About Us

A Thriving Troop 

Troop 209 is a robust Troop with around 80 active scouts, which has been serving families in the Palatine area for more than 50 years. Troop 209 consists of two Troops, Troop 209B (all-boy) which has seven patrols, and Troop 209-G (all-girl) which has two patrols. Our Troops cooperate, share resources and participate in activities together in accordance with BSA policy.

Troop 209B and Troop 209G are a division of the Boy Scouts of America BSA, Pathway to Adventure Council. Both Troops are active in the Palatine area and welcome anyone interested in character development, community service, adventure, teamwork, and making friends.

Our Troops are dedicated to the Scouting experience where youth can have and share their own adventures in the great outdoors. They develop a love of service by volunteering in our community, building leadership skills through fun and exciting challenges, and creating memories of a lifetime.

A Scout-Led Troop 

We believe strongly in the success that having a ‘Scout-led’ Troop has brought us. While our Troop is guided by trained adult leaders, our Scouts plan, organize and execute the activities that they take part in. Scouts lead the Troop meetings and help organize the Courts Of Honor held throughout the year. We offer our Scouts many different kinds of opportunities for merit badges and leadership development as they progress through the ranks and we’re very proud of the success that they have earned. Learn more about merit badges.

An Adventurous and Active Troop

Troop 209’s motto is “Follow the Rugged Road”. We interpret that to mean that the Scouting journey is different for every scout, and we do our best to provide as many different types of opportunities as possible, to challenge our Scouts and guide them along that journey in the way that best fits their needs.

Every Scout in our Troop is offered many opportunities to camp, as our Troop offers upwards of 15 camp-outs per year with at least one camp-out every month of the year at area camping destinations in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Learn more about camping with Troop 209.

Our Troop is composed of Scouts with many talents and interests. We have many Scouts who enjoy STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) related activities and were awarded an opportunity to create an experiment that launched to the International Space Station.

An Engaged Troop 

Troop 209 is committed to and engaged with their local community. Scouts show their commitment to helping others through their actions. Our Scouts have given back to our community through Eagle projects benefiting senior citizens, food pantries, animal rescue organizations, physically challenged, and other local charities. In addition, our Scouts participate in many local community service projects such as Feed My Starving Children, community cleanups, and more.  One of our most memorable events was helping out at Honor Flight Chicago, benefiting and celebrating our World War II Veterans. 

A Successful Troop

The Eagle Scout award is the highest rank available. It is a prestigious and rewarding accomplishment known for the amount of work and dedication required to achieve it. Troop 209 is proud of its 146 Eagle Scouts (as of April 2023) who have proved their character and leadership by making a positive impact in their own life, their family, and their community. Learn more about Troop 209’s Eagle’s Nest. 

A Welcoming Troop

Troop 209 welcomes any families that are considering Scouting to visit us. Anyone ages 11-18 and interested in camping, hiking, leadership skills, community service, character development, adventures, teamwork, and making friends. Previous scouting experience is not required. Both boys and girls are welcome to join. 

For additional information please contact our Scoutmaster, Erik Hildebrandt at [email protected].