YMCA Pioneer Lodge

Pioneer Guides Program

Yearly Schedule of Events

Month of Event	Location of Event	Activities
Early October	TBA	Induction Ceremony.  This event begins our official new season. Event is open to all family members and friends who would like to learn more about the Y-Guides Program. The Ceremony is normally held at a local Park District or Forest Preserve site with the goal of bringing new and returning members together to reaffirm their commitment to the Father and Child relationship. Pals Forever! Lodge and Territory Leaders suit up in traditional Pioneer clothing and participate in a brief ceremony. A bon fire highlights this ceremony with the Father and child tossing kernels of corn into the fire which symbolizes their continued commitment to one another and the growth of that relationship. Snacks and drinks are provided as a treat for attendees.
October	Camp McLean	Camp McClean..Burlington, WI  This is the first campout of the new season and is held at Camp McClean in southern Wisconsin in mid/late October. Like all of the Pioneer Guides campouts, members stay in cabins which accommodate apprx 12-15 campers. Camp McClean features; canoeing, fishing, climbing wall/zip line, archery, hiking and more. Camp McClean is apprx 2.5 hrs north of Chicago. Also at this campout the Lodge sponsors: 1. Blind Horse Race (Dad is the horse, Child the rider): A short apprx 25 sq yrd course is lined with traffic cones and the rider directs the blindfolded horse around the course from atop the horses shoulders. Great fun and a trophy event. 2. Big Leaf Contest: Dads and children search the camp grounds hunting for the largest tree leaf. This is easier said than done. This contest is a Trophy event. 3. Pumpkin Carving: All children receive one pumpkin at this campout for the purpose of designing and carving a "Jack-O-Lantern". On Saturday evening the pumpkins(with lit candle) line a walkway near the lodge and put on their best face as the campers parade by. 4. Wild Animal Hunt: Throughout the year stuffed animals are requested/donated to the lodge and stored for this special event. On Saturday evening following the camp ceremony, the children are sent out to search the grounds for "Wild Animals". Each child is allowed to capture at least two animals. Campout Tips Bring: Toiletries, towels, shower thongs, SLEEPING BAG, pillow, extra clothes and shoes, coats/jackets, hats, medicines normally used at home, flashlights with extra batteries, books-toys-games for rainy days, snacks and drinks, paper towels. Always pack for seasonal contingencies and the specific needs of your child. You can always leave half of the extras you brought in your car! Meals are served at the lodge in a family style setting at tables seating apprx 10. Usually an Outpost will be seated at one table with overflow joining a similar group at an adjacent table. Hoppers (table setters) are democratically chosen from within each Post to help set their own table and arrive 15min prior to the scheduled mealtime. Hoppers change from meal to meal. Once the meal is done, both Dads and kids help clear the table as instructed by camp personnel.
November	Lynwood Arena  Lynwood, Illinois	Roller Skating Event  This event has been held at the Lynwood Bowl in past years and is open to members and their families. Skaters have a great time tooling around the rink to great music and visiting with fellow members.
December	TBA	Beach Party What a concept....a Beach Party in December! Come join us at a local Park District Recreation Center and participate in volley ball, basketball and listen to a live DJ and enjoy games and dancing. Open to all member Dads and children. Don’t forget to wear your Hawaiian Shirt.
January	TBA	Bowling Event.  This event has been held at the Thunderbowl in Mokena recently. All members are encouraged to attend this fun event. Special rules are; Child bowls one ball, Dad bowls one ball to complete the frame. Trailblazer age members are required to bowl using some "unique" positions which are fun and challenging. This is a Trophy event.
Late January/ Early February	Camp Tecumseh Brookston, IN	Winter Campout.  This campground is one of the regions finest. Located apprx 2 hrs southeast of Chicago, Camp Tecumseh features; Indoor/outdoor archery, 22cal Riflery, Horseback riding, hiking, indoor climbing wall, nature center, Blackhole sledding tunnel and more. The Lodge sponsors: 1. IDADAROD Races: Each Outpost is encouraged to design and make a cardboard sled which will hold at least 4 children and pulled by at least 4 Dads. Sleds are to be made of cardboard/boxes, duct tape and rope. Sleds can be painted and decorated to "sway" the judges. We encourage everyone to participate in this fun, TROPHY event. Sleds can be made at home or at the campground. 2. Archery Contest: Contest requires the child to shoot at least 3 of 5 arrows for record at the target. This is a trophy event. Camping Tips Bring: Toiletries, towels, shower thongs, SLEEPING BAG, pillow, extra clothes and shoes, coats/jackets, hats, medicines normally used at home, flashlights with extra batteries, books-toys-games for rainy days, snacks and drinks, paper towels. Always pack for seasonal contingencies and the specific needs of your child. You can always leave half of the extras you brought in your car! Meals are served at the lodge in a family style setting at tables seating apprx 10. Usually an Outpost will be seated at one table with overflow joining a similar group at an adjacent table. Hoppers (table setters) are democratically chosen from within each Post to help set their own table and arrive 15min prior to the scheduled mealtime. Hoppers change from meal to meal. Once the meal is done, both Dads and kids help clear the table as instructed by camp personnel.
March	St. Paul's Community Church 18200 Dixie Highway Homewoood, IL	Pinewood Derby.  This trophy event race pits the fastest racers on a 30ft sloping race track. Frequently held at a local church hall or gym, the Lodge encourages all member Dads and children to submit entries. The Pioneer Lodge stocks car kits for sale. Family members are welcome to come view the races. Pinewood Derby Race Rules and Hints Rules: You may buy your kit from the Pioneer Lodge or any hobby store but, You Must Purchase Wheels and axles from the Pioneer Lodge. Entry should be constructed by both Dad and child and be primarily painted by the child. Maximum weight: 6.5 ounces. Successful entries: Maximize the weight and have well oiled wheels. Hints: Buy the kit from the Lodge. Begin construction of the car at least 1 wk prior to race. Try to accurately weigh the car at different stages of construction. Usually the best entries have sleek wind deflecting designs and maximize the weight just in front or behind the center point of the car. Weights can be purchased at a hobby or craft store. Never attach weights to the under-belly of the car as this will prevent the car from running down the track. Bring your supplies to the race and be prepared to add or subtract weight from the car when it is officially weighed at the race. Race Day: Staggered starting times will begin with the Kindergarten group and move to the older grades. You must check in prior to the start of your child’s age group. The track is set up to be fair and accurately timed. A common style of Pinewood Derby Car
April	Location TBA	Ice Skating or Archery. Ice skating event is open to all member families and is frequently held at the Homewood-Flossmoor Ice Arena during the normal open skate session. Archery event is held at the On-Target Archery Range in Steger, IL. Event is open to member Dads with Kids.
Late May	Camp Eberhart Twin Lakes, Michigan	Spring Campout - Mid/Late May. Camp Eberhart is located apprx 2.5 hrs east of Chicago and features; Canoeing and swimming, archery, BB/22 cal riffles, Frisbee Golf, hiking and fishing. The campground is located on the shore of the 700 acre Corey Lake. Lodge sponsors: 1. Tomahawk Throw: This trophy event requires Children to throw 2 of 3 weighted clubs at a ground target. 2. Big Fish Contest: This trophy event requires that the child cast and catch the biggest fish possible from Corey Lake. Dads are asked only to assist. Everyone is on the honor system to accurately measure the fish in this catch and release contest.
July	Lion's Club Homewood, Illinois	Swim Party.  Member families join us for a mid-summer evening swim at a local pool.
August	Location TBA	Family Picnic and Fishing Pioneer Lodge sponsors this late summer event which is open to all member families. Normally held at the Homewood Izaak Walton Preserve. Attendees have a great time enjoying the organized games, food and fishing.