2023 Pioneer District Camporee
“Paddle the Pec”
Sep 29th -31st
McConnell, Illinois
Help the Pioneer district send the summer of 2023 down the river in style. Join us for the “Paddle the Pec” camporee. This event will give scouts a chance to explore the Pecatonica River and enjoy campsite activities with scouts from all over the Pioneer district. Scouts will be invited to participate in whatever level of challenge they see fit to complete.
Cost: $15 person
Includes Saturday Cookout Dinner and Activity Patch
Registration Closes Sep 15th
- Paddle from 1 to 3 days
- Group Cookout on Saturday Night
- Campfire Program
- Unit Awards
- Dessert Cookoff Contest
Questions contact: Travis Mast (Event Chair) travis@mastwater.com
Matt Ohms Matt.Ohms@scouting.org
*Interested in joining the planning committee contact Travis Mast*
2023 Pioneer District Camporee
“Paddle the Pec”
Sep 29th -31st
McConnell, Illinois
Help the Pioneer district send the summer of 2023 down the river in style. Join us for the “Paddle the Pec” camporee. This event will give scouts of all ages a chance to explore the Pecatonica River and enjoy campsite activities with scouts from all over the Pioneer district. Scouts will be invited to participate in whatever level of challenge they see fit to complete.
Camporee Events
The weekend will be full of activities: (A map is provided in this packet)
Fri Sep 29th: Winslow to McConnell (optional)
Friday. You are invited to paddle the first leg of the journey (Winslow, IL to McConnell, IL). This section of the trip is (approximately 7 river miles) and will be done on your own time. You can put in at Brewsters landing, East of Winslow on W.Winslow Rd, and take out at McConnell Bobtown Landing.
Friday night. Camping will be available Friday night at McConnell Bobtown Landing. You are welcome to arrive Friday night to camp and prepare for Saturday’s trip. All food for Friday night and Saturday Morning will need to be provided by your unit. Bathroom facilities will be available but it is recommended that you bring your own drinking water.
Sat Sep 30th: Winslow to Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead
Saturday Morning: All units who camped the previous night will make breakfast and break camp. Again breakfast will be done on a unit level and not provided. Vehicles should be moved to Jane Addams trail head either Friday night or first thing Saturday morning.
Units arriving Saturday morning should prepare for the days trip and transfer vehicles. All units should plan on being on the river by 8am. There will be no formal departure time so please get your unit on the river as soon as you are ready.
Saturday: Winslow to Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead (approx. 16 river mi).
We encourage all units to “Paddle the Pec” today. Units should be on the river by 9am. Units will need to bring water and snacks with them. Units may also choose to pack their lunch with them or send a vehicle ahead to McNeil’s Damascus Landing (approx.8 river miles) to meet their units for lunch. McNeil’s Damascus Landing will make a convenient spot to stop and enjoy your lunch. After lunch you will continue on to the days final stop at Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead. (approx. 8 river miles)
Saturday Night: Saturday night will be our big event. We encourage all units, even those who choose not to paddle at all, to join us for our Pioneer District cook out. Dinner will be provided by the Pioneer District and prepared by our volunteers. The menu will consist of hot dogs, burgers, chips, veggie and kool aide. Dessert will be done by the units and there will be a dessert contest jugged by qualified professionals. After dinner, the nights activities will be concluded with a campfire program of Skits, Songs and Stories. We encourage all units to have something to share for the campfire program. Unit awards will be awarded at the campfire.
Sunday: Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead to Tuddy’s Landing, Freeport, IL (optional)
Sunday Moring: All units will provide their own breakfast and break camp. There will be a short interfaith service provided to those who wish to attend. Those wishing to paddle on will put in and head to Tuddy’s Landing in Freeport. (approx. 6 river miles) All units will need to be out of camp by 11am.
Registration Information
$15.00 per participant (including adults) registration ends Sep 15th
- Registrations on Double Knott
- Registered participants will receive:
- A colorful patch
- Saturday night dinner
- Camp site(s)
Please Note: There are no refunds of registration fees. Registration fees can be transferred to another youth or adult.
Check-in
Check-in will be at McConnell Fiday night 5:00 pm to 9 pm., or Saturday night at Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Unit Recognition Awards
- Unit paddling the farthest
- Troop with the best unit or patrol flag.
- Best dessert
- Best song
- Best skit
Camping Facilities
Camping Facilities will be provided at McConnell Bobtown landing (Friday night) and Jane Addams/Wes Block Trailhead (Saturday night). Basic bathroom facilities will be available at both camp sites. Units are encouraged to bring their own drinking water. Sites may be assigned by the Paddle the Pec committee based on specific needs and group size. Please try to keep all unit tents and gear in a confined area.
Registration
If you have any issues registering online, please contact Matt Ohms at 815-397-0210.
Other Things to Remember
- Every unit must have two-deep leadership.
- All scouts and adults will need to wear PFD’s while on the water.
- At least one leader per unit needs to have taken Safety Afloat and Severe Weather Training
- Have in possession copies of individual medical history with parent approval in case of an emergency.
- Leadership by example. Adults and senior youth are reminded that we have an obligation to be that positive role model and display a positive image to the public.
- Units must provide their own food for all meals other than Saturday night dinner.
- All units are encouraged to join in the dessert contest. Please provide a dessert that is enough for your unit and 5 judges (small samples)
- All units are also encouraged to have a scout appropriate skit, song, story or stunt to share with the group at the campfire ceremony. All skits must be scout appropriate and approved by the Paddle the Pec committee.
Canoes, Kayaks
All units are responsible for providing their own canoes and/or kayaks. If you are unable to provide these for your unit, please reach out to the Paddle the Pec committee for help.
