Below I have include some information about some special events in  
Scouting that are coming up in Springfield, IL  opened up for everybody 
around the U.S.!!!!
    If you need any further information or would like to register for the  
event call the ABRAHAM LINCOLN COUNCIL SERVICE CENTER @ (217) 546-5570.
    Also, not mentioned below is the fact that the Governor of Illinois ,Jim  
Edgar, will be present, and a few members from the National Scout Office, and 
possibly "Scouting  Magazine".  This is the 50th anniversary of the Lincoln 
Pilgrimage and it is said that thousands  of scouts from around the U.S. will 
be involved.  So come on out and join in!
    LINCOLN PILGRIMAGE
    LOCATION-The Tomb of Mr. Lincoln is located in Oak Ridge Cemetery on  the 
northwest perimeter of Springfield.  It is well marked by many road signs 
from all  approaches.
    TIME-The Pilgrimage ceremonies will begin promptly at 2:15 p.m.  in front 
of the tomb. All participants must be in place by 2:00 p.m.
    PARADE-Immediately following the twenty minute Tomb ceremony,  
participants will parade ten abreast to the steps of the State Capitol where 
they will pass in  review.  The parade departs from the Tomb via Monument 
Avenue.  It travels south on First Street  to Adams Street to Second Street.  
After being reviewed, the parade is disbanded on Jackson  Street.  The total 
length of the march is 1.5 miles.  All participants will have passed the  
reviewing stand no later that 4:00 p.m.
    FLAGS-Units should bring their American and unit flags.  CARRYING  BELTS 
ARE ESSENTIAL.  Bearers of American flags will march enmasse at the front of 
the  parade.  Upon arrival at the Capitol Building, they will be formed into 
an avenue of  flags.
    REGISTRATION-The fee is $3.00 per participant.  Each registered  
participant will receive a special 50th Anniversary Pilgrimage patch and each 
unit will receive a  pilgrimage streamer for their flagpole.  These items, 
for the entire unit, are secured when the unit  leader checks in at the 
registration tent near the caretaker's parking lot immediately west of the  
Tomb.  Registration at the Tomb begins at 9:30 a.m. and will continue until 
1:45 p.m.
    At the time of registration, each unit will be assigned to a  section.  
Each section is clearly marked in an area immediately in front of the Tomb.  
All units must  report to these sections so that your unit might be located 
in case of a lost Scout or other  emergency.
    PRE-REGISTRATION-Leaders are urged to pre-register at the Abraham  
Lincoln Council Service Center between April 1 and April 28.  Patches, 
streamers,  and other pre-ordered items will then be pre-packaged ready for 
pick up the morning of the  Pilgrimage.  Those units that pre-register will 
be placed toward the front of the parade.
    UNIFORMS-Uniforms are the most appropriate and must be worn  correctly, 
with no unofficial parts.  Participants should dress for predicted weather, 
since the  Pilgrimage will be held regardless of weather conditions.
    PARKING-All State Capitol parking areas are available for use at the  
parade's end at no charge.
    CAMPING-Is available at the Boy Scout Camp Illinek, located on Lake  
Springfield. Camping fees are $1.00 per person, per night, with a minimum of 
$10.00 per  group, per night. Interested unit leaders must contact the 
Abraham Lincoln Council Service  Center at (217) 546- 5570 for further 
information and reservations.
    Limited camping is available at Lincoln's New Salem State Historical  
Site.  The primitive camping area used by some troops in the past is no 
longer available.  Fees  at New Salem are also $1.00 per person, per night, 
with a minimum of $10.00 per group, per  night.  This is on a first come, 
first served basis.  A 10:30 p.m. curfew will be strongly  enforced.
    A firebowl is being planned for both camping sites for Saturday  night.
    PICNICS-Units should plan a picnic at one of the numerous city  parks.  
Picnics are not allowed in the cemetery.
    TRADING POST-Special fiftieth anniversary Lincoln Pilgrimage  
commemorative items will be available for purchase Friday and Saturday at 
Camp Illinek and New  Salem, and at the registration area near the Tomb on 
the day of the Pilgrimage.  Items for  sale will include patches, coffee 
mugs, t-shirts, caps, hat pins, special event license plate  souvenirs, and 
other anniversary memorabilia.
    LINCOLN TRAIL
    The Pilgrimage weekend affords a unique opportunity for Boy Scouts,  
Explorers, Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors to combine hiking the Lincoln 
Trail with attendance at  the Pilgrimage.
    Since the trail is twenty-one miles from New Salem State Park to Stuart  
Park on the northwest edge of Springfield (IL), most groups plan on spending 
at least  two days in the area. It is practical to arrive in the Springfield 
area on Friday evening so you  may begin the trail in New Salem early 
Saturday morning, camp that evening, and attend the Pilgrimage  on Sunday.  
You'll want to allow several hours for visiting the restored New Salem 
Village at  the park.
    Each first time hiker must read a book on Abraham Lincoln and present a  
300 word report, TO HIS UNIT LEADER.  It is the responsibility of the unit 
leader to verify that  all first time hikers complete a book report.  The 
book requirements does not apply to repeat  hikers.
    Trail recognition order forms and maps will be available at New Salem.   
On Saturday, April 29 ONLY (before 6:00 p.m.) trail medals and patches may be 
purchased at the end  of the trail. Second, third, and fourth repeat patches 
are available for purchase by any  individual repeating the Lincoln Trail.  
Trail medals sell for $4.00, patches for $2.00, and  repeat patches for 
5.00.
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