|
|
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
| | 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!
| |
Planning for Success: Annual Program Planning
Across the W. D. Boyce Council, the most successful units all have one thing in common—a plan.
As we look ahead to the coming Scouting year, now is the ideal time for units to begin their Annual Program Planning process. A well-developed plan creates a balanced, engaging program that keeps Scouts excited and families informed.
Planning ahead helps reduce stress on leaders, improves communication, and ensures that key activities—camping, advancement opportunities, service, and fun—are all part of the experience.
Your Commissioner team is available to help guide this process, provide tools, or simply serve as a sounding board. Check out the on-line tools at https://wdboyce.org/program-planning/ A strong plan today sets the stage for a great year ahead.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
Council Commissioner
| | |
Rob Raycraft
Crossroads District Commissioner
| | |
Rob Raycraft serves as the District Commissioner for the Crossroads District. His Scouting journey began in 2015 alongside his son, who crossed over to Troop 957 in Hudson and went on to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
He has served as a Troop Committee Member and Assistant Scoutmaster and is a strong advocate of the Patrol Method. In 2019, Rob completed Wood Badge as a member of the Antelope Patrol, focusing on helping Scouts with special needs succeed. He has since returned to serve on Wood Badge staff.
Rob is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow and has served as an Elangomat. He is passionate about servant leadership and the lifelong impact Scouting has on youth and families.
Outside of Scouting, Rob is a member of Kiwanis and the American Legion. He retired from the Illinois Army National Guard as a First Sergeant and from the Bloomington Police Department after 26 years of service. He currently teaches Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement at Bloomington Career Academy.
As District Commissioner, Rob is committed to supporting unit leaders and strengthening Scouting across the Crossroads District.
How can I help?
Crossroads units can reach Rob at:
Crossroads-Commissioner@WDboyce.org
| | |
Popcorn season is right around the corner, and preparations are underway for this year’s Kick-Off Trainings! These sessions are designed to provide units with important updates, helpful tools, and best practices to support a successful sale.
All unit popcorn kernels and leaders are encouraged to attend. Whether you’re new to the role or returning for another year, these trainings offer valuable insights to help you get off to a strong start.
Attendees will learn about key topics including the Ideal Year of Scouting, technology updates, storefront scheduling, new products, and more.
Training Sessions
| | |
East Peoria
📅 Monday, July 6
📍 East Peoria Civic Center Complex
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
| |
Normal
📅 Wednesday, July 8
📍 Our Saviour Lutheran Church
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
| | |
Peru
📅 Tuesday, July 7
📍 Peru Police Department
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
| |
Virtual
📅 Monday, August 3
📍 Zoom
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
| | Units are invited to attend the session that best fits their schedule. These trainings provide a great opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for a successful popcorn season. | | Make This Summer Unforgettable: Day Camp & Resident Camp Adventures Await! | | |
There’s still time to register for Cub Scout Resident Camp at Ingersoll Scout Reservation! 🏕️
Don’t miss this 4-day, 3-night adventure filled with outdoor fun, activities, and lasting memories.
📅 Camp Availability:
- Week 1 (July 2–5): Spots still available (filling fast!)
- Week 2 (July 9–12): SOLD OUT
🌟 Week 1 is open to the whole family! Join your Cub Scout and experience camp together.
👉 Click the button below for full details and to register before it fills up!
| | |
There’s still time to register for 2026 Cub Scout Day Camp: Dinotopia! 🦖
This action-packed week gives Scouts the chance to explore the outdoors, try exciting activities, and make new friends—all in a fun dino‑themed environment!
📅 Camp Locations & Dates:
- June 1–5: Pontiac & Peoria
- June 8–12: Bloomington & Peru
- June 15–19: Pekin
Many sessions are filling quickly, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this summer adventure!
👉 Click the button below for full details, locations, and to register before spots fill up! 🐾
| | |
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. | | |
Be part of National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and take your leadership skills to the next level through this action-packed, hands-on experience focused on teamwork, communication, and confidence.
📍 Ingersoll Scout Reservation
July 14–19, 2026
NYLT is open to Scouts ages 13–17. Venturers & Sea Scouts ages 14–20. Participation requires unit leader approval and completion of course prerequisites prior to attending.
💲 Cost: $360
🗓 Register by: June 1, 2026
Join us this summer and return home ready to lead with confidence, purpose, and a stronger vision for your unit and community!
| | |
Be part of the America 250 Merit Badge Series and earn this Eagle-required badge while exploring your role as an informed, active citizen.This opportunity is open to Scouts currently registered in Scouts BSA troops.
📍 Peoria Riverfront Museum
- May 30 | 1:00–4:30 PM
- Aug 22 | 1:00–4:30 PM
- Oct 10 | 1:00–4:30 PM
💻 Virtual Sessions
- Sept 26 | 1:00–4:30 PM
- Oct 10 | 1:00–4:30 PM
👥 Capacity: 15 Scouts per session
💲 Fee: $20 ($15 if paid 12+ days early)
🗓 Register by: Monday prior to session
Join us as we work toward helping 250 Scouts earn Citizenship in the Nation!
| | Wood Badge Leadership Training – Registration Open | | |
Take your leadership to the next level with Wood Badge, Scouting America’s premier advanced leadership course for adult volunteers. This two-weekend immersive experience is designed to strengthen your skills, build connections, and help you deliver a stronger program for youth.
📍 Ingersoll Scout Reservation
📅 Weekend 1: April 23–25, 2027
📅 Weekend 2: May 15–16, 2027
(Both weekends required to complete the course)
💲 Cost: $300 ($320 after March 8, 2027)
✅ Only $50 deposit required to reserve your spot
Open to registered adult leaders across all Scouting programs, Wood Badge equips you with practical leadership tools you can use in Scouting, work, and everyday life. Participants must have completed basic training for their position.
⚠️ Over half the spots are already filled—only 48 participants total! Register early to secure your place.
Step up, sharpen your leadership, and help shape the next generation of Scouts.
| | 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.
| | |
Become a Friend of Ingersoll Today!
For more than 60 years, Ingersoll Scout Reservation has been a place where Scouts discover adventure, build lifelong friendships, and grow into leaders—and thanks to supporters like you, that tradition continues.
A special thank you to those who have already renewed their program area sponsorship from last year—your continued commitment makes a lasting difference.
There’s still time to get involved! Many program areas remain available for sponsorship, offering a meaningful way to connect your support directly to the experiences Scouts enjoy every summer.
Help ensure camp remains vibrant, accessible, and full of opportunity for future generations.
| |
|
Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!
| | | | |
