Orland Park trustees on Monday recognized Scouts BSA Troop 318 as the July Community Organization of the Month, honoring one of the oldest scout troops in the region as it marks 88 years of continuous service.
Founded in 1938, Troop 318 has grown into a multi-unit organization serving scouts ages 11 to 17 through a boy troop, girl troop, and Crew 318 for older scouts seeking high adventure. Over the past 88 years, more than 230 scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The girl troop, established in 2022, has already produced five Eagle Scouts.
“Troop 318 is one of the oldest scout troops in the area, serving scouts for 88 years,” troop leaders said in a video presented to the board. “Today, Troop 318 includes our boy troop, our girl troop, and Crew 318 for older scouts seeking high adventure.”
The troop meets every Thursday night during the school year, working on skills ranging from knot-tying and first aid to earning merit badges from a selection of more than 140 available. Members camp almost every month, and every July, scouts spend a week at summer camp where they try activities like archery, sailing, and ATV riding.
Beyond outdoor activities, Troop 318 emphasizes community service and leadership development. Scouts plant trees, cook for shelters, and support veterans. Leadership positions — senior patrol leader, quartermaster, chaplain aide — are elected by scouts and rotated regularly to develop skills in all members.
Mayor James Dodge praised the scouts and their families.
“It’s been a long tradition in Orland Park to just say thank you and kind of honor you for what you’re doing,” the mayor said. “We now kind of know it’s an important thing for the village, so thank you for what you’ve done. Congratulations and thanks to all the parents and coaches who make it work. It’s a lot of work.”
The proclamation noted that Scouts BSA is founded on a mission to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values of the Scout. The organization has been recognized for developing character, leadership, mental grit, and physical fitness in youth.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the troop, you can do so through their website.
