Bourbonnais hosts scout day during national scout week

At a recent meeting, the Village of Bourbonnais Board proclaimed February 2 through February 8 as 'Scout Week.' As part of this initiative, the village hosted 'Scout Day,' inviting Scouts to engage with local government operations.

This event coincides with the Boy Scout Anniversary Week, celebrated nationally in early February. The holiday aims to raise awareness and appreciation for the Boy Scouts of America (B.S.A.).

During 'Scout Day,' eight members from the Rainbow Council participated by shadowing village officials and managing various departments. The day concluded with a simulated village board meeting led by these young participants.

The Scouts who took on leadership roles included Hudson Bell as Mayor, Josiah Fish as Village Administrator, Weston Banter as Police Chief, Titus Hyma as Fire Chief, Isaac Rosenberger as Finance Director, Kaden Ramirez as Community & Economic Development Director, Hudson Lacher as Public Works Director, and Jayce Balk as Building Commissioner.

Bourbonnais Mayor Paul Schore expressed support for scouting initiatives: “The village is proud to support scouting and its mission to build character, conduct, patriotism and service.”

He further emphasized the educational value of these events: “Scout Week and Scout Day provide both boys and girls with hands-on learning experiences in local government which is beneficial for preparing youth as future community members.”

The Rainbow Council encompasses Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, and Explorer Posts across Kankakee, Will, and Grundy Counties. It serves around 4,500 youth members. Cub Scout Pack 324 has been chartered since 1954 and Boy Scout Troop 324 since 1958 by residents of Bourbonnais.