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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

Membership, Growth and Keeping New Families Engaged

September is one of the most important times of the year for Scouting. Across the W. D. Boyce Council, units are welcoming new Scouts and families, giving us an opportunity to introduce more young people to the experiences, friendships, and personal growth that make Scouting special.

Growth, however, isn't just about getting new members through the door.

Retention starts with the very first interaction a family has with your unit. Those first few weeks can determine whether a new Scout and family feel connected and choose to stay involved.

This is where your Commissioner can be a valuable partner.

Commissioners can help unit leaders look at the new-member experience from the family's perspective. Is the first meeting welcoming? Do new families understand how the program works? Do they know who to contact with questions? Are they being introduced to other families and given opportunities to participate?

Your Commissioner can help by:



• Creating a welcoming experience. Small things can make a big difference.
• Connecting families to Scouting. Commissioners can help explain the program, point families towards district and council resources and opportunities.
• Working with New Member Coordinators. Commissioners can encourage unit leaders and New Member Coordinators to welcome and engage new families.

There is also a simple step every unit should take this fall: check your unit's information on BeAScout. Families searching for Scouting opportunities rely on this information to find local units. Meeting locations, meeting times, and other information should be accurate and up to date. Commissioners can help units review this information as part of their regular conversations.

Membership growth is about more than numbers. It is about giving more young people the opportunity to experience Scouting and then giving them a reason to stay.

Yours in Scouting,

Mike Heger

Council Commissioner

Launch Into Adventure This Fall!

Each fall, it's time to "ignite" NEW and RETURNING Cub Scouts and launch into the new year! On Saturday, October 24, hundreds of area Cub Scouts will gather at various locations around the W. D. Boyce Council to join in the adventures of Cub Scouting.

A variety of activities will be offered at each location, including a model rocket launch!

All new Cub Scouts will receive a free rocket that they can assemble and launch during the event (weather permitting).

Registration is OPEN!

New Scouts: FREE

Returning Scouts: $20 ($15 if registered by October 19)

Bring a Friend!

W. D. Boyce Scout Shop

Need uniforms, advancement items, camping gear, or Scouting America essentials? Stop by the W. D. Boyce Scout Shop!

614 NE Madison Avenue, Peoria, IL 61603

(309) 497-1327

wdboycescoutshop@scouting.org

Hours: Tuesday 10 AM-6 PM • Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-5 PM • Saturday 9 AM-1 PM

Closed Sunday and Monday. Closed for lunch weekdays from 2:00-2:30 PM.

Follow the W. D. Boyce Scout Shop on Facebook for updates and special announcements.

Journey Back to 1776 at Fall Camporee!

Step back in time at Fall Camporee: Liberty in Action! Scouts will experience colonial America through hands-on activities, challenges, and demonstrations that bring the Revolutionary era to life. The highlight of the weekend will be a special Saturday afternoon program where participants will immerse themselves in the sights, skills, and spirit of 1776.

We're also excited to welcome Cub Scouts and their families to join us on Saturday and camp overnight as they explore colonial America through interactive activities and demonstrations. This unique opportunity offers a fun introduction to Scouts BSA camping while experiencing history brought to life.

Event Details

📅 October 16 - 18, 2026

📍Ingersoll Scout Reservation

💲$30 per person ($20 if paid by 10/2)

❗Register as a Unit

📝 Registration is open!

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience history in action while enjoying a weekend of Scouting fun and adventure!

Your Next Merit Badge Awaits

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

• Oct 10 | 1:00–4:30 PM

💻 Virtual Sessions

• 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!

Be part of the Cybersecurity Merit Badge Center and earn valuable skills while learning how to stay safe and secure in an increasingly digital world. This opportunity is open to Scouts currently registered in Scouts BSA troops.

📍 Peoria NEXT Innovation Center

• December 5 | 1:00–4:30 PM

👥 Capacity: 15 Scouts

💲 Fee: $20 ($15 if paid by Nov. 23)

🗓 Register By: November 30

Hosted in partnership with SKBCyber, this hands-on Merit Badge Center is designed to equip Scouts with critical digital safety skills and knowledge for the future.

Save the date, register early, and we'll see you at the Cybersecurity Merit Badge Center!

Registration Now Open: ISU Merit Badge University 2026

Registration is now open for one of the premier advancement and training events in Central Illinois!

Scouts BSA youth will have the opportunity to earn a variety of exciting and high-demand merit badges, while adult leaders can participate in valuable training sessions designed to strengthen their Scouting programs.

Merit badge offerings include Artificial Intelligence, Citizenship in the Nation, Cybersecurity, Digital Technology, Electronics, Engineering, Inventing, Model Design and Building, Programming, and Public Speaking.

📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026

📍 Illinois State University, Bloomington, Illinois

Space may be limited for some classes, so register early to secure your preferred selections.

Register today and reserve your spot!

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.

Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting!