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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!
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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
| | A Fast-Paced Start to 2026—And Packed with Scouting Adventures! | | |
It’s been an adventure‑filled start to 2026 in the W. D. Boyce Council! In just the first weeks of the year, the council has already delivered 15 events supporting Scouts and Scouters across our communities. Highlights include the Klondike Derbies, Cub Scout Yukons, the annual Eagle Scout Recognition Brunch, and Merit Badge University at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Altogether, these programs have served 633 Scouts and 508 adult participants.
Not to mention the countless unit meetings and activities happening every week. Be sure to check out our upcoming events—you won’t want to miss out on the fun! And thank you to ALL our volunteers who make these experiences possible for our Scouts.
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Discover America’s Story — For Free!
All pre-K through grade 12 students living in Illinois will receive free admission to the Peoria Riverfront Museum through the new All-Illinois Student Access Pass, launching January 31, 2026, in celebration of America250.
This is a fantastic chance for young people to explore history, science, and art at no cost. We encourage all Scouting units and Scouts to take advantage of this incredible opportunity—plan a den outing, a troop excursion, or a family visit and discover America’s story together!
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Register Now to Attend your District's Pinewood Derby!
Did you know? All Cub Scouts can race in their district Pinewood Derby, where Cub Scouts from many packs come together to compete for top spots!
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Heartland District
Fulton, Marshall & Peoria
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Concordian Lutheran (Peoria)
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Wotamalo District
Woodford, Tazewell & Mason
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Lincoln Grade School (Morton)
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Crossroads District
DeWitt, Livingston, Logan & McLean
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Second Presbyterian Church
(Bloomington)
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Lowaneu District
Bureau, Putnam & LaSalle
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Peru Mall
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Join us to Honor our Silver Beaver Recipients!
Register now to attend the 2026 Annual Council Dinner on Saturday, March 21 at Metamora Fields Golf Club.
Join us for an evening of fellowship as we celebrate recent Scouting accomplishments and honor the newest recipients of the Silver Beaver Award:
- Mike Gray
- Scott Heidemann
- Taylor Mathews
- Cindy Ragon
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Training Times
Congratulations to Pack 1 in Peoria and Troop 745 in Ottawa—the first units in our council to reach 100% position‑specific leader training! This is a truly outstanding accomplishment and sets a powerful example for every unit across our council.
Are you trained to make a difference?
Check today’s training report to see where your unit stands and how close you are to joining the 100% club.
We will be recognizing units that reach 100% trained leadership every month in the Lamplighter. Your unit could be next!
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Test Your Skills at the Annual First Aid Rally!
Join us on Saturday, March 21 for an unforgettable day of hands-on first aid challenges. From severed fingers and backcountry falls to car accidents and allergic reactions, you’ll face real-life scenarios that put your Scouting knowledge to the ultimate test. Plus, we’re expanding our stations with new surprises—alongside the classic challenges you know and love.
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Apply Now for National Youth Leadership Training!
Applications are now open for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT)—Scouting America’s premier youth leadership experience. NYLT will be held July 14–19, 2026 at Ingersoll Scout Reservation.
Youth ages 13–17 (Scouts BSA) and 14–20 (Venturers & Sea Scouts) who meet the requirements are encouraged to apply. All applicants will be reviewed and notified of acceptance the week of March 15, with final registration due by May 1.
Space is limited—unit leaders may need to prioritize candidates.
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Cub Scout Resident & Day Camp Registration is Now Open!
Cub Scout Summer Camps will surely be the highlight of your Scout's summer! Join us for unforgettable adventures including archery, BB-guns, games, Scout skills, crafts, and more!
Spots are filling up fast! Don't delay, register today.
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Scouts BSA Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!
Get ready for an unforgettable summer! The 2026 ISR Scouts BSA camp season features three one-week sessions, beginning June 7, 14, and 21.
Download the 2026 Planning Guide for key dates, registration details, camp policies, and more.
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Scout Sunday Patches Still Available
Scouting America encourages chartered organizations to celebrate Scout Sunday on any date in February that best fits the needs of their congregation. Many churches observe the Sunday before February 8—Scouting Anniversary Day—while others celebrate on the second Sunday of February. Ultimately, each pastor and congregation may select the date that works best for their community.
If your unit or chartered partner is celebrating this month, don’t miss out — only 66 Scout Sunday patches remain, and they will go fast.
➡️Purchase Your Scout Sunday Patch Before They’re Gone
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Join W. D. Boyce Council in shaping the future! Your support powers Camperships, reaches at-risk youth, keeps programs affordable, and ensures trained leaders and thriving camps. Every dollar builds a stronger Scouting experience.
BECOME A SCOUTING HERO!
Your gift of $115 or more makes you a hero to Scouting! To celebrate, you will receive a limited-edition W. D. Boyce Council "I'm a Scouting Hero!" Council Shoulder Patch (CSP).
ONLY 10 LEFT!
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2026 National Scouts BSA Spring Recruitment Kickoff!
You're invited to the 2026 National Scouts BSA Spring Recruitment Kickoff!
Thursday, February 26, 2026, 7:00 PM
➡️ Registration Link
Families are looking for new adventures, and we want to help you welcome them into your Troop. Join us for the 2026 National Scouts BSA Spring Recruitment Kickoff. We’ll share proven strategies, creative ideas, and helpful resources to make your spring recruitment efforts a success. Register today!
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Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!
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