Wood Dale Illinois Troop 65 Home Page

For those who may be unfamiliar with Scouting:
Boy Scouting is for all boys, aged 11 to 18.
(Boys aged 6 to 10 may join Cub Scouts.)

The mission of the Boys Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices
over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

SCOUT OATH
On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
And to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong,
Mentally awake, and morally straight.

SCOUT LAW

A Scout is:

Trustworthy
Loyal
Helpful
Friendly
Courteous
Kind

Obedient
Cheerful
Thrifty
Brave
Clean
Reverent

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation's foremost youth program of character development
and values-based leadership training.

In the future, Scouting will continue to:

Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;

Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;

Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;

Serve America's communities and families with its quality, values-based program.

HIGH ADVENTURE !
	Troop 65 is based in Wood Dale, Illinois. We were founded in 1951, and are sponsored by the Church of the Holy Ghost in Wood Dale. We're a member of the Northern Trail District, and of the Three Fires Council. Our program is based on character building, strong values, physical fitness, learning new things, and having fun. Troop 65 is known for our High Adventure program, with emphasis on challenging outdoor adventures. Our High Adventure program has taken our Boy Scouts to places such as hiking the Grand Canyon, whitewater rafting in West Virginia, biking to St. Louis, Missouri, and Jacksonville Florida, and canoeing the Boundary Waters of Minnesota.
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES !
	We're a "Boy-led" Troop, which means that the Program Planning and Troop Leadership is done, as much as possible, by the Scouts themselves. Adult Leaders are present at all activities, but their main purpose is to advise, guide, and assist; and to do so only when necessary.
SERVICE TO COMMUNITY !
	Boy Scouts is a Service Organization. Troop 65 provides service to Wood Dale and surrounding communities in various annual and special-needs projects. We're part of the "Adopt-A-Highway" program, and we do four trash pick-ups per year on two different sections of road, we assist with Food Packing for the needy during the holidays, and we participate in other projects as needed. Community service is important, and our Scouts have many opportunities to give something back to their community.
YEAR-ROUND FUN !
	Troop 65 never shuts down. We have campouts, day trips, and special events throughout the year. Some events are done on an annual basis, such as camping in Eagle Cave, the U.S. Grant Pilgrimage in Galena, and Summer Camp at Camp Freeland Leslie. Other activities are planned by the Troop Leaders Council (TLC), which is comprised of the Scouts. All activities are approved through the Troop Committee, which is comprised of the Adult Leaders.
FAMILY INVOLVEMENT !
	Parents are allowed and encouraged to attend any and all events. While we are a "High Adventure" Troop, we also have many campouts and activities throughout the year that are of a less adventuresome nature. For those who may be new to camping, both Youth and Adult Leaders are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have, and to help you in any way we can. Even those of us who've been camping hundreds of times will still occasionally learn something new from one of the Scouts or other Leaders.
VISIT US !
	Our Troop normally meets once a week. During the school year, we meet at Westview School in Wood Dale. During the summer months, we meet at a local Forest Preserve. Meeting times and locations may change depending on campouts and other activities. You're welcome to visit our Troop, just to check us out, or to get information on joining. Stop by anytime. Please note that meeting places and times are subject to change, so, if you want to be sure to find us, please Contact Us first to make sure we'll be there.
MORE INFORMATION !
	To find out more about our Troop, you can visit our History Page, or our Activities Page; or you may Contact Us. Troop 65 Scouts, Leaders, and Committee Members may visit our Troop Only Pages.