An Inside Look at Troop 188

Troop 188 was established in 1964 in Palatine, Illinois. Today, it continues to actively serve the youth of Palatine and the surrounding areas. We are approximately 30 scouts strong and have an active program of meetings, outings, fundraisers service projects and camping. Troop 188 meets every Monday from 7—8:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Lutheran Church, our Charter-Organization, located at 41 S. Rohlwing Road, Palatine, IL. Our meetings start with a group assembly format, opening flag ceremony and announcements from our Senior Patrol Leader(s), followed by a patrol led meeting where scouts work on skill building, rank advancements and/or merit badges. On occasion, Troop 188 hosts guest speakers as part of our program, offers group events and even takes part in various team building games and activities.

Why Troop 188?

Troop 188 has many unique qualities that make us stand out from the rest. Our real strength lies in the number of quality “trained” adult leaders. Troop 188 is a true “Scout Run Troop” which allows its scouts to chose the outings that they go on and the activities that they take part in. Troop meetings are run by the scouts and they assist in organizing the Courts Of Honor, held throughout the year. Troop 188 is very active, with an average of 10 campouts per year, among the other engaging activities such as community service projects; Scouting For Food, Soup Nights at Christ Lutheran Church, community clean ups and more. Troop 188 has been a successful troop for over 50 years and proud to have produced over 85 Eagle Scouts as part of its outstanding program.

Camping/Outings

Troop 188 takes part in a minimum of one camp out/outing per month. Some of our favorite locations to visit are Owasippe, Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, Florida Seabase, and Mississippi Paraslides. Summertime is where we concentrate on offering various levels of adventure for our scouts. Typically the younger boys enjoy a merit badge based summer camp, while the older scouts take part in High Adventure trips like Boundary Waters.

Fall Webelos Event

As part of our ongoing efforts to recruit ambitious boys into our troop, we invite local Webelos II to join us for a day of fun and adventure , offering them a taste of Scouting and allowing them to meet some of our troop families prior to their bridging decision that follows in the Spring.

The Feast

Every October, it is Troop 188’s tradition to celebrate it’s unity by joining together for a Fall Feast where every member of our troop, scouts, parents, both past and present, join together to celebrate years of success.

Scout Expectations

Adherence of Scout Oath and Law are to be practiced at all times during Troop activities. Scouts are required to wear Class A uniforms, provided by the scout, at troop meetings and while traveling to and from troop outings. Scouting Handbook, neckerchief, troop numbers, rank patches, patrol and position patches are provided by the troop. Jeans or shorts are approved as part of the attire for troop meetings, however, official scout pants or dress slacks, with dress shoes are expected at Court of Honors. Class B uniforms (t-shirts) are available for purchase throughout the year. Class B shirts are typically worn on outings, community service events and camp outs.

Adult Participation

Many adult volunteers are active as Assistant Scoutmasters and Committee Members. Parents help to coordinate various events and/or outings. All adults, both leaders and parents are expected to lead by example and adhere to the same Scout Oath and Law as our scouts. Each family is encouraged to have at least one parent trained and active in the troop.

Scout Accounts

Troop 188 sets aside a percentage of the profits earned as a result of fundraising into the scouts individual ‘Scout Account’. These funds can be used towards summer camps, High Adventure, troop outings, rechartering fees.