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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
| | Thank You for an Incredible Summer Camp Season! | | |
As the 2026 summer camping season at Ingersoll Scout Reservation comes to a close, the W. D. Boyce Council would like to thank our camp staff, volunteers, unit leaders, and Scouts for making this summer a tremendous success.
Through your dedication, enthusiasm, and support, hundreds of Scouts experienced adventure, growth, friendship, and the life-changing impact of Scouting. Thank you for being part of another unforgettable summer at Ingersoll Scout Reservation. We look forward to seeing you back at camp in 2027!
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Strong units are built on the dedication of their leaders, and one of the most important roles of the Commissioner Corps is supporting those volunteers.
In W. D. Boyce Council, we know that leaders juggle many responsibilities. Whether it’s planning meetings, coordinating outings, managing advancement, or keeping families informed, unit leadership can feel like a lot at times.
One of the biggest ways to reduce stress and build a stronger program is through good planning. The council has developed Program Planning resources available at W. D. Boyce Council Program Planning Resources to help units prepare for a successful Scouting year. These materials include planning timelines, budgeting guidance, annual calendar tools, recruitment ideas, and suggestions for building a balanced year of activities. Taking the time to plan ahead helps units improve communication with families, increase participation, and deliver a more consistent program for Scouts.
Commissioners can assist unit leaders throughout that process by sharing ideas, helping facilitate planning discussions, and connecting units with additional council resources. Sometimes an outside perspective or a few shared best practices can make planning much easier.
Beyond planning, Commissioners are also here to help lighten the load throughout the year. We can offer suggestions, connect leaders with training opportunities, and help units work through challenges they may encounter. Many of us have faced the same situations before and are happy to share what we have learned.
You are not alone in this role. The Commissioner team exists to support unit leaders so they can focus on what matters most—providing great experiences for the youth we serve.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
Council Commissioner
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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 opens August 3.
New Scouts: FREE
Returning Scouts: $20 ($15 if registered by October 19)
Bring a Friend!
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Please join us in welcoming Robert Lawrence as our new Development Executive. Robert is an Eagle Scout from the W. D. Boyce Council with experience in fundraising, event management, volunteer leadership, and community engagement.
His background includes leading a successful charitable 5K fundraiser, building community partnerships, and coordinating volunteer-driven events. Most importantly, Robert's passion for Scouting and serving youth makes him a great addition to our team. Please join us in welcoming Robert and his wife, Madison, to the W. D. Boyce Council family.
| | 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
💲$20 per person
❗Register as a Unit
📝 Registration Opens August 3
| | Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience history in action while enjoying a weekend of Scouting fun and adventure! | | Don't Miss the Final Popcorn Kick-Off Training | | |
Popcorn season is almost here! If you haven't attended a Popcorn Kick-Off Training yet, there's still one opportunity remaining.
All unit popcorn kernels and leaders are encouraged to attend and learn about technology updates, storefront scheduling, new products, sales resources, and more.
Final Training Session
📅 Monday, August 3
📍 Zoom
⏰ 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join us online to get the tools and information you need for a successful popcorn sale!
| | 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 12 - 13, 2026
📍Humiston Woods Nature Preserve (Pontiac, Illinois)
💵$40 per leader
❗Limited to 35 Attendees per course
| | SCOUT ME IN - Fall Recruitment Planning Already Underway | | |
Every Cub Scout Pack is currently being contacted by their District Executive to schedule a planning meeting and develop a customized strategy for a successful fall recruitment season.
In addition, please join us for our Membership Kickoff Training during the August Roundtables on Thursday, August 13, where we'll share recruitment resources, best practices, and tools to help your unit grow.
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Crossroads District
📍 Bloomington Career Academy
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Lowaneu District
📍 Peru Police Department
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Heartland District
📍 Richwoods Christian Church - Peoria
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Wotamalo District
📍 Advent Lutheran Church - Morton
| | Together, we can make this year's recruitment efforts our strongest yet! | | 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
- 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!
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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)
🗓 Registration Opens: August 1
🗓 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!
| | Save the Date: 2026 University of Scouting | | |
Mark your calendars for the 2026 University of Scouting, a premier training and advancement opportunity for Scouts BSA youth and Scouters across Central Illinois!
📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
📍 Illinois State University
📍 Bloomington, Illinois
Scouts BSA youth will have the opportunity to work on a variety of engaging and in-demand merit badges while adult leaders can participate in valuable training sessions designed to strengthen their Scouting programs.
Tentative Merit Badge Offerings Include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Citizenship in the Nation
- Cybersecurity
- Digital Technology
- Disability Awareness
- Electronics
- Engineering
- Inventing
- Model Design and Building
- Programming
- Public Speaking
- Robotics
Additional details, registration information, and a full course catalog will be announced in the coming months. Be sure to save the date for this exciting day of learning, leadership, and Scouting adventure!
| | 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.
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Thanks for reading and for your support of Scouting! | | | | |
