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Welcome to The Lamplighter, the official newsletter of Scouting America in the W. D. Boyce Council!
This edition of The Lamplighter is being sent to EVERY leader and family in the W. D. Boyce Council
We’d love to add you to the list: Sign up for The Lamplighter now!
Know someone else who might appreciate receiving it? Forward this to them!
Did you receive this from a friend or colleague? Subscribe here!
New to Scouting? Click here!
Miss an issue? Read here!
Have a question, idea or something you want to see in a future issue? Please email Ian Lamb, Council Field Director, at ian.lamb@scouting.org
| | Camp Merchandise Preorder — Save Before Camp | | |
Going to camp—or want to show your camp pride?
Preorder Ingersoll Scout Reservation merchandise now and save!
Available items include cups, T‑shirts, trucker hats, sweatshirts, and more.
📅 Preorders must be placed by May 15.
| | A New Way to Spend the Fourth: Family Camp at ISR | | |
Get ready to celebrate 250 years of American adventures this summer at Ingersoll Scout Reservation! The four‑day, three‑night Cub Scout Resident Camp offers Cub Scouts the chance to work on adventure loops, explore the outdoors, make new friends, and experience all the fun and excitement ISR has to offer.
Week 1 – Now Open to the Whole Family!
The first week of Cub Scout Resident Camp is open to the entire family, not just registered Cub Scouts. Parents, guardians, and siblings are invited to attend and enjoy the camp experience together. Families can:
- Experience camp alongside their Cub Scout
- Share in camp activities and traditions
- Build lasting outdoor memories together
💰 Early Bird Savings
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Early Bird pricing ends May 7 – register and pay by then to save!
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New registrations can save an additional $15 when registering before May 1, making early sign‑up an even better deal.
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Use discount code familycamp15 at registration to receive the additional savings.
⏰ Camp Availability Update
- Week 1 (July 2–5): 106 spots remaining
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Week 2 (July 9–12): SOLD OUT
Week 2 is already full, and Week 1 is filling quickly. Don’t miss the chance to secure your spot, your savings, and an unforgettable summer adventure at Ingersoll Scout Reservation!
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$15 OFF REGISTRATIONS
New registrations only. Week 1 discount. Code expires 4/30/26 at 11:59 PM.
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Be sure to enter code
[familycamp15] at checkout to save!
| | | | Celebrate Scouting America at the Peoria Chiefs Game! | | |
Join us for the annual Scouting America Night with our local Peoria Chiefs baseball team! It's sure to be a fantastic evening filled with fun and fellowship.
⚾Peoria Chiefs VS Wisconsin Timber Rattlers
📅Saturday, May 9
🕛First Pitch - 6:35 PM
🎈Pregame Parade for Scouts
🎆Post-Game Fireworks!
📜Event Flyer
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Youth Protection Training (YPT) is being phased out and has been replaced by the new Safeguarding Youth Training. This updated training is required for all Scouting America registered volunteers and is also a joining requirement.
⚠️ Important Deadline:
YPT officially expires on Sunday, May 31, 2026. To remain current and eligible to serve, you must complete the new Safeguarding Youth Training before that date.
Scouting America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader is a privilege, not a right. The safety of our youth members and the strength of our programs depend on well-trained, committed adult volunteers.
✅ Take action today—don’t wait until the deadline.
| Thank you for your dedication to Scouting America and for helping ensure a safe, positive environment for every youth we serve. | | Stomp Into Summer! 2026 Cub Day Camp – Dinotopia | | |
Get ready for a dino‑sized summer adventure! 2026 Cub Day Camp: Dinotopia runs Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM and is open to all youth entering Grades 1–5 this fall.
Scouts will enjoy five fun‑filled days of theme‑based activities including archery, BB shooting, arts & crafts, outdoor adventures, and special guest presenters—all while making new friends and spending time outdoors.
Packs are encouraged to register as a unit and must provide one adult walker for every 8 Cub Scouts to guide and assist Scouts throughout the day. Tiger Scouts must attend with an adult partner.
🚨 Early bird pricing ends April 30 — don’t delay! 🚨
2026 Camp Locations & Dates:
- Pontiac: Humiston Woods – June 1–5
- Peoria: Tanner’s Orchard – June 1–5
- Bloomington: Comlara Park – June 8–12
- Peru: St. Bede Academy – June 8–12
- Pekin: Mineral Springs Park – June 15–19
Join the adventure and make this summer one to remember! 🦖🐾
| | Lead with Confidence: NYLT 2026 | | |
(NYLT) is an exciting, action‑packed leadership program that prepares youth in Scouting America with skills they can apply in their units, schools, and communities.
📅 Dates: July 14–19, 2026
⏰ Closing Ceremony begins at 3:00 PM on July 19
📍 Location: Ingersoll Scout Reservation
NYLT is open to Scouts ages 13–17 and Venturers and Sea Scouts ages 14–20. Participation is by unit leader approval and recommendation, and youth must meet course requirements prior to attendance.
💲 Take Advantage of Extended Savings:
- $345 discounted fee extended through May 15
- $360 after May 15
🗓 Registration Deadline Extended:
Registration for selected youth is now open through June 1, 2026.
NYLT graduates return home ready to lead with confidence, teamwork, and purpose.
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The 2026 Camp Card Sale is open to all Scouts and all units, making it a simple and effective way to help cover the cost of summer camp and other Scouting activities. Camp Cards sell for $20, with 50% returning to the unit, and there’s no upfront cost. Unsold, like‑new cards can be returned, making it a risk‑free way for Scouts to earn their way to the fun.
With high‑value local discounts and a new Scout Shop offer, Camp Cards are easy to sell and popular with families and community members.
Ask your unit leader how your Scout can participate and help turn today’s activities into unforgettable adventures!
| | Winter Camping Complete. Polar Bear Patch Earned. | | |
The Polar Bear Award recognizes Scouts and Scouters who extend their camping adventures through the winter months. It is open to Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers, registered adult leaders, and Webelos/AOL Scouts camping with a troop.
To earn the award, participants must camp outdoors in a tent or survival‑type shelter for 24 hours while temperatures remain at or below 32°F, under two‑deep leadership. Meals are prepared outdoors, with safety decisions left to unit leaders.
After completing the requirement, contact the Scout Service Center in Peoria to obtain the patch (not available at the Scout Shop). The award may be earned multiple times per season, once per campout.
For more information, visit: https://wdboyce.org/advancement/polar-bear-award/
| | Spots are filling fast for the Railroading Merit Badge Center on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 PM. The event will take place at the Pekin Park District Administration Building in Mineral Springs Park. Cost is $20 per Scout if paid by May 4 or $25 after May 4. Participation is limited to 25 Scouts, with only 16 spots remaining, and registration closes May 18. A snack will be provided. | |
What Is the Commissioner Corps?
As we move further into the year here in the W. D. Boyce Council, I want to take a moment to highlight a group that works quietly behind the scenes to support every unit—the Commissioner Corps.
Commissioners are experienced Scouters whose primary role is to help units succeed. We serve as coaches, mentors, and connectors—offering guidance, sharing ideas, and helping remove roadblocks so unit leaders can focus on delivering a strong, youth-centered program.
Every unit should have a Unit Commissioner who serves as a resource—not to direct, but to support. If you haven’t connected with your Unit Commissioner yet, I encourage you to do so.
We are here to help your unit thrive.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
Council Commissioner
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Scott Heidemann
Heartland District Commissioner
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Scott Heidemann serves as the District Commissioner for the Heartland District and as an Assistant Council Commissioner. An Eagle Scout and Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow, Scott grew up in Troop 104 in Decatur, Illinois, where his love for Scouting first took root.
He currently volunteers as Cubmaster of Pack 1 at Peoria Christian School and has previously served as a Den Leader, Roundtable Commissioner, and in several district-level roles. Scott is passionate about helping volunteers succeed and believes that strong units are built by strong leaders with heart and commitment.
Scouting is a true family adventure for Scott. He serves alongside his wife, and together they have two sons in the Cub Scout program—a Tiger and a Webelos—which means their home is never short on pinewood derby cars, paracord, and ongoing Scout projects.
One thing Scott wishes more people understood about commissioners is that they are not there to “spy” on units. Commissioners exist to build relationships, offer support, and help units succeed so more youth can experience the adventure of Scouting.
How can I help?
Heartland units can reach Scott at:
Heartland-Commissioner@WDBoyce.org
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Andrea Eertmoed
Wotamalo District Commissioner
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Andrea Eertmoed serves as the Wotamalo District Commissioner. Her Scouting journey began as a Girl Scout, where she spent her favorite summers at camp riding horses. Her adult leadership in Scouting America began in 2023 as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and in 2025 she found her niche serving as a Unit Commissioner.
Andrea currently has a daughter in sixth grade who is highly active in the program and preparing to attend the National Jamboree this summer.
What Andrea wishes more people understood is that every unit—even the most high-functioning ones—benefits from having a Commissioner as a steady partner to support leaders and help their programs continue to thrive.
How can I help?
Wotamalo units can reach Andrea at:
Wotamalo-Commissioner@WDBoyce.org
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It’s an exciting time to be part of Scouting America!
Scouting is growing in Central Illinois—and we’re looking for passionate, purpose‑driven people to help shape the next generation of leaders. If you believe in making a real difference for youth, we want to hear from you.
We currently have full‑time and part‑time opportunities in development, community engagement, and program delivery. Whether you’re leading fundraising efforts, supporting volunteers, or mentoring youth, you’ll be part of a mission that transforms lives.
👉 Explore all current openings and apply today: https://wdboyce.org/jobs/
Be part of something bigger. Join Scouting America!
| | Help Shape the Future of Scouting in Central Illinois | | |
Did you know your support of W. D. Boyce Council helps make Scouting possible for thousands of youth?
Every gift supports camperships, outreach to at‑risk youth, affordable programs for families, and well‑trained leaders and camps.
Donors may give through a one‑time contribution or easy monthly installments, making participation accessible for everyone.
Gifts of $120 or more qualify donors for the Family Society, with special recognition items, and gifts of $250 or more receive additional council recognition.
Thank you for investing in the future of Scouting.
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Did you know you can support local Scouting every time you shop at Kroger—at no extra cost to you? Through Kroger Community Rewards, a portion of your eligible purchases is donated to support local Scouting when you simply swipe your Kroger Plus Card.
Getting started is easy: visit Kroger Community Rewards, sign in or create an account, search for W D BOYCE COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA, and enroll. Once selected, your everyday shopping helps fund Scouting programs and opportunities right here in our council. Best of all, enrolling does not impact your Fuel Points or rewards.
Every trip to the store can help make Scouting stronger!
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Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!
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