Forge On! INFO
What's New at ForgeOn! Adventure? Check back every Friday for activities, entertainment, program, food, and adventure updates!
Is your Troop, Crew, Ship, or Post registered for this event? Well what are you waiting for!
Friday, September 26 Update - Slither On Over to Forge On!
THERE'S STILL TIME TO SLITHER ON OVER TO THE FORGE!
From scales to tails, all trails lead to Forge On! This may be our FINAL Forge On! Friday, but you still have time to join us TOMORROW, SEPTEMBER 27 and slither on over to The Forge for an AMAZING Scouting Adventure.
Get ready for an unforgettable day at Forge On! Scouting Adventure—and the forecast couldn’t be better! Walk-ins are welcome, so grab your family and join us for a full day of excitement.
Forge On! attendees will enjoy:
- Outdoor adventures in the quarry and surrounding trails
- Hands-on science stations and unique activities just for Scouts
- Interactive challenges for families and units
- Special experiences you won’t find anywhere else
Don’t miss this chance to celebrate Scouting, explore the outdoors, and make memories together. The sun is shining—Forge On! is the place to be.
Friday, September 19 Update - Forge On! Forecast
THE FORECAST: FUN IN THE SUN AT FORGE ON!
The forecast is in—77 degrees and partly sunny—the perfect setting for a cardboard boat race and an unforgettable day at Forge On! Scouting Adventure. From outdoor adventures and interactive science stations to family-friendly challenges and unique activities you won’t find anywhere else, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to try something new, learn something amazing, or just soak up the atmosphere, Forge On! Scouting Adventure has it all.
Forge On! isn’t just another Scouting event—it’s a one-of-a-kind mix of exploration, learning, and family fun. Whether you’re here to try something new, dive into interactive science, or just soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Bring your family, your friends, and your sense of adventure. From ages 6 to 36, come and explore the age appopriate activities and FUN! From unique nature encounters and thrilling challenges to hands-on experiences you won’t find anywhere else, the stage is set for the ultimate weekend adventure.
PLANKTON IS AT THE FORGE!
Forge On! Scouting Adventure isn’t just another Scouting Experience - it’s an unforgettable mix of exploration, learning, and fun.
The Shedd Aquarium will be on-site with microscopes and buckets so you can get an up-close look at Plankton living in the Forge quarry.
But that’s only the beginning.
From outdoor adventures and interactive science stations to family-friendly challenges and unique activities you won’t find anywhere else, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to try something new, learn something amazing, or just soak up the atmosphere, Forge On! Scouting Adventure has it all.
Check out the complete list of activities that will be available to everyone who attends the Forge On! Scouting Adventure:
- Build-A-Blinkie
- Shedd Aquarium
- Baldy the Eagle Scout
- DuPage Rivers Fly Tyers (DRiFT)
-
Voyageurs reenactors
-
Jaws of Life demonstration
-
Touch A Truck from Utility Transport and the City of Lemont
- Skip Talbot - Storm Chaser
- OLI Gardens
- EAA Chapter 579
To learn more about these and all the other AMAZING things happening at the Forge On! Scouting Adventure, register below for the September 15th Lunch and Learn:
Friday, September 5 Update - Forge On! EPIC Zipline and Climbing
Scouts, get ready to test your skills and courage! Just 22 miles southwest of Chicago, The Forge Adventure Park offers an epic 2.5–3 hour climbing and ziplining experience* at a special Forge On! Scouting Adventure Discounted Rate.
Soar 1,200 feet across a quarry on a breathtaking zipline, scale 70-foot climbing towers, and conquer multi-level high-ropes courses that challenge your balance, fear of heights, and bravery. Recognized as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Aerial Adventures, it’s the perfect place to live the Scout spirit of challenge, exploration, and outdoor fun.
For younger Scouts and families, the Kids Activities Zone provides even more adventure with climbing structures, interactive play, and age-appropriate challenges 12' above the ground designed to build confidence and spark outdoor excitement.
At The Forge, every climb, zip, and leap pushes you to Explore. Sustain. Inspire.
*Climb & Zip Tix will be sold at the event while slots last.
Friday, August 29 Update - Forge On! Camping & Logistics
This year’s Forge On! will be even better than the last.
Campsites are reserved for our older youth programs and will feature a larger footprint than before. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve early to guarantee your spot.
Not camping overnight? No problem! Our Day-Only option lets you enjoy all the excitement of Forge On! without staying overnight. From hands-on activities and competitions to fellowship and fun, there’s something for everyone.
And the best part of this year's Forge On! Camping & Logistics plan? Gather all the paperwork your continent needs and bring it to the September Roundtable events in Ottawa (9/4), Chippewa (9/11), and Potawatomi (9/11).
Don’t wait—whether you’re setting up camp or joining us for the day, NOW is the time to register.
Remember to register for the 9/15 Forge On! Lunch & Learn at 12PM noon (to be recorded).
Friday, August 22 Update - Forge On! Volunteers
Why do we do this? Why do we go to work, manage a home, go to our kids' sporting events, take care of pets...THEN volunteer even more of our precious personal time to Scouting? Why?
BECAUSE IT IS FUN.
David McCoy is the 2025 Forge On! Activities Coordinator. He has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring all the value-added opportunities outside of what The Forge Lemont Quaries offers to this incredible weekend of Scouting. Why does he do it? Read on to see. And when you're done, click on that Volunteer Signup link so you, too, can help make this event amazing. Who knows...maybe YOU'LL even make a new friend along the way. Why should the Scouts have all the fun???
Dave Says:
I was first introduced to Scouting while growing up in the Washington, D.C. area and have carried that passion with me throughout my life. My son and I began our Scouting journey in the Three Fires Council when he was a kindergartner. We piloted the Lion program with North Aurora Pack 301, where I served as a Den Leader before stepping into the role of Cubmaster.
Today, we are proud members of Aurora Troop 11, where I serve as an Assistant Scoutmaster, Merit Badge Counselor, and Assistant Eagle Coordinator. In 2023, I had the privilege of serving on the National Jamboree Service Team, working in the kayaking area, and I look forward to returning in the same capacity at the 2026 National Jamboree.
My son and I also attended the 2023 Forge On event, where we thoroughly enjoyed the diverse activities and the challenging climbing experiences. During my Wood Badge course in 2024, I connected with Andrea Welch, the lead coordinator of Forge On!, and I volunteered to assist with the 2025 Forge On event. She quickly recruited me as the Activities Coordinator—a role that has allowed me to work alongside an outstanding team of volunteers. Together, we have been planning for over a year to deliver an exciting, activity-packed Scouting adventure this September. I am thrilled to see the team’s hard work come to life and to help create lasting memories for the Scouts who attend.
Friday, August 15 Update - Forge On! Updates
YOU GET AN UPDATE!!! AND YOU GET AN UPDATE!!! AND YOU GET AN UPDATE!!!
The Forge On! team of dedicated volunteers has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to spread the word about this exciting event. From answering questions to providing important updates, they’ve made sure every detail is easy to find and accessible. Whether you’re still exploring your options or ready to register, the Forge On! Website is your go-to hub, packed with all the information and resources you need to make your adventure unforgettable.
Check back frequently as updates are being made constantly as we continue to enhance services, activities, and programs to bring even more information to Packs, Troops, Ships, and Crews! Here are this week's updates...
- Event Guide
- Register for the 9/15 Lunch and Learn
- Volunteer Signup Genius (We would LOVE to have your help!)
- Schedule and Map (We are still adding vendors and partners so check back for the most recent documents)
- FAQ
- Cardboard Boat Race Information and Signup
- Camping registration extended to 9/11/25 for the older programs.
- ALL UNITS can bring a 10' x 10' pop-up to use as a Unit Hub.
Friday, August 8 Update - Forge On! Food for Thought
With non-stop activities, The Forge makes it easy to purchase food on the go - so you can head straight from the cardboard boat race to the live music without missing a beat! From 9am to 9pm, the fun never stops. Whether they’re tackling activities, exploring new skills, or making memories with friends, Scouts will stay energized with delicious, convenient dining options right on-site.
- Quarry Grill featuring your backyard BBQ favorites including burgers, hot dogs, and italian sausage!
- Two Brothers Pizza featuring homemade pizza including cheese, pepperoni, and sausage
- Creamery Ice Cream featuring hand scooped ice cream, colossal cookies, cheesecake on a stick, and more delicious treats!
With these options, your Scouts will have everything they need for a full day of adventure, fun, and flavor...all without missing a beat. Budget about $15 per person (a few more dollars if you want to try ALL the things) and show up ready to Forge On!
Friday, August 1 Update - Forge On! Roundtable Registration
Looking forward to Forge On! this fall? Make the event even smoother for your unit by taking care of registration paperwork before the big day.
You can turn in your completed Forge On! registration paperwork at the September District Roundtable meetings. It’s a quick and easy way to get ahead—no waiting in long lines, no last-minute forms, and no hassle on event day.*
Whether you're with a Pack, Troop, Crew, or Ship, early registration means you and your Scouts can jump right into the fun when Forge On! begins.
So bring your paperwork to your District Roundtable—and spend less time at the check-in table and more time making memories.
Ottawa Roundtable Information:
September 4, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Fox Valley Presbyterian Church | 227 East Side Dr, Geneva, IL
Chippewa Roundtable Information:
September 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church | 715 N Carlton Ave, Wheaton, IL
Potawatomi Roundtable Information:
September 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
English Congregational UCC | 301 Rhodes Ave., Big Rock, IL
*All Climbing & Ziplining participants are required to complete the Forge Adventure Park’s electronic waiver. The link can be found on the right-hand side of the Registration page by the Leader Guide.
Friday, July 25 Update - Forge On! Cardboard Boat Races
Fun Trivia Fact: Cardboard canoe races were invented in Illinois!! The oldest documented carboard canoe race was held in 1974 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
Now you can join this Illinois tradition at the Forge On! event on September 27, 2025, at the Lemont Quarry Forge Adventure Park.
For those up to the sea faring challenge, your mission will be to build a boat out of cardboard, then race it against others for bragging rights as the first Three Fires Council Carboard Boat Race winner!
Here’s the catch!! Your canoe must be built using only:
- paper-based cardboard
- tape
- glue, and
- paint.
No wood, plastic or other materials may be used. Be creative, The Fox Valley race had boats designed to resemble excavators, pirate ships, NASCAR racers, ducks and all sorts of other creative ideas.
Each boat must hold at least two scouts. All paddling scouts must have a current Swimmer qualification. The Forge will provide paddles and life jackets.
Prize categories include:
- Fastest Time
- Forge On! Award: Best Themed Boat
- Guppie Award: Best Sinking
- People’s Choice Award: Audience votes for the boat that wins their heart.
The event is open to Webelos, Arrow of Light, Scouts BSA, Venturers, Sea Scouts, Explorers and adults. Each will compete against their own age group.
Get started planning today! You will need to make your cardboard boat and bring it to the event, whether it fits on a roof or needs its own trailer, you need to get it to the shore. Oh yes--wear a swim suit just in case.
Good luck!
TFC Aquatics Committee
Register your team for the Forge On! Cardboard Boat Race! (Cardboard available upon request while supplies last)
Sign Up Your Team HereFriday, July 18 Update - Forge On! Fun for Cubs
At Forge On! Scouting Adventure we have CUB ADVENTURE covered with action-packed hands-on activities and advancement opportunities designed just for Cubs ages 5-11. Bring your Den! Bring your Pack! Or come as family! It’s everything a Cub needs for an unforgettable day! And for the parents/guardians...a rest in a nearby area under a pop-up-tent. Bring a chair and enjoy the adventure!
The Forge Adventure Park has activities perfect for younger kids:
- Kids' Adventure Zone: Includes ropes courses, balance lines, and climbing nets.
- Kids' Discovery Zone: Nature-based play area featuring natural climbing structures and hands-on elements.
- Jump Zone: Jump, bounce and play on a 50-foot jumping pad and inflatable obstacle course.
- Miniature Golf
Forge On! Cub Zone (Designed with Cubs in mind – Open to all ages)
- Champions for Nature (advancement for each Rank)
- Fishing (advancement opportunities available)
- Range & Target Activities: bb-gun & archery
- Lego Pinewood Derby
- Leatherworking & Blacksmithing
- Climbing Wall
- Touch-A-Truck
- Hands-on Make & Take projects
- Canoeing
- Mammals and reptiles
AND MUCH MORE!!!!!
Friday, July 11 Update - Forge On! Entertainment
The musical entertainment at the Forge On! event is SET! Check out these amazing bands that will rock our world at the quarry on Saturday, September 27.