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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
| | A Strong Start to the Scouting Year | | |
As summer winds down, units across the W. D. Boyce Council begin preparing for a new Scouting year. This is one of the most important times to set the tone for success.
Fall recruitment, leader readiness, and a clear calendar all contribute to a strong start. First impressions matter, especially for new families joining Scouting for the first time.
Commissioners can assist units in preparing for new members, organizing leadership roles, and ensuring that communication is clear and welcoming.
Starting strong builds momentum that carries throughout the entire year.
Yours in Scouting,
Mike Heger
Council Commissioner
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When people think of Scouting, they think of Scouts serving their communities. Service remains one of the most visible ways we live the Scout Oath and Law, and the Council Service Committee would like to highlight several upcoming opportunities for Scouts and units to make a difference.
Impact 365 encourages Scouts to make a positive impact 365 days a year through local, flexible, community-driven service projects. Scouts can also earn the Liberty in Action Award through meaningful service to their communities.
As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11, units are encouraged to reflect on the spirit of service and consider ways to give back to their communities. Whether supporting first responders, veterans, community organizations, or neighbors in need, every project helps make a lasting impact.
Looking ahead, November 14 is Scouting America's National Day of Service. What can your unit do to make a difference in your community?
Consider projects such as:
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Scouting for Food to help stock local food pantries and support families in need.
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Scouting for Clean Waterways by removing litter before it reaches streams, lakes, and rivers.
- Community beautification projects.
- Service initiatives supporting veterans, first responders, or local nonprofit organizations.
Don't forget to document your unit's impact. Families can enter service hours directly into Scoutbook, or unit leaders can submit hours on behalf of their Scouts. Tracking service hours helps demonstrate the positive difference Scouting makes in our communities. If you need assistance, a quick online search can provide instructions, or you can contact the Service Committee for guidance.
The Service Committee is also exploring opportunities to bring the Peace Light North America religious service to communities throughout the council in 2027. Leaders and units interested in participating are encouraged to reach out and learn more.
Questions about service projects, recording service hours, or becoming involved with the Service Committee can be directed to:
Zach Garman
📧 zrgarman@gmail.com
Together, let's continue demonstrating how Scouts make a positive impact in our communities every day of the year.
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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.
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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 is OPEN!
New Scouts: FREE
Returning Scouts: $20 ($15 if registered by October 19)
Bring a Friend!
| | 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 is open!
| | Don't miss this exciting opportunity to experience history in action while enjoying a weekend of Scouting fun and adventure! | | 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
| Climbing & Shooting Day Returns to Ingersoll Scout Reservation | |
Scouts BSA youth are invited to a day of adventure and skill-building at Ingersoll Scout Reservation on September 19, 2026! Choose from rifle, shotgun, archery, and climbing sessions throughout the day and enjoy a great opportunity to advance your skills in a safe, supervised environment.
Registration closes September 11, 2026. A $5 late fee applies to registrations and payments received after September 7.
Activity Options:
- Rifle Shooting ($20, includes ammunition)
- Shotgun Shooting ($30, includes ammunition)
- Archery ($15)
- Climbing ($10)
Want to make a weekend of it? Campsites and facilities at ISR are available for reservation.
| | 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
💻 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!
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Save the Date: ISU Merit Badge University 2026
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Mark your calendars for one of the premier advancement and training events in Central Illinois!
📅 Saturday, November 14, 2026
📍 Illinois State University, Bloomington, Illinois
Scouts BSA youth will have the opportunity to work on a variety of exciting and high-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, and Robotics.
Registration opens September 14, 2026. Be sure to save the date and join us for a day of learning, leadership, and Scouting adventure at Illinois State University!
Interested in helping? We are currently seeking qualified Merit Badge Counselors and event volunteers to support this exciting program. If you are able to assist, please contact Eric Hoadley at hoadleys243@gmail.com. Your expertise and service help make this event possible for Scouts across our council.
| | 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! | | | | |
