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

We’d love to add you to the list: Sign up for The Lamplighter now!

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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

Be Prepared - Popcorn Season is Right Around the Corner

Thank you to the more than 45 volunteers who attended our Popcorn Kickoff Trainings earlier this month!

All presentation slides and materials are available on our popcorn webpage.

Join the 45+ units already funded by popcorn—submit your commitment to sell today!

Completing the commitment form is essential to gain access to your unit’s Trail’s End account and to receive important updates about the sale.

Golf for Good: Supporting Scouting in Central Illinois

This summer, why not gather three friends and join us for either the Peoria Golf Classic or Bloomington Golf Classic?

These popular annual events include golf, a cart, lunch, hole-in-one opportunities, prizes, and an after-play party. Both courses offer top-tier golf experiences—and a great day on the course with friends beats just about anything!

By participating, you’ll be supporting Scouting, enjoying great company, and spending quality time outdoors. Click the links below for more details and to register:

Peoria Golf Classic – July 14, Country Club of Peoria

Bloomington Golf Classic – August 11, Bloomington Country Club

Who’s Ready for Some Outdoor Adventure?

BALOO (Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation) is open to all Cub Scout leaders interested in adding a camping component to their Pack activities. Scouting America's Cub Scout level camping policies will be taught along with the discovery of the necessary tools to help units carry our a successful camping experience. Completion of this course is mandatory for a MINIMUM OF ONE adult on a Pack overnighter.

IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills) provides Scouts BSA leaders the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the outdoors. Upon completion, leaders should feel comfortable teaching Scouts the basic skills required to obtain the First Class rank. Along with Scoutmaster Specifics, this course is required of all direct-contact leaders registered in Scouts BSA Troops in order to be considered “trained.”

Next Training

📅September 13 - 14, 2025

📍Ingersoll Scout Reservation

💵$40 per leader

❗Limited to 35 Attendees per course

SCOUT ME IN - Fall Recruitment Planning Already Underway

We’re actively planning and preparing to welcome new families into Scouting this fall!

All Cub Scout Packs will be contacted by their District Executive this summer to schedule a meeting and develop a plan for a successful recruitment season.

Complete your recruitment plan with the help of your District Executive by August 1^st, and your Pack will receive a full set of the brand-new Den Meeting Resource Card Deck—a great tool to support your leaders and Scouts!

Act Fast - Limited Number of Spots Available for the Aviation Merit Badge!

Scouts are invited to a full day of hands-on, interactive activities at the Prairie Aviation Museum! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore the world of aviation.



📅Saturday, August 23^rd  

🕛9:00am - 3:00pm

📍Prairie Aviation Museum (2929 E Empire St, Bloomington, IL)

💵$25 per Scout

Time to Gear Up for the Jamboree!

Elevate your Scouting experience at the 2026 Scouting America National Jamboree! Join thousands of Scouts from across the country for an unforgettable adventure. Register before July to ensure your spot in our council's contingent. For more information, please visit our Jamboree webpage.

The 2025-26 W. D. Boyce Council Unit Planning Calendar is available on the newly-revamped Volunteer and Leader Resources page on our council website. You'll find a number of other program and planning aids there as well!

Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!