Cahokia Mounds District

Adult Training

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ONLINE TRAINING CHANGES COMING:
Any Scoutmaster/Assistant Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Committee Member and Merit Badge Counselor training that has been started must be completed prior to AUGUST 2nd of 2020. New learning plans and modules will be installed after that date and unfinished training will be lost.

Youth Protection Training

Youth Protection Training is required for all BSA volunteers and must be taken every two years. The Council Youth Protection Training website provides in-depth information and resources for completing this training. To learn more click here for Training information.

Position-Specific Training

There are a variety of training requirements for specific roles within each unit, including for Committee Chairperson, Scoutmaster, and Assistant Scoutmaster.  Other training is required for participation in outdoor activities.  To learn more click here for Training information.

District Roundtable

The District Roundtable provides volunteers with an opportunity to get updated information and networking.  Roundtables are held the first Tuesday of each month (except July), at 7 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 310 South Main Street, Edwardsville, IL.

Youth Training

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)

NYLT is a six-day course that provides advanced leadership training to Scouts in a fun, outdoor setting.  Scouts must be at least 13 years old (14 for Pack & Paddle), First Class rank or higher, have completed Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops, and have approval by the Scoutmaster or Crew Advisor.

For 2019 only, an exception will be granted for girls to attend NYLT without first achieving the First Class Rank. All other requirements must be met.  For more information, and for Council opportunities for NYLT training, click here.

Youth Training Materials

The BSA National website has a number of resources for Youth training, including materials for conducting Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.

STEM Prepares Scouts For Today And Their Future
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Scouting America’s STEM initiative gives Scouts an opportunity to explore STEM-related concepts and learn how STEM knowledge is used in everyday life and in the professional world. The aim is to expose youth to new opportunities and help build interest in the STEM-related careers that are so crucial to our future economy.

To support this exploration of STEM, Scouting America debuted the Nova and Supernova Awards program, an initiative that promotes an enthusiasm towards STEM and offers recognition and advancement for Scouts absorbed in STEM learning.

STEM University
STEM University is a full day event for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA focused on earning STEM-based advancements and NOVA awards. Scouts will get to visit a University, work with STEM experts, and participate in fun, hands-on educational activities. STEM Universities are all virtual this year so anyone and everyone can participate!

Welcome to the Cahokia Mounds District High Adventure webpage!  We hope you’ll find the resources here that you will need to have a successful high adventure program with your Troop.

High adventure can mean a lot of things to different people.  It doesn’t necessarily mean high-adrenaline (like skydiving), but it does involve getting out of your comfort zone, and it usually involves getting outside.  High adventure programs help Scouts gain self-confidence, as they rely more on themselves and their fellow Scouts in facing the challenges of the activity.  They provide a different level of fun and autonomy, especially for older Scouts.  They also inspire a deeper appreciation for our natural world.

Successful high adventure programs are not just about taking trips to the main BSA bases; these programs can be incorporated into a Troop’s regular program.  Scouts of any age can participate in age-appropriate activities which will prepare them well for greater adventures when they are older.  High adventure programs also help keep Scouts active in their Troops for longer.

Volunteer Advisors
In addition to the information resources presented on this website, the Cahokia Mounds District also provides assistance to Troops with their high adventure programs by offering volunteers with experience in these programs to advise them in their quest for high adventure.  To arrange for a volunteer to speak with your Troop, ask a question, or whatever, contact one of the members of the District High Adventure Committee:

• Jeff Lott:  jeff@ribcagetrio.com   phone:  217-412-6387
• Don Halpin:  donhalpin00@gmail.com

Also contact them if you have high adventure experience, and you’d like to become a volunteer to advise Troops!

Be Prepared!
So what do Troops need in order to be prepared for high adventure?  They need:

• Adult training. Adults must possess the required outdoor skills in order for the program to be successful.  Sources of this training include:
  • Informational programs presented at University of Scouting, NESA Day, and other venues.  Check the Council website for more information.
  • Council training programs in topics such as Wilderness First Aid, Leadership skills, etc.
  • Online training offered at my.scouting.org, in topics such as Youth Protection, Weather Hazards, Safety Afloat, etc.
• Scout skills in areas such as outdoor clothing, cooking on small stoves, orienteering, canoeing, and climbing.
• Medical exams. The BSA Annual Health & Medical record must be completed for all high adventure trips, especially for the high adventure bases. Click here for the medical forms.
• Fitness. Due to the physical demands of these activities, participants must have a higher level of personal fitness.  A training preparation program is essential for high adventure trips.  Even a basic fitness regimen will provide most Scouts with the fitness level they need for most trips, although activity-specific training will allow Scouts to take full advantage of their adventure.  Adults may need more assistance.
• Gear. A number of resources, both online and local, are available.  See below for more information regarding Gear.

Where to Go.  High adventure opportunities abound, from local options, to the BSA High Adventure bases, to other locations in the U.S. and around the world.  See below to learn more about High Adventure trips and bases.

What to Buy
Learning about gear is a never-ending process.  There’s always more to know about selecting and using the gear for your adventure that will make it safer and more enjoyable.  Our best advice is to talk to others, whether it’s experts who have years of experience, or others in your Troop who are also looking to find the best gear at the best prices.  You should always try to talk to someone before making a gear purchase, even for something as simple as socks (the right socks make all the difference!)

Here are a few basic bits of advice on gear:

• Perhaps the most important aspect of gear is clothing. One of the biggest risks in high adventure is hypothermia, which is loss of core body heat.  The right clothing can essentially eliminate that risk.  Dress in layers.  There are 3 main layers:  inner wicking layer (wicks sweat from the skin away from the body), middle insulating layer (traps heat next to the body), and outer wind and rain protection.
• Most clothing for high adventure is made of synthetic materials, NOT cotton. Cotton traps moisture near the body, and doesn’t insulate when wet.
• Try out your gear outside before you go. Test the waterproofness of your tent and rain gear, learn how to use your stove to actually cook a meal, use your pack on a trek.  Always, always break in your boots before your trip.

Where to Buy It
High adventure gear is available from a number of online and local resources.

BSA Scout Shops
The BSA Scout shops have lots of official Scout gear, patches, books, outdoor clothing, and other camping-related gear.

• Online: scoutshop.org
• Greater St. Louis Area Council-branded items at Gatewaytraders
• St. Louis Scout Shop: 4568 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.  314-454-1652:
• BSA Outfitters Scout Shop: 13347 Manchester Rd., Des Peres, MO 63131, 314-984-0014
• Belleville Meyer Scout Shop: 335 W. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220, 618-222-1574

BSA Base Stores
The stores at each of the BSA high-adventure bases carry a wide selection of outdoor gear, which is largely focused on the type of adventure available at each base.  The gear is offered at reasonable prices.

• Philmont Tooth of Time Traders
• Northern Tier Trading Post
• Florida Sea Base Ship Store

Online Gear Stores
There are quite a few online gear stores.  These are just a few.  Note:  inclusion in this page does not constitute endorsement of the store or services.

• Hiker Direct:  Offers gear at reduced prices to Scouts.  Sign-up with an email address is required.
• Backcountry.com
• Austin Canoe & Kayak
• Sierra Trading Post

Local (St. Louis Area) Outdoor Gear Stores

• REI
• Alpine Shop
• Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s
• Scheel’s, Springfield, IL

Trips & Bases

Local Options
Illinois and Missouri offer a variety of options for outdoor adventure, especially southern IL and MO.  Many of these are fine venues in themselves, but they can also be good preparation for trips to more remote areas and the BSA high adventure bases.  Even a campout at a local campground can be used to build high adventure skills.

• Rock climbing in southern IL and MO
• Canoeing on MO rivers
• Hiking the Ozark trail
• Biking the Katy Trail
• Kodiak at S-F Scout Reservation

For information on local options, go to:

• IL Dept. of Natural Resources:
• MO Dept. of Conservation
• Local gear shops, especially REI and Alpine Shop
• Trailnet
• Great Rivers Greenway

BSA High Adventure Bases
BSA runs four high adventure bases, each offering a very different high adventure experience.  Scouts who participate in the programs at three of these bases earn the Triple Crown award; Scouts who participate in all four programs earn the Grand Slam award.

There are minimum ages for each base, generally 14 years and older, or 13 and completed 8^th grade, however check the specifics at each base.

Note that getting there is part of the adventure.  Look for fun things to do along the way, and fun ways of getting there.  To/from travel can be one of the biggest expenses, so look for ways to save money.  Note that many Scout camps allow Troops to stay overnight en route to their destinations.  These can be found with a quick google search, followed by a call to the local council.

Summit
Summit Bechtel Reserve is a high adventure camp in West Virginia that offers a wide variety of activities ranging from shooting sports, rock climbing, and BMX bikes, to zip lines and river rafting.  The Summit Experience program is a good week-long introduction to high adventure.  Summit Reserve is also where jamborees are held.

• Summit website
• Getting there: Summit is approximately 9 hours of drive time from the St. Louis area, which can be done in one day.
• Gear: The gear requirements for Summit are minimal, as participants sleep tents and cots provided by the base, and eat in the dining hall.
• Preparation: extensive physical or skills preparation are not required for Summit, though Scouts should be in relatively good shape.

Philmont
Philmont offers backpacking adventures on its 140,000 acres in the mountains of New Mexico.  Crews backpack between both staffed and trail camps.  Various activities are offered at the staffed camps, ranging from tours of homesteading cabins and a gold mine, to rock climbing, burro racing, and shooting.  A variety of 7 and 12-day treks are available, with varying levels of mileage and difficulty.  For photos and videos of previous Philmont treks, click here.

• The “Treks” section of the Philmont website has a comprehensive set of planning information, from trek information, planning guide, gear lists, etc.
• Registration: Registration for summer crews begins in late October, 18 months before a given summer. In December, the Lottery determines actual trek assignments.
• Tooth of Time Traders
• Getting there (and back):
  • Philmont is over 14 hours of drive time from the St. Louis area.  According to BSA rules, this drive must be made over 2 days.
  • For those who want to fly, Albuquerque is approximately 3 hours from the base.  Remember that you will need to rent a vehicle to get to the base.
  • A fun, relatively inexpensive, way to get there is Amtrak, which drops crews in Raton, NM, and a shuttle bus from the base picks them up.
• Preparation for Philmont consists of:
  • Fairly rigorous physical preparation is necessary in order for trekkers to carry the heavy packs at the base elevations (6,000 to 12,000 feet) for the distances (up to 100 miles or more).  Crews should start with simple hikes, and build up to several-day hikes with fully-loaded backpacks.
  • Crews will also need to know skills such as cooking on a backpacking stove; leave no trace principles; how to set up a bear bag; and orienteering/map reading.
  • Gear: the required gear for Philmont is extensive, and includes backpack, waterproof hiking boots, lightweight sleeping bag and pad, proper clothing, and miscellaneous gear such as water bottles, eating utensils, etc.  For an official Philmont gear list, download it from here.

Northern Tier
Northern Tier offers canoeing adventures on millions of acres of pristine lakes, meandering rivers, dense forests and wetlands in Northern Minnesota, Northwest Ontario and Northeast Manitoba, starting from three bases.  Trekkers pack all their gear in their canoes, and paddle and portage across any number of the thousands of lakes in the area.  Winter adventures are also available.  Treks are usually 7 to 9 days in length; trip routes and lengths are chosen by the crew.  For videos of previous trips, and also for short, informative videos on topics such as packing and canoe portaging, visit their videos website.

• To start planning your trek, visit the Northern Tier trip planning website.  The first step is to choose which base to go out of.  Trips out of the Canadian bases will require all participants to have passports.  This website also has all the trip planning information you will need, including gear lists, food, required training and documents, etc.
• Registration: Registration for summer crews begins in early January, approx. 15 months before a given summer.
• Northern Tier Trading Post
• Getting there (and back):
  • The Northern Tier bases are approximately 12 to 14 hours of drive time from the St. Louis area, which must be done over 2 days.
  • Duluth, MN is the closest airport, and is approximately 2 hours from the Ely base.  Minneapolis is the next closest, and is approximately 4 hours from the Ely base.  The Atikokan base is several hours further north.
• Preparation for Northern Tier consists of:
  • Good physical preparation is essential for Northern Tier treks.  Trips involve paddling many miles, and portaging heavy packs and canoes across rugged terrain.  Both cardiovascular and strength training are needed.
  • Participants must be able to swim.
  • Crews will need to know at least basic canoeing skills and safety.  Portaging procedures are taught at the base.
  • Crews will also need to know skills such as cooking on a backpacking stove; leave no trace principles; how to set up a bear bag; and orienteering/map reading.
• Gear: the required gear for Northern Tier is fairly extensive, and includes non-waterproof hiking boots, lightweight sleeping bag and pad, proper clothing, and miscellaneous gear such as water bottles, eating utensils, etc.  For an official Northern Tier gear list, download it from the trip planning website for the specific trek you will be going on.

Sea Base
Florida Sea Base operates 20 adventures from six locations, in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.  The adventures include sailing, scuba diving, fishing, STEM, and the Out Island adventure, where participants paddle canoes out to a remote island, camp there, and participate in snorkeling, kayaking, and fishing.  Trips vary in length, depending on the activity.  For video tours and for short, informative videos on topics such as packing, visit their videos website.

• The first step is to choose the type of adventure you want. For information, go to the Adventures page.
• Registration: Registration for summer crews begins in early January, approx. 15 months before a given summer.
• For trip planning, go to the Sea Base Resources page, in particular the Participants Guide for the trip you will be taking.
• Sea Base Ship Store.
• Getting there (and back):
  • Depending on the base, drive time to Sea Base is at least 19 hours from the St. Louis area, which makes for a LONG two days of driving.
  • There are a number of airport options:  Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Key West, or even Ft. Myers.  Drive time from these airports to the bases can vary, from 2 hours to 5 hours, depending on the airport and the base.
• Preparation for Sea Base depends largely on the type of trip, although good swimming ability is essential for all trips.
  • For trips involving snorkeling or scuba, learning basic snorkeling skills is advisable.  Scuba certification can be done on the trip, however if crews get certified prior to the trip, more time can be spent on actual diving.
  • Other skills that are useful are paddling, cooking, leave no trace, etc.
  • The list of basic required gear for Sea Base is fairly short: reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a hammock. Specialized equipment such as fishing, snorkel, and scuba gear is either provided or may be rented.

Roundtable, OA Chapter Meeting, Venturing Officer’s Association

The District Roundtables are a great way for adult volunteers (and Scouts!) to get information and ideas to strengthen your scouting unit. Roundtable is held on the first Tuesday of each month (except June, July, and August) at 7 pm. Feel free to join us for fellowship before meeting starting at 6:15 pm. Please email Kyle.lamm@scouting.org  if you need to get added to our newsletter or questions. Typically we have Roundtable at First Christian Church, 310 South Main Street, Edwardsville, IL.

Eagle Boards of Review

2nd Thursday of every month
6:40 pm – 9:00 pm @ Tri-Township park Community Center/Park Office (410 Wickliffe Street Troy, IL 62294) See Helpfull Information – Advancement drop down for more info.

District Committee Meetings

Third Tuesday of each month (except June & July)
6:30 p.m. via Zoom! We would love to have more people get involved at the District level. If you are interested in joining our committee please email either Kyle Lamm.

Commissioner Meetings

First Tuesday of each month (except June & July)
6:30 p.m. via Zoom! The link is the same as our Roundtable Zoom link. Non-commissioners will be put in the waiting room until time for Roundtable. Being a Commissioner is the perfect way to serve Scouting if you son or daughter has aged out but you still really love the program. Our Commissioners ensure that our Units are equipped to serve their youth in the best possible ways. If you’d like to know more about becoming a Commissioner, contact Steven Kupsky at skupsky1@charter.net.

01 March 15 District Committee meeting (1)

Resources / Downloads

• 2025-26 Program Guides
  • Cub Scouts
  • Scouts BSA
  • Venturing
• Youth Application | Adult Application (for adult volunteers and new Venturing and Sea Scouting participants who are 18 but not yet 21)
• Financial Assistance Form
• Missouri Care – Healthy Blue Assistance Form
• Annual Health and Medical Form
• New Cub Scout Leader Guide
• New Family Orientation Guide
• Unit money-earning application
• Certificate of Insurance – Online Request Form
• Fiscal Policies: Unit Finances & Tax Exemption Status
• Incident Report Form
• Near Miss Incident Form
• Youth Protection & Membership Infraction Reporting
• Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
• Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
• How to Print Membership Cards
• How to Print Charter Certificates
• Awards and Nomination Forms
  • District Award of Merit
  • Silver Beaver Award Nomination
  • Award Central
• Unit Budget Worksheet
  • Cub Scout Pack
  • Scouts BSA Troop
  • Venturing Crew

Links

• Scouting America
• Cub Scouts
• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Scouting’s Barriers to Abuse
• Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse FAQs
• Internet Advancement
• ScoutingWire.org
• Scouting Uniforms
• Merit Badge Counselor Directory
• Safe Project Tool Use
• Age-Appropriate Guidelines

The Advancement Trail

Scouts progress from rank to rank, learning new skills as they go. Remember that the goal in advancement is not the skill itself, but personal growth.

In Cub Scouting, each of the ranks and awards has its own requirements. As Cub Scouts get older and advance through the ranks, the requirements become more challenging to match their new skills and abilities.

Boy Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and the steps to overcome them through the rank advancement method. Each Boy Scout plans his advancement and progresses at his own pace as he meets each challenge. Rank advancement is one method used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the aims of Scouting: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.

Find more advancement resources for Scouts here.  This page includes the most updated for rank advancement requirements.

Merit Badges

Earning merit badges offers Scouts the opportunity to learn skills and information that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to learn in school. Many merit badges, especially the Eagle-required ones, teach valuable life lessons and skills. Earning a merit badge should never be a “check the box” experience for a Scout, earning a merit badge for the sake of the patch.

The process on how to earn a merit badge is described in the BSA Merit Badge website.  Scouts should always start the merit badge process by getting the approval of their Scoutmaster. The Scoutmaster can provide a list of approved merit badge counselors.  The list of approved Council merit badge counselors is available here., on the Merit Badge Counselors dropdown.  Note that log-in information is required. If the Scoutmaster needs the log in information they can contact donna.baer@scouting.org.

Merit badges can be earned in many settings: summer camp, troop meetings, virtual classes, in person classes and through several Council Approved Program Partners. Please see the Advancement page, Merit Badge Skill Centers dropdown for the most up to date information.

Eagle Scout

The Council website provides a great deal of information on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scouts dropdown offers complete information on the Life to Eagle process, forms such as the eagle workbook and application, eagle extension request information, and how to submit your documents to the council through email

District Contact Information:

To request a project review and approval please email a copy of the proposal pages to: CahokiaMoundsadvancement@gmail.com . Please copy a second adult on the email and include the best phone number the scout can be reached at.

The deadline is the end of the month for an appointment at the next meeting. The Scout will be contacted shortly after the end of the month to schedule the appointment time.

To request a final Eagle Board of Review please email a copy of the Council signed Eagle application to CahokiaMoundsadvancement@gmail.com. Copy a second adult on the email and include the best phone number that the scout can be reached at.
The deadline is the end of the month for an appointment at the next meeting. The Scout will be contacted shortly after the end of the month to schedule the appointment time.

The Eagle Board meets once a month on the second Thursday. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Appointments are confirmed shortly after the end of the month so that scouts from the same unit can be scheduled appropriately to allow the Unit leadership to be present.

*Request a congratulations letter from the Cahokia Mounds District committee complete this form  at least 2 weeks before Eagle Court of Honor

Eagle Board location:
Tri-Township Park Community Center
410 Wickliffe St.
Troy, Ill 62294.

Eagle Board contact:

Donna Baer
1-618-977-3226
CahokiaMoundsadvancement@gmail.com
Email is preferred method of contact

Gary Smithe
1-618-581-9318
CahokiaMoundsadvancement@gmail.com
Email is preferred method of contact

Life to Eagle Seminars

Scouts should plan to attend a Life to Eagle Seminar to help you get started with your plan to advance to Eagle Scout or to get answers to your specific questions. Please visit the Council website to obtain the most recent Eagle documents including the workbook, application.

The Order of the Arrow is Scouting’s national honor society. The Purpose of the Order is:

• To recognize those campers — Scouts and Scouters — who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives and by such manner as to warrant recognition.
• To develop and maintain camping traditions and spirit.
• To promote Scout camping, which reaches its greatest effectiveness as a part of the unit’s camping program, both year-round and in the summer camp, as directed by the camping committee of the council.
• To crystallize the Scout habit of helpfulness into a life purpose of leadership in cheerful service to others.

For more information, visit the Nisha Kittan webpage.

You can also visit  BSA Order of the Arrow webpage.

Friends of Scouting
The life-changing programs that Scouting offers aren’t covered by membership fees alone. To help make sure that everyone has the ability to benefit from Scouting programs, no matter where they live or what their financial situation is, we need your help. Any gift, regardless of size, creates opportunities for Scouts to learn, explore and grow.  Visit the Council Friends of Scouting Resources website for resources. You can now also text COHEN20 to the number 91999 and submit a text-to-give gift! In these uncertain times we do not know if we will be able to give in-person presentations in 2021. Please consider making a donation today instead of waiting to give at your yearly unit presentation.

Popcorn Sales
Popcorn sales represent an opportunity for Scouts to earn money for themselves and their Units.  Scouts may also earn prizes if certain sales goals are met.  To maximize returns, Units must appoint a “Popcorn Colonel”, who must attend a kickoff training meeting.

Camp Card Sales
Camp Card sales can help your unit generate money to deliver the Scouting program! Scouts sell coupon cards for $5 and keep $2.50 to help defray the costs of registration, summer camp, uniforms, or equipment!  This program is risk free! Turn in any unsold cards with no penalty. There is no upfront cost.

Other Fundraising
Whenever your unit is planning a money-earning project, other than Council-coordinated programs such as popcorn or camp card sales, a money-earning application must be filled out at least two weeks prior to the proposed date of your project.

Learn More about how you can help here.

• May 2021
  • Give STL Day
  • May 4th Roundtable Recap
  • May 4th Roundtable Reminder
  • Father’s Day Fundraiser
  • May 4th Roundtable Newsletter
• April 2021
  • April 6th Roundtable Recap 
  • April 6th Roundtable Reminder
  • Springtime Newsletter
  • April 6th Roundtable Newsletter
• March 2021
  • March 2nd Roundtable Recap
  • March 2nd Roundtable Reminder
  • March 2nd Roundtable Newsletter
• February  2021
  • Feb. 2nd Roundtable Recap
  • Feb. 2nd Roundtable Reminder
  • Feb. 2nd Roundtable Newsletter
• January  2021
  • Jan. 5th Roundtable Recap
  • Jan. 5th Roundtable Reminder
  • New Years Newsletter
  • Jan. 5th Roundtable Newsletter (Merry Christmas)
• December   2020
  • Dec. 1st Roundtable Recap
  • Giving Tuesday
  • Dec. 1st Roundtable Reminder
  • Dec. 1st Roundtable Newsletter
• November  2020
  • Scouting for Food
  • Nov. 3rd Roundtable Recap
  • Nov. 3rd Roundtable Reminder
  • Nov. 3rd Roundtable Newsletter
• October  2020
  • Oct. 6th Roundtable Recap
  • Oct. 6th Roundtable Reminder
  • Oct. 6th Roundtable Newsletter Additional Info.
  • Oct. 6th Roundtable Newsletter

Welcome to Scouting!