We are always looking for new Scouts to join our Troop! Boy Scouts is open to anyone ages 11 to 18, and you do not need to have been a Cub Scout. We are a boy-led troop, which means that our Scout leaders run the show. If you’re interested in joining, you can contact us or come to one of our weekly meetings, Thursday at 7 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia.
We have a big troop of over 40 Scouts, and we take part in different activities all year long. Here are just some of the activities that we’ve done over the past few years.
Monthly troop campouts and outdoor activities
We camp outdoors one weekend a month, except for the winter. We’ve gone to places like Indiana Dunes, Starved Rock, Mississippi Palisades, Illinois Beach State Park, White Pines State Park, and closer to home at LeRoy Oakes and Blackwell Forest Preserves. On our campouts we hike, swim, go kayaking or paddleboarding, and more.
Winter cabin campouts and activities
In January and February each year we go cabin camping and do winter activities. We have gone skiing, to water parks, and organized electronics campouts (all electronics, all weekend long!).
Activities with other troops
Every year we participate in events where we meet Scouts from other troops. The Grant Pilgrimage in Galena gathers scouts from across Illinois to learn more about American history and explore downtown Galena. At the VFW Vigil in early November, we camp out with Scouts from all the Batavia troops and St. Charles Troop 1, while we keep a fire burning all weekend in honor of veterans, and retire American flags. We also play lots of games together, like gaga ball, nine square, bags and frisbee. We also take part in Three Fires Council activities like the Scouting Spectacular.
Summer camp and high adventure
Every year our troop attends a week-long summer camp, where the Scouts can choose from a wide range of activities and merit badges. Eligible Scouts also participate every year in high adventure outings, including the famous Philmont Ranch hiking trips, and Sea Base in Florida.
We are dedicated to advancing all of our Scouts through the ranks, and are proud that so many of our Scouts have earned their Eagle Scout rank.
Merit badges
Many of our adult leaders are also merit badge counselors, and they organize classes for interested Scouts. Badges we have earned through our counselors include Eagle-required badges such as cooking, communications, personal management, and family life. Many of our Scouts also attend the annual Merit Badge University organized by Three Fires Council, as well as earning merit badges at summer camp.
Rank advancement
Rank advancement is a big part of our weekly meetings. Older Scouts work with the newer scouts to help them advance through the ranks, from Tenderfoot all the way to Eagle. Our adult leaders are also available to assist and help Scouts advance. We celebrate several new Eagle Scouts each year with a special ceremony to honor this significant achievement.
Fundraising
Our major annual fundraiser is Flags Over Batavia, which funds virtually all of our troop’s activities. To take part in Flags Over Batavia, residents pay $30 annually and our Scouts place flags in their yards on four holidays: Flag Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. The Scouts’ responsibility as part of the fundraiser is to renew flag orders and solicit new orders, and sign up for one or two holidays a year to raise and retire flags along a given route. This fundraiser has been so successful that we are able to waive almost all annual dues for our Scouts.
We also run the Pumpkin Roll every year at the Batavia Batfest event. Families buy a pumpkin and compete to see who can roll it the farthest down Houston Street. The day’s winner receives a cash prize.
