Troop 16 Oak Park

Troop 16 Oak Park Scouts BSA Troop 16, Oak Park, Illinois

This summer we have a total of 12 Troop 16ers working on the Owasippe staff. They have spent the past 7 days in a grueli...
06/13/2026

This summer we have a total of 12 Troop 16ers working on the Owasippe staff. They have spent the past 7 days in a grueling "staff week" preparing the property for campers to arrive.

We have been invited by our friends at the Oak Park River Forest Museum to send a couple of Scouts to partake in the sim...
06/12/2026

We have been invited by our friends at the Oak Park River Forest Museum to send a couple of Scouts to partake in the simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence taking place on Wednesday, July 8th, at 5:00 in Scoville Park.

If your Scout is interested in reading a line, comment on this post or send the Troop an e-mail.

Every once in a while, a Scout comes along who doesn't just punch above his weight—he punches way above it.That was the ...
06/01/2026

Every once in a while, a Scout comes along who doesn't just punch above his weight—he punches way above it.

That was the unmistakable message from both Scoutmaster Andrew Lennie and Troop Chairman Andrew Campbell at Locklin Bell's Eagle Court of Honor, a sentiment reinforced by the slideshow chronicling his journey through Troop 16.

With regard to Mentor Pins , Locklin did not issue just one or two pins but six (6) mentor pins to :
- Patrick Kornowske - Fellow scout
- Carter Lennie - Fellow scout
- Kyle Peters -Director Camp Blackhawk
- Mr. John Biek- Eagle Advisor
- Mr.Terry Dutton - Former Troop 16 Scoutmaster
- Mr. Andrew Lennie - Current Troop16 Scoutmaster

Scoutmaster Lennie emphasized that Locklin's greatest accomplishment wasn't earning 31 merit badges, serving multiple terms as Senior Patrol Leader, being selected for the OA Vigil Honor, or even attaining Eagle Scout. Rather, it was that he left Troop 16 better than he found it. Through leadership, service, mentorship, and character, Locklin helped shape the culture of the troop and influenced an entire generation of younger Scouts.

Chairman Campbell offered a different but equally powerful perspective. As he noted, "The badges, projects, and leadership positions tell only part of the story."

The rest of the story is told through the friendships he built, the memories he created, and the countless legendary Troop 16 moments that seem to have Locklin somewhere near the center of them. From the infamous dairy-product revenge plot, to Egg Drop Night, to the O'Leary Brothers campfire performance, to the cross-country adventures of his father's folding table, Locklin's fingerprints are all over some of the troop's most memorable stories.

Perhaps the most telling reflection came from Locklin himself. In his Eagle speech, he spoke not about achievements, but about character, community, service, mentorship, and gratitude. His message was simple: Troop 16 helped shape the person he has become.

Few Scouts leave a legacy measured not only by what they accomplished, but by the people they inspired, the culture they strengthened, and the friendships they forged.

Congratulations, Eagle Scout Locklin Bell and parents John Bell & Kathleen Finn Bell. Your impact on Troop 16 will be felt long after the badges are packed away and the campfires have burned out. ⚜️
Slideshow —> https://youtu.be/MtBeJMK3ASE?si=D6ZrAcc8z4SuKOwu

Text of Scoutmaster Lennie's speech

See here ---> https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1356789929810885&set=pcb.1356802369809641

Text of Troop 16 Chairman Andrew Campbell's speech
See here for transcript ---> https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1356789966477548&set=pcb.1356802369809641

Text of Eagle Scout Locklin Bell's speech ---> https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1356930819796796&set=pcb.1356802369809641

Troop 16 Spring Court of Honor – May 2026The final meeting of the program year was a memorable and busy evening, featuri...
05/31/2026

Troop 16 Spring Court of Honor – May 2026
The final meeting of the program year was a memorable and busy evening, featuring summer camp preparations with Scouts and parents, Senior Patrol Leader elections, and our Spring Court of Honor recognizing the hard work, leadership, and advancement achievements of our Scouts.
Highlights
🔹 Senior Patrol Leader Election
The torch officially passes from Charlie S. to Jacob S. We extend our sincere thanks to Charlie for his outstanding leadership and stewardship of Troop 16 during the past year. Congratulations to Jacob as he takes the helm and helps guide Troop 16 into its remarkable 110th year.

🔹 A Memorable Message from Eagle Scout Locklin B.
In what may be one of his final Court of Honor appearances before aging out, Locklin B. delivered a thoughtful and inspiring address. He reflected on the challenges facing today's youth and emphasized how Scouting provides invaluable opportunities to develop character, leadership, resilience, and life skills. He encouraged our younger Scouts to fully embrace everything Troop 16 has to offer and to make the most of the opportunities before them.

🔹 A fitting close to the evening was a year-end message from Chairman Campbell, who reflected on the many accomplishments and adventures of the past year. He expressed his gratitude to the dedicated adult volunteers and Scout families whose countless hours of support made the program possible—from camping alongside our Scouts, driving to campouts and activities, assisting with fundraising efforts, and helping create the experiences that make Troop 16 such a special place.

🔹 Order of the Arrow – Ordeal Members
Congratulations to our newest OA members:
Scouts
- Jacob S.
- David B.
- Gino F.
- Walter L.

Adult Scouter
- Stephanie F.

🔹 Dick Tresselt Ironman Award
Presented to Scouts who attended every weekend campout during the 2025–2026 Fall and Spring program year:

- Jerry D.
- Armaan S.
- Kaelan Y.
- Nick Z.
An impressive display of commitment, perseverance, and Scout spirit!

Advancement Highlights
A total of thirty eight (38) rank advancements were recognized during the evening:
Scout Rank - Fourteen (14)
Tenderfoot Rank -Five (5)
Second Class - Three (3)
First Class - Nine (9)
Star - Two (2)
Life - Two (2)
Eagle - Three (3)

Scout Rank
Emilio S., Declan S., Lincoln J., Eden S., Noah B., Andrew Z., Andrew S., Julian B., Henry H., Nolan T., Liam W., Ren L.H., Neko L., Michael P.

Tenderfoot Rank
Ethan F., Micah K., Ren H., Henry H., Michael O.

Second Class Rank
Alexander B., Benjamin O., Rohit S.

First Class Rank
Alexander M., Jeremiah D., David I., Rhys K., Brayden L., Rohit S., Ogden D., Harrison V.

Star Rank
Gino F., Harrison V.

Life Rank
Alejandro B., Walter L.

Eagle Scout Rank
Locklin B., Noah L., Jude M.

As another successful year comes to a close, we celebrate the growth, accomplishments, and leadership demonstrated by our Scouts. Congratulations to all who advanced, earned special recognition, and stepped forward to lead. Here's to a great summer and an exciting start to Troop 16's 110th year! ⚜️🇺🇸

This Saturday the 30th we shall honor the "Grover Cleveland" of Troop 16, Locklin B., for attaining the rank of Eagle. ...
05/26/2026

This Saturday the 30th we shall honor the "Grover Cleveland" of Troop 16, Locklin B., for attaining the rank of Eagle. Like Mr. Cleveland, he is an avid outdoorsman, has served as a teacher of young people, and has served two non-consecutive as the chief executive of a large organization. Scouts wishing to participate in the ceremony should arrive at 4:30pm, for a 5pm first pitch. The Troop extends its congratulations to Locklin and his family.

05/26/2026

Friday's run-of-events:

6:30 - pre-summer camp Parent-Scout meeting
7:30 - SPL election
8:00 - Spring Court of Honor

Service to others is a key tenant of our program. One of our traditions is to partake in the River Forest Memorial Day p...
05/25/2026

Service to others is a key tenant of our program. One of our traditions is to partake in the River Forest Memorial Day parade, both in carrying the flag and staffing the free hot dog station. Kudos to all who volunteered their time today.

Troop 16 returned to Rainbow Scout Reservation this past weekend for the first major campout in large group setting for...
05/20/2026

Troop 16 returned to Rainbow Scout Reservation this past weekend for the first major campout in large group setting for our newest scouts .

With near perfect weather, the weekend was packed with merit badge work, board of reviews, fishing, campfire skits, patrol time, and plenty of muddy boots and laughter. Highlights included:

🎣 Fishing along the Mazon River
🥧 Dutch oven chocolate and cherry cobblers that disappeared in minutes
🔥 Campfire skits and stories under the night sky
🇺🇸 A solemn and respectful flag retirement ceremony

From first fish catches to first campfire memories, this one will be remembered for a long time.”

CALL FOR SCOUTSThis July 8th, our friends at the OPRF History Museum will be participating in a simultaneous reading of ...
05/19/2026

CALL FOR SCOUTS

This July 8th, our friends at the OPRF History Museum will be participating in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence, taking place across every state and territory, to mark the 250th anniversary of its first public reading. If your Scout is interested in partaking, it will be in Scoville Park that evening. If interested, please comment below or send an e-mail to Troop16 at gmail dot com no later than May 31st.

It's not often that high school students are awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, much les...
05/14/2026

It's not often that high school students are awarded a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, much less two Troop 16 Eagle Scouts. Our Very Own Isaiah and Tommy's exploits in the realm of induced current cathodic protection were written up in this week's Wednesday Journal. Read all about it at the link here, and way to go, guys!

https://www.oakpark.com/2026/05/12/oprf-students-build-power-generation-system/

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Oak Park, IL
60301 TO 60304

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