map | AllTrails (although, based on their skill level and enthusiasm, we may not complete that entire loop.)

The Adventurers plan on hiking the Owl Bluff Loop Trail, Illinois – 82 Reviews, Map | AllTrails

We will pack up camp and head home on Sunday. The goal is to reach Edgemont before noon. We will text out updates when we return to cell service.

For boys/leaders who have never backpacked before, here is a complete equipment list: Backpacking Equipment List.pdf (you must be logged into Trail Life Connect to see documents)

If you have questions about gear or need to supplement, please reach out to Jeff Pitts or DJ Morin. No Trailman should miss out due to lack of gear.

Navigators are expected to bring their pack with everything except food to the meeting on October 28, 2024.

These shorter backpacking trips are what will prepare Trailmen for High Adventures and open opportunities to them.

(Bonus: The River Trail Society has free maps of the River to River trail, which includes Lusk Creek Wilderness. You can get them for the Avenza App here: Trail Information – The River to River Trail)