Each year the members of Post 2911 attend competitions to test their knowledge and skills in the field of law enforcement. State and national conferences are held on alternating years. The conferences are sponsored by the Boy Scouts as well as state, federal and local law enforcement agencies.

The conference competition includes scenarios relating to real-life situations that police officers might have to respond to. Some examples include Traffic Stops, Building Searches, Courtroom Testimony, Surveillance Techniques, Accident Investigations, and more.)

Each scenario consists of several adult role-players acting out a situation or conflict. The Explorers are briefed prior to the scenario. During the scenario, the Explorers are expected to perform the necessary actions to resolve the situation, just as if each was a police officer. Each scenario is overseen by judges who rate the team as a whole on their performance.

The conferences also include a variety of seminars that the Explorers can attend. Some examples of these seminars include Cybercrimes, Fugitive Investigations and Hate Crimes.

At the conclusion of each conference, an awards ceremony is held to honor all of the Explorers. Trophies are awarded to the top 4 or 5 teams in each category.

At the 2017 Illinois State Conference which was held in early August at Lewis University in Romeoville. The Explorers of Vernon Hills Post 2911 did their usual great job. The competition was extremely tough. Remember, the Explorers who participate (regardless of the agency that he/she represents) have a strong desire to become police officers. Thus, they give it their all. The group from Post 2911 took 4th place in the Building Search category.

Congratulations to all who attended and we can't wait to see what you'll do in 2019!