The Lamplighter - January 2026

Give • Calendar • Camping • Resources • New Parents • Training • About

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

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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

Spots Now Filling Quickly for Merit Badge University!

We are excited to partner with the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the Caterpillar Visitor Center & Museum, Distillery Labs, Peoria Police Department and the Contemporary Art Center of Peoria. In this afternoon-only event, Scouts can earn one of a wide range of merit badges, some not commonly offered, but made available here thanks to the resources and expertise of our hosts!

Scouts can register and attend individually, but units are encouraged to travel together. Field ("Class A") uniforms are preferred so we can show how our Scout spirit "Plays in Peoria!"

Event Details

📅 Saturday, February 21, 2026

🕛12:00 - 5:00 PM

📍Peoria Riverfront Museum / Downtown Peoria, IL

💲$15 per Scout / $20 after February 1 (paid in full)

❗Register early as this event will fill up quickly

UPDATE: The Law Merit Badge is now being offered, and Peoria Mayor Rita Ali will be making an appearance during the Citizenship in the Community merit badge session. Spots are filling up quickly—reserve yours today!

Class Catalog

Cub Scout Resident & Day Camp Registration Opens on February 15!

Mark your calendars! Registration for all Cub Scout Resident & Day Camps open on February 15.

Start planning your summer adventure today—visit our Cub Scout Summer Programs webpage for details!

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.

Troop registration is available here.

Download the 2026 Planning Guide for key dates, registration details, camp policies, and more.

Start planning your adventure today!

Earn Your Plumbing Merit Badge – Join Us for a Day of Hands-On Learning!

📅 Saturday, January 17

🕛8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

📍UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 99

💲$30 per Scout

❗Maximum number of Scouts: 25 (7 remaining)

➡️ REGISTER

Wotamalo/Heartland Klondike Derby

📅January 23 - 25, 2026

📍Camp Wokanda

💲25 per participant

❗Leader's Guide

➡️ REGISTER

Crossroads/Lowaneu Klondike Derby

📅January 23 - 24, 2026

📍Logan County Fairgrounds

💲$20 per participant

❗Leader's Guide

➡️ REGISTER

Scout Sunday Patches Now Available

Scouting America allows chartered organizations to celebrate Scout Sunday on any day in February that best serves the chartering partner. Some organizations choose the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as the date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. For others, Scout Sunday is celebrated on the second Sunday in February. It is permissible for a local church to celebrate on the day most acceptable to the pastor and congregation.

➡️Purchase Scout Sunday Patch

Register Now for Cub Scout Yukon!

Cub Scouts love winter time fun, too! And the Yukon is a great way for your pack to spend time outdoors and having Scouting fun together! Check out the link below for upcoming Yukon events in Crossroads and Lowaneu on January 31, 2026:

➡️ REGISTER

Plan 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!

Check out all the details and dates on our Pinewood Derby webpage and start planning your race today!

Support Local Scouting!

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 15 LEFT!

Give Today!

Caterpillar Cares Important Deadline: January 31

Help make an impact this year with your corporate matching gift and/or volunteer service match grant!

If you are a Caterpillar employee or retiree who made a 2025 gift to W. D. Boyce Council or an employee who volunteered with Scouting in any capacity, please submit your matching gift and/or volunteer service grant requests through the Caterpillar Cares portal by January 31.

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.

➡️ MORE INFORMATION

Mark Your Calendars

Plan 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.

Registration details will be shared soon—stay tuned!

Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!