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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
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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
| | Congratulations to Our Newest Silver Beaver Recipients! | | Thank you to everyone who attended our 2026 Council Recognition Dinner on Saturday, March 21, to honor our Silver Beaver Award recipients—Mike Gray, Scott Heidemann, Taylor Mathews, and Cindy Ragon—and all our amazing volunteers. | |
Register Now for the 2026 Low‑Cro Spring Camporee: Scout Triathlon! | |
The 2026 Low‑Cro Spring Camporee – Scout Triathlon is happening April 10–12 at Carey Memorial Park in North Utica — hosted by the Lowaneu / Crossroads Districts and open to all Troops and Crews!
This year’s Camporee features an exciting Scout Triathlon along the I&M Canal:
• 2‑mile canoe (canoes provided)
• 2‑mile bike (bring your bike)
• 1.5‑mile run
Plus hands‑on historical activities from the Utica Historical Society: blacksmithing, flint knapping, archery, and more.
The weekend also includes a Crossover Ceremony, campfire program, Scouts’ Own Service, and a service project.
Registration:
• $25 if paid by March 31
• $30 after March 31
• Registration closes April 6
Join us for an action‑packed weekend of Scouting adventure!
| | Gear Up for Advancement: Merit Badge Centers Ahead! | | |
Fire Safety
📅Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕛9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
📍Pekin Fire Department Station 1
💲$15 per Scout / $20 after April 14 (paid in full)
❗Maximum number of Scouts: 20 (9 remaining)
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Railroading
📅Saturday, May 23, 2026
🕛1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
📍Pekin Park Dist. Admin Building
💲$20 per Scout / $25 after May 5 (paid in full)
❗Maximum number of Scouts: 25 (23 remaining)
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A new addition to the Lamplighter is the "Commissioner Corner." This is an opportunity for volunteers to hear about opportunities, information, and help that can be provided.
For starters, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Mike Heger, and I am honored to serve as the new Council Commissioner for the W. D. Boyce Council and look forward to working with our outstanding volunteers and units across the council.
Scouting has been an important part of my life for many years. I am an Eagle Scout, and I’ve had the privilege of seeing the impact of the program in my own family—both of my children also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Over the years, I have served in a variety of leadership roles in packs, troops, and crews, and most recently spent nearly eight years serving as a District Commissioner for the Crossroads District. Those experiences have given me the opportunity to work with many dedicated volunteers who are committed to delivering a great Scouting experience for youth.
I am also Wood Badge trained and am excited to serve on staff for an upcoming course, helping develop and support the next generation of Scouting leaders. It took a few years before I attended this fantastic training and my only regret was waiting.
Within Scouting America, commissioners serve an important role in supporting unit success. The commissioner team works alongside unit leaders as mentors, coaches, and resources. Our goal is to help units deliver a strong program by providing guidance, sharing ideas, and helping connect leaders with council resources when they need them.
I encourage all volunteers and units to think of commissioners as partners in delivering the Scouting program. If you have questions, are looking for ideas, or just want a sounding board, please reach out to your unit or district commissioner. We are here to help you succeed and ensure the best possible experience for our Scouts. If you do not know your District Commissioner or have questions for me, please reach out to Council-Commissioner@WDBoyce.org.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
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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
📅April 18 - 19, 2026
📍Ingersoll Scout Reservation
💵$40 per leader
❗13 Spots Remaining
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Don’t Get Caught Unprepared: Wilderness First Aid Course
Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is an essential skillset for anyone who leads outdoor adventures, participates in high adventure programs, or simply wants to be better prepared when medical help isn’t immediately available. This spring, we’re offering a comprehensive, hands on WFA certification course designed to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to handle emergencies in remote settings.
For participants who need their CPR and Basic First Aid certifications, we are offering an evening course the day before Wilderness First Aid training begins.
This certification is required before attending the WFA course.
Can’t make our Council’s WFA course? Check out upcoming WFA courses hosted by neighboring councils.
Next Training
📅May 2 - 3, 2026
📍George Washington Masonic Lodge #222 (Chillicothe)
💵See Registration Page
❗10 Spots Remaining
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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!
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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!
| | Stars, Stripes & Summer Adventures at Ingersoll | | |
Join the Celebration of America’s 250 Years at Cub Scout Resident Camp
Get ready to celebrate 250 years of American adventures this summer at Ingersoll Scout Reservation! The four day, three night Cub Scout Resident Camp is the perfect opportunity for Cub Scouts to work on adventure loops for their next rank, explore the outdoors, spend time with friends, and experience all the fun and adventure the ISR has to offer!
Camp Availability Update
- Week 1 (July 2–5): Only 124 spots remaining!
- Week 2 (July 9–12): Only 22 spots remaining
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No Fooling—Merit Badge Selection Opens April 1st
Get ready for an unforgettable summer at Ingersoll Scout Reservation! The 2026 ISR Scouts BSA Summer Camp season includes three one‑week sessions beginning June 7, 14, and 21.
Merit Badge Selection opens on April 1st, so be sure your troop is registered early—popular classes fill fast!
The Program Guide—containing schedules, merit badge selection details, and additional program offerings to help you prepare for camp—is now available.
Early Bird Deadline: April 15
Pay all camp fees in full by April 15 to receive the Early Bird discount.
| | Help Shape the Future of Scouting in Central Illinois | | |
Your support of W. D. Boyce Council makes Scouting possible for thousands of young people. Every dollar helps provide camperships, expand programs to at‑risk youth, keep Scouting affordable for families, and ensure well‑trained leaders and vibrant camps. Supporters may give their annual gift as a one‑time donation or through convenient monthly installments, making it easy to give in a way that works for you.
Join the Family Society
Become part of a special group of supporters committed to Scouting’s future.
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$120 or more – Join the Family Society and receive a Family Society sticker and temporary patch with your Friends of Scouting gift.
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$250 or more – Receive the Family Society Council Shoulder Patch, plus the sticker and temporary patch, with your annual Friends of Scouting contribution.
Your generosity makes a lasting difference. Thank you for investing in Scouting!
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Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!
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