Troop 5

Troop 5 Trek Sign-ups: Porcupines 2026, Philmont 2027 & Sea Base 2027-2028!
2025-05-25 19:30 - 2025-09-01 23:30 (America/Chicago) | WI
Troop 5 / Crew 5 Families: Sign-ups are now open for upcoming treks in Summer 2026 & 2027!
RSVP below by September 1, 2025.
Trek Options
2026 Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trek led by Grace Poe
Dates: July 12 – 18, 2026
Description: This 5-day backpacking trek in the Porcupine Mountains State Wilderness Park in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is organized through Northeast Illinois Council’s Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation in northern Wisconsin. Towering pines, firs, and birches along the shores of Lake Superior provide the setting for trails that lead to secluded lakes, wild rivers, hills, and waterfalls.
We are planning to go on the Porcupine Mountains during Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan “week 4” (July 12 – July 18, 2026) to allow trek participants to also attend camp at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan during “week 5” and/or “week 6,” which is when Troop 5 traditionally attends.
Restrictions: All youth must be at least 13 years old, or at least 12 years old AND completed grade 7.
Minimum crew size: 6 participants, including 2 adult leaders. Co-ed leadership required if there will be co-ed youth participants. Maximum crew size is 11 participants, but if there are between 7 and 11 participants, then we will need to split into 2 campsites and will require additional adults for Safeguarding Youth Training (formerly Youth Protection Training) compliance. If there is a lot of interest in this trek, we can send 2 crews.
While only one adult is required to be CPR and Wilderness First Aid trained/certified (and Grace will update/maintain her certifications), all adults going on the trek are encouraged to become CPR and Wilderness First Aid certified. Scouts can also be CPR and WFA certified (must be 14 years old for WFA).
Training requirements: We will start preparing for the 2026 Porcupine Mountains trek in January 2026 with monthly meetings to review topics such as backpacking gear, cooking methods, physical preparedness and other related topics. We will also conduct gear shakedowns and practice hikes.
Estimated cost: $450 trek fee (2025 rate) plus incidental travel costs (e.g., gas for drive to/from Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, to/from Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan to Porcupine Mountains, and a meal on the drive from the Porcupine Mountains back to Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan).
Learn more about Scouting America’s Porcupine Mountains Backpacking Trek
2027 Philmont Backpacking Trek led by Grace Poe
Dates: While we will need to enter a lottery in the fall of 2025 to secure our actual trek dates, we will be aiming for a trek starting around June 21, 2027.
Description: Located in northern New Mexico, Philmont Scout Ranch is the premier high adventure backpacking destination for Scouting America and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for scouts. Philmont covers an area of approximately 220 square miles. It is in high demand and requires advance planning. Troop 5 organizes this trek every other year. Scouts and adults interested in participating on the 2027 Philmont trek are highly encouraged to participate in the 2026 Porcupine Mountains trek so that we can start working on crew dynamics.
Restrictions: A youth must be 14 years of age OR 13 years of age and completed the 8th grade by date of participation. Adults participating as expedition advisers must be physically capable of hiking and camping in Philmont’s high mountains for the length of the expedition. Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc) should consult this page. Philmont strictly enforces a maximum weight for a participant’s height. The maximum weight-to-height chart can be found HERE.
Crew size: Crews may be 8-12 participants. Minimum 3 adults / maximum 4 adults. Each adult advisor will need to be CPR and Wilderness First Aid trained/certified. Co-ed leadership required if there will be co-ed youth participants. If there is a lot of interest in this trek, we can send 2 crews, who will hike and camp as “sister crews”. Scouts are also encouraged to obtain CPR and WFA certification (must be 14 years old for WFA).
Training requirements: We will start preparing for the 2027 Philmont trek in the fall of 2026, with monthly meetings to review backpacking topics generally, and Philmont preparedness specifically. Scouts will select their preferred itineraries (final choice determined by Philmont-run lottery). We will have at least 2 shakedown campouts and regular practice hikes (schedule TBD). All participants (scouts and adults) are also expected to engage in a personal physical training schedule to be ready to hit the trail.
Estimated cost: $1,725 trek fee for 12-day trek (2026 rate) plus travel to and from Philmont (cost TBD).
Learn more about Scouting America’s Philmont Backpacking Trek
2027 Philmont Cavalcade Trek led by Danielle Reese
Dates: While we will need to enter a lottery in the fall of 2025 to secure our actual trek dates, we will be aiming for a trek in Summer 2027.
Description:Philmont Cavalcades are similar to regular expeditions except that, instead of hiking, crews ride horses through the rugged mountain wilderness like the famous trappers who first explored the West. Eight-day Cavalcades with 10 to 15 people per crew are offered on specific dates each summer. The final day of the Cavalcade is spent in competition at an equestrian gymkhana.
Restrictions: A youth must be 14 years of age OR 13 years of age and completed the 8th grade by date of participation. For the safety of the rider and the horse, there is a 200-pound weight limit for all riders. No exceptions given. See the max height and weight chart for additional information. Individuals with chronic medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, asthma, etc) should consult this page.
Crew size: Crews can be 10-15 participants. A minimum of 3 adult leaders per crew is required, with a maximum of 5.
Training requirements: Scouts interested in this are highly encouraged to complete the horsemanship merit badge prior to the trek. To prepare we will be scheduling trailrides through local stables through 2025 and 2026 to give those going opportunities to spend more time getting accustomed to being on horseback for longer periods of time.
Estimated cost: $1,325 for 8 days was the 2025 pricing. Exact 2027 price TBD. Completion of the horsemanship merit badge strongly suggested before the trek. In addition some number of practice trail rides to build familiarity and endurance in riding will be required for all participants as part of training. Pricing per trail rides TBD.
2027 – 2028 Sea Base High Adventure
Dates: TBD
Description: Experience the allure of the U.S. Virgin Islands / Bahamas / or Florida as we participate in some of the best sailing in the world. Upon arrival, your crew will board a 40-foot plus vessel with an experienced captain. In addition to sailing, your unit will snorkel pristine coral reefs, fish, swim ashore to incredible beaches on various islands, and more! Once we know who is interested, we will meet to discuss the different destination options.
Restrictions: All youth must be at least 12 years old. Please see the eligibility section of the Participation Guide.
Learn about Scouting America’s Sea Base
Additional treks will be added to this page as they become available and will be communicated in the troop newsletter.
Questions? Contact Camping@troop5.com.

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Summer Camp 2025
2025-07-20 - 2025-08-02 | Ma Ka Ja Wan, W6500 Spring Lake Road, Pearson, WI, 54462, United States
Scout Troop 5 / Crew 5 Families!
Join us at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, Northeast Illinois Council’s summer camp in the Northwoods!
Our troop will be attending during camp weeks 5 & 6:

July 20 – 26 (week 5)
July 27 – August 2 (week 6)

We need at least three adult volunteers to chaperone each week. This is your chance to experience all the Northwoods has to offer!
2025 Camp Flyer
Registration is a two-step process
(1) RSVP below
(2) Submit payment for your scout(s) through one of the following options:

Zelle: Troop5Treasurer@gmail.com
Venmo: @john-phelan-70
Mail a check to: Troop 5 c/o John F. Phelan 711 Oak Street # 108 Winnetka, IL 60093

Register and pay by February 15 for the early bird rate. See the flyer for payment details.
Payment includes round-trip transportation from First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette as well as on-site transportation and is non-refundable. Kindly note the transportation cost is an estimate and will be finalized once the number of attendees is confirmed. As a result, families may receive a small credit or be asked to pay a small fee depending on the final cost.
Resources

Scholarships are available from Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC). Learn more and complete a scholarship application here.
Contact Troop 5 Treasurer, John Phelan, if your scout has a credit that you’d like to use to your payment.
Register a dietary restriction for a camper at least three weeks before camp begins.
The Troop will host an information session in the spring where scouts can select their merit badge schedules. Program information can be found here.
Packing List and Camp Map

Questions? Contact Troop 5’s Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan liaison, Chris Beer (cbeer421@gmail.com).

Wisconsin River Canoe Camp Out 2025
2025-09-13 06:00 - 2025-09-14 16:00 | Wisconsin River, S13220 Shifflet Rd, Spring Green, WI, 53588, United States
Calling all Troop 5 and Crew 5 Scouts, Parents and Leaders!
Come join us for the Wisconsin River Canoe Camp Out! A Troop and Crew 5 favorite. Registration is open through September 7.
Drivers always needed! If you will drive, please select “Adult Camper” and you can provide information about how may people you can transport.
NOTE: Annual Swim Test Required for Scouts & Adults Attending this Campout!
Swim Test For Scouts / Parents Going On September Canoe Campout – August 26, 7 pm
Scouting America requires Scouts and Adults to pass a yearly swim test before participating in water-based activities. If you or your child are attending the September Canoe Campout and have not passed a swimming test in the last year, please join us August 26 at 7 pm (326 Essex Road Kenilworth) to take the swim test. To register to take the swim test, or if you are unsure if you have taken the swim test in the last year, or if you have any other questions, please reach out to Carolyn Brougham carolynbrougham@gmail.com.
Meet: Saturday, September 13 at 6:00 am (SHARP!) – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW).
Return: Sunday, September 14 at 4 pm – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW). Your scout will call you approximately 30 minutes before arrival.
Check below for address and map of location. We will be camping on a sandbar!
Bring appropriate gear: Check out the Canoeing Campout Equipment List. Not all equipment listed is necessary; check the weather. Speak with your patrol leader at the Monday night Troop meeting if you have questions.

2025 Devil's Lake Campout
2025-10-17 16:30 - 2025-10-19 13:30 | Devil’s Lake State Park, S5975 Park Rd, Baraboo, WI, 53913, United States
Calling all Troop 5 and Crew 5 Scouts, Parents and Leaders!
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend in the great outdoors at Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin — home to some of the best rock climbing in the Midwest and scenic hiking trails that are perfect for fall. Signups close October 12.
Choose Your Adventure:
1. Rock Climbing Adventure (Limited to 10 Scouts!)
Join professional guides from Apex Adventure Alliance, the most experienced climbing company at Devil’s Lake. With over 20 years of guiding climbers of all ages and skill levels, Apex will lead Scouts through a full-day climbing experience on the bluffs.

Work toward your Climbing Merit Badge
All equipment provided
Guided instruction for all levels — no experience needed
Follow-up classroom session available to complete badge requirements

Cost: $105 (includes camping + climbing)
Limited to the first 10 Scouts to sign up — don’t wait!

2. Scenic 6-Mile Hike
Explore the breathtaking trails of Devil’s Lake on a 6-mile hike. This is a great option for Scouts who love nature, photography, and physical challenges — without leaving the ground!
Cost: $30 (includes camping + hiking)
Drivers always needed! If you will drive, please select “Adult Camper” and you can provide information about how many people you can transport.
Meet: Friday, October 17 at 4:30 pm – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW).
Return: Sunday, October 19 at 1-2PM – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW).
Check below for address and map of location. We will be in a youth group site 1. You can see the group site map listed under the “website” link in the bottom left side of this signup.
Bring appropriate gear: Check out the troop’s Cold Weather Campout Packing List. Not all equipment listed is necessary; check the weather. Speak with your patrol leader at the Monday night Troop meeting if you have questions.
NOTE: Bring $10-$15 for Culver’s for the ride home Sunday!

2025 Campsgiving Campout
2025-11-14 17:30 - 2025-11-16 12:00 | Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, 60074, United States
Calling all Troop 5 and Crew 5 Scouts, Parents and Leaders!
Come join us for the Campsgiving Campout! This is our last campout of 2025 and a great opportunity to showcase your camp cooking skills for family and friends! A Troop 5 favorite.
Note that we are at Camp Reinberg this year, which is a change from last year.
Patrol leaders – Contact your patrols this week and direct scouts to sign up. Registration is open through November 9.
Drivers always needed! If you will drive, please select “Adult Camper” and you can provide information about how many people you can transport.
Meet: Friday, November 14 at 5:30 pm – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW).
Return: Sunday, November 16 at 12-1PM – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW). We’ll contact you approximately 30 minutes before arrival.
Check below for address and map of location. We will be at the campsite and will host the Campsgiving meal at the nearby pavilion at 4:30 pm on Saturday, November 15.
Bring appropriate gear: Check out the troop’s Cold Weather Campout Packing List. Not all equipment listed is necessary. Check the weather. Speak with your patrol leader at the Monday night Troop meeting if you have questions.

2025 Campsgiving Guests
2025-11-15 16:30 - 20:30 | Camp Reinberg, 1801 N Quentin Rd, Palatine, 60074, United States
Calling all Troop 5 and Crew 5 Scouts, Parents, Leaders, Previous members, Pack 5, Pack 8 and Pack 10!
Come join us for Campsgiving dinner! The Troop/Crew will be busy cooking a great Thanksgiving style feast for all to enjoy.
Note that we are at Camp Reinberg this year, which is a change from past years.
Meet: Saturday, November 15 at 4:30 pm – Dinner will be served at 5:00 PM.
Check below for address and map of location. We will be serving dinner in the campground pavilion.
Please sign up and let us know how many people are coming so we can plan on enough food.
Suggested donation of $10 collected at dinner, please bring cash if you are so inclined.

2026 Eagle Cave Campout
2026-01-16 17:00 - 2026-01-18 13:00 | Eagle Cave, 16320 Cavern Ln, Blue River, WI, 53518, United States
Calling all spelunkers!
This January your PLC has decided that we will do some winter camping. . . IN A CAVE!!!
We will be camping in Eagle Cave, Wisconsin’s largest onyx cave! It’s the same temperature all year round inside the cave, so it’s the perfect place to spend a January weekend, no matter the weather. The cave resort will provide food and activities for camping groups, making it an extra special camping experience.
Because the resort requires final headcount 60 days ahead, we will need a final list of campers by November 16 per the cave operators. This means we only have a short window to sign up for our January campout! Please note that the fees are significantly higher than for a normal campout because food and activities are provided.
We have 16 spots currently reserved for scouts and 5 reserved for adults. These spots will be on a first-come first-served basis, so sign up ASAP. If we have more than 16 scouts interested, we will set up a wait list in case of additional availability.
Unlike normal campouts, this campout will have a strict cancellation policy. No refunds will be issued after December 31, 2025, and we strongly ask that you only sign up your scout if they can make this date.
Adults are free – please consider volunteering to drive & chaperone!

2026 Klondike Derby + Campout
2026-02-06 17:30 - 2026-02-07 18:00 | Camp Sol R Crown, 11651 304th Ave, Trevor, WI, 53179, United States
Calling all Troop 5 and Crew 5 Scouts, Parents and Leaders!
Come join us for the annual Klondike Derby! Scouts will compete in all sorts of fun winter activities and have the option to camp on Friday night for extra points toward the Klondike competition.
Patrol leaders – Contact your patrols this week and direct scouts to sign up. Registration is open through January 11, 2026.
Drivers always needed! If you will drive, please select “Adult Camper” and you can provide information about how many people you can transport.
Meet: Friday, February 6 at 5:30 pm – at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW)
Return: Saturday, February 7 in the evening at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW). We’ll contact you approximately 30 minutes before arrival.
Bring appropriate gear: Check out the troop’s Cold Weather Campout Packing List. Not all equipment listed is necessary. Check the weather. Speak with your patrol leader at the Monday night Troop meeting if you have questions.

2026 Commando Campout
2026-03-13 17:00 - 2026-03-15 12:00 | Camp Sol R Crown, 11651 304th Ave, Trevor, WI, 53179, United States
Calling all Troop and Crew 5!
Come join us for the infamous Commando Camp Out! A Troop/Crew 5 favorite where Scouts play a large, outdoor capture the flag style game among the hills and trees at Camp Crown. Always a fun camp out!
Patrol leaders – Coordinate with your patrol to get them to sign up and select a grub master. We need accurate counts to plan properly for the campouts! The signup will be open until Sunday, March 8.
Drivers always needed! If you will drive, please select “Adult Camper” and you can provide information about how many people you can transport.
Gear Pull: Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 pm – First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette (FPCW).
Leave: Friday, March 13 at 5.00 pm – FPCW.
Return: Sunday, March 15 around Noon – FPCW.
Check below for address and map of location.
Cold Weather Packing List
Bring appropriate gear: Not all equipment listed is necessary. Extra Socks and Boots a must on this campout. Check the weather, it can get COLD. Speak with your patrol leader if you have questions. Rack up your polar bear patches and segments at this campout!

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Summer Camp 2026
2026-07-19 - 2026-07-25 | Ma Ka Ja Wan, W6500 Spring Lake Road, Pearson, WI, 54462, United States
Scout Troop 5 / Crew 5 Families!
Join us at Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, Northeast Illinois Council’s summer camp in the Northwoods!
Our troop will be attending during camp weeks 5: July 19 – 25
2026 Camp Flyer
2026 Coureur des Bois Flyer
Registration is a two-step process
(1) RSVP below
(2) Submit payment for your scout(s) through one of the following options:

Zelle: Troop5Treasurer@gmail.com
Venmo: @john-phelan-70
Mail a check to: Troop 5 c/o John F. Phelan 711 Oak Street # 108 Winnetka, IL 60093

Register and pay by April 15 for the early bird rate. See the flyer for payment details.
Payment includes round-trip transportation from First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette as well as on-site transportation and is non-refundable. Kindly note the transportation cost is an estimate and will be finalized once the number of attendees is confirmed. As a result, families may receive a small credit or be asked to pay a small fee depending on the final cost.
Resources

Scholarships are available from Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC). Learn more and complete a scholarship application here.
Contact Troop 5 Treasurer, John Phelan, if your scout has a credit that you’d like to use to your payment.
Register a dietary restriction for a camper at least three weeks before camp begins.
The Troop will host an information session in the spring where scouts can select their merit badge schedules. Program information can be found here.
Packing List and Camp Map

Questions? Contact Troop 5’s Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan liaison, Chris Beer (cbeer421@gmail.com).
