Boy Scout Troop 167 marks milestone

HUNTLEY — For nearly a century, Boy Scout Troop 167 members have been reporting to First Congregational Church in Huntley.

Troop 167’s 90th anniversary takes place this year and the boy scouts kicked off their celebration with an ice cream social, during Huntley’s recent National Night Out.

Boy Scout Troop 167 holds meetings Monday nights at First Congregational Church from 7–8 p.m. Scoutmaster Paul Wyse believes many factors go into the troop’s milestone year.

“The First Congregational Church of Huntley has been our sponsor for 90 years,” Wyse said. “There are adult leaders of the Troop, parent volunteers and community partners such as the Village of Huntley and the businesses). All understand the value of the Scout program and what it does for the children of the community. But most of all, the hard work by the Scouts over the years, dedicating themselves to the challenges of earning the highest rank in Scouting, Eagle Scout.”

He added, “we see young scouts grow over the years into leaders as they learn and develop skills that will remain with them for life. Scouts take many values they learn in Scouting with them into their future roles in the community, workplace or military. All Scouts learn the same values and skills since Scouting follows the same guidelines nationwide. Scouting instills the values of volunteering in the community, being involved and giving back to the community. This is how Troop 167 has reached this milestone.”

Huntley residents see Boy Scout Troop 167 members often at community events. Recently these have included: the American Legion Vet Fest; assisting the Grafton Township Food Pantry collect food; assist the Village of Huntley in planting a tree on Earth Day; volunteer at McHenry County Conservation District as well as Huntley Animal Shelter. One upcoming event is Wreaths Across America in December.

Huntley High School junior Christian Blozinski is the Senior Patrol Leader and has attained a Life Rank status.

“Scouting has been a large part of my life and has given me opportunities I never would have had or thought of,” Blozinkski said. “I’ve gone camping and hiking in many remote areas and have seen more of nature than most. I enjoy helping the community by volunteering at conservation area clean-ups and other public activities with my troop. Boy Scouts has helped me grow as a leaser by teaching me valuable lessons and has provided me with knowledge that I will be able to use for the rest of my life.”

Boy Scout Troop 167’s leadership includes Wyse, who has been Scoutmaster for one and one-half years and an adult leader for five; Dave Harper and Brett Strauss as assistant scoutmasters, for 10 years and have also been adult leaders.

“They have remained in the troop long after their sons have attained the Eagle rank because they understand the value of the program. I also have two other Assistant Scoutmasters who have been adult leaders for three to five years each,” Wyse said.

Two groups also help, known as the “front end” leaders and the “rear side”, mostly parents and committee members, many serving from five to 10 years.