Scouting in Illinois

Scouting in Illinois has served youth since 1909. The state was the home of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) founder, William D. Boyce.

BSA Councils serving Illinois.

Early history (1910-1950)

In 1946, the National Order of the Arrow Lodge Meeting was held at Chanute Field. The 1963 and 1971 National Order of the Arrow Conferences were held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In April 2014, the following councils announced that they would merge:

The merged council will be named the Pathway to Adventure Council.

Today

There are 13 Boy Scouts of America local councils in Illinois. Six councils in neighboring states also serve parts of Illinois.

Councils

Abraham Lincoln Council

Abraham Lincoln Council is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois and serves central Illinois. It operates Camp Bunn in Hettick, Illinois, Camp Illinek in Springfield, Illinois, and is served by the Illinek Order of the Arrow Lodge. The council website is Abraham Lincoln Council.

The three districts in the council are:

The U.S. Scouting Service Project has created a link to all known websites (districts, troops, packs, Venturing Crews, O.A. Lodge & Chapter, etc. websites) located within the Abraham Lincoln Council which can be found at its official site.

The U.S. Scouting Service Project also maintaines the ScoutCamp.org website which provides general information and a place for leader comments on the two camps operated by the Abraham Lincoln Council at Camp Bunn and Camp Illinek.

Blackhawk Area Council

Blackhawk Area Council is headquartered in Rockford, Illinois and serves southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois. It runs Canyon Camp, located between Stockton and Apple River, Illinois, as well as Camp Lowden near Oregon, Illinois, and is served by Wulapeju Lodge #140. The Council was formed by the merging of the U.S. Grant Council in the west and Blackhawk Council in the east portion of what is now the Blackhawk Area Council. Formerly, the two councils each had one camp. The council also owns a cabin in Mount Carroll, Illinois. The word Wulapeju (one spirit) refers to the merger of the Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak (Chief Blackhawk's name) Lodge and Wetassa Lodge #227 as part of the council merger. Some older members of the former Wetassa Lodge still proudly wear their pre-1973 raccoon Wetassa Lodge flap on their uniforms. Blackhawk Area Council Camp Lowden celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2010.[1]

Buffalo Trace Council

Main article: Scouting in Indiana

Buffalo Trace Council is a Boy Scout council based in Evansville, Indiana that serves southwestern Indiana and southeastern Illinois. Its affiliated Order of the Arrow lodge is Kiondaga Lodge.Buffalo Trace Council

Glacier's Edge Council

Main article: Scouting in Wisconsin

Sinnissippi Council served Scouts in Wisconsin and Illinois, before it merged with Four Lakes Council. It is now called Glacier's Edge Council and is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. Glacier's Edge Council

Greater Saint Louis Area Council

The Greater Saint Louis Area Council is based in Saint Louis, Missouri, and serves Scouts in the Saint Louis Metro area, southeast Missouri, and southern Illinois.

Illowa Council

Illowa Council serves Scouts in western Illinois and eastern Iowa in the Quad Cities area.

Lincoln Trails Council

Lincoln Trails Council has its headquarters in Decatur, Illinois, and is served by Woapink Lodge #167.

In 2007, Lincoln Trails Council ran a Scoutreach program in inner city areas.[2] Boys are offered constructive, fun activities and learn about Scouting. This can keep the boys from wandering the streets unsupervised and getting into trouble.

Lewis & Clark Council

Sign at the entrance to Camp Joy

The Lewis & Clark Council was formed from the 2009 merger of Okaw Valley Council (OVC) and Trails West Council (TWC). The Lewis & Clark council has its headquarters in Belleville, Illinois. The Lewis and Clark owns four camps: Camp Joy in Carlyle, Illinois, and Camp Sunnen in Potosi, Missouri, Camp Warren Levis in Godfrey, Illinois, Camp Vandeventer in Waterloo, Illinois. There are six districts in the Lewis & Clark Council which are the Illini District, Black Gold District, Kaskaskia District, Cahokia Mounds District, Piasa Bird District, and St. Clair District. Okaw Valley Council and the Trails West Council merged to help curb operating costs and increase efficiency on January 6, 2009 to create the Lewis & Clark Council.

The two councils from which Lewis & Clark has been formed are themselves the product of mergers. The Trails West Council was founded in 1991 when the Piasa Bird Council and the Cahokia Mounds Council joined. The Okaw Valley Council was somewhat older at the time of the merger; it was formed in 1965 following the consolidation of the Kaskaskia Council and the Mississippi Valley Council.

The Order of the Arrow is represented in this Council by the Nisha Kittan Lodge, part of the regional section C3-B. The Nisha Kittan lodge #112 replaced Kishkakon Lodge #32 (TWC) and Taleka Lodge 81 (OVC).

Mississippi Valley Council

Mississippi Valley Council is headquartered in Quincy, Illinois, and is served by Black Hawk Lodge 67. This council serves Scouts in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa with two camps, Camp Saukenauk and Camp Eastman. The Council was merged in 1993 by the Saukee Area Council and the Southeastern Iowa Council.

Northeast Illinois Council

Northeast Illinois Council has its headquarters in Highland Park, Illinois. It runs Camp Sol R. Crown in Trevor, Wisconsin, Camp Oakarro near Wadsworth, Illinois, Camp Dan Beard in Northbrook, Illinois and Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation near Antigo, Wisconsin. The council is served by Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Lodge #40.

Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan Scout Reservation is a Boy Scouts of America property located in Northern Wisconsin and serves the Scouts of the Northeast Illinois Council based in Highland Park, Illinois. Originally a logging camp, the Scouts purchased the land and first had campers in 1929. The camp is 1,560 acres (6 km2) in size. The camp serves over 2,300 scouts each summer in addition to hundreds of leaders, cub scouts and high adventure treks. Scouts attending Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan have the opportunity to work on over 65 merit badges and attend hundreds of engaging programs. Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan also operates a nationally accredited high adventure base that offers units 11 unique trek opportunities. Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan, as of 2014, is one of only a few bases nationwide that has a perfect BSA accreditation rating.[3]

Northeast Illinois Council is composed of three districts:

In addition, the council's Order of the Arrow lodge is split into three chapters with the same boundaries as its districts:

Pathway to Adventure Council

BSA Councils serving the Chicago area in early 2014

Pathway to Adventure Council is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. In April 2014, it was announced that Chicago Area Council, Des Plaines Valley Council, Northwest Suburban Council, and Calumet Council would be merged. The new name was announced in November 2014. The New council went into effect on January 1, 2015.[4]

Pathway to Adventure Council
Owner Boy Scouts of America
Country United States
President Craig S. Burkhardt
Council Commissioner Lou Sandoval
Scout Executive Fred Wallace
Website
pathwaytoadventure.org

Calumet Council

In April 2014, it was announced that Calumet Council will be merging with three other area councils: Chicago Area Council, Des Plaines Valley Council, and Northwest Suburban Council.

Calumet Council is headquartered in Munster, Indiana and serves Scouts in Indiana and Illinois.

Chicago Area Council

Chicago Area Council
Owner Boy Scouts of America
Headquarters Chicago, Illinois
Country United States
Defunct 2014
President John Leonard
Council Commissioner Lou Sandoval
Scout Executive Matt Thornton (acting)
Website
chicagobsa.org

The Chicago Area Council served Chicago, Illinois and some of its near-in suburbs.[5] The Chicago Area Council is headquartered at the Steve Fossett Center for Scouting at 1218 W. Adams in Chicago, Illinois. It runs Owasippe Scout Reservation in Whitehall, Michigan. Chicago Area Council became part of Pathway to Adventure Council on January 1, 2015.

The Key Three for 2011-2013 is composed of Council President John Leonard along with Council Commissioner Lou Sandoval, and Scout Executive Charles Dobbins. In 2013 Matt Thornton became the acting Scout Executive.

Organization
Chicago, Illinois. A meeting of the Cub Scouts in the community center of the Ida B. Wells Homes

In 2014, Districts were combined and renamed to represent the following:

Camps
Camp Bass Lake swim area - 1959 - Troop 664

The Chicago Area Council operates Owasippe Scout Reservation in Michigan.

The Bass Lake lone troop Scout camp was part of the Owasippe Scout Reservation operated by the Chicago Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Bass Lake camp was a single camp on a small (approximately 600 feet wide) lake in the Owasippe reservation. A single troop would take over the entire camp, usually for a two-week period, preparing all their own food and overseeing all aspects of the camp life. Active in the 1950s and 1960s, Bass Lake camp is no longer in use.

Order of the Arrow

The Chicago Area Council is served by Owasippe Lodge #7.

Des Plaines Valley Council

In April 2014, it was announced that Des Plaines Valley Council will be merging with three other area councils: Calumet Council, Chicago Area Council, and Northwest Suburban Council.

Des Plaines Valley Council is headquartered in La Grange, Illinois.

Northwest Suburban Council

In April 2014, it was announced that Northwest Suburban Council will be merging with three other area councils: Calumet Council, Chicago Area Council, and Des Plaines Valley Council.

Northwest Suburban Council is headquartered in Mount Prospect, Illinois. It operates Camp Lakota outside Woodstock, Illinois and Camp Napowan near Wild Rose, Wisconsin. Northwest Suburban Council is served by Lakota Lodge #175.

The Key Three for 2010 is composed of Council President David Shepard along with Council Commissioner Rick Romani, and Scout Executive Matthew Thornton.

The Northwest Suburban National Scout Shop is located within the NWSC Volunteer Service Center located at 600 N. Wheeling Road in Mount Prospect, IL.

In 2009, the Northwest Suburban Council earned the National Centennial Quality Council Award, four of its six districts earned the National Quality District Award, the Council was recognized as a National Learning for Life Council of Distinction, earned the Central Region Scoutreach Award, and earned the National Major Gifts Award. It led the Central Region in youth membership retention.

The Northwest Suburban Council has an ongoing Capital and Endowment Development Campaign. So far over $2.2 Million has been pledged to the effort by nearly 300 donors. New rowboats, shooting sports equipment, and lighting at Camp Napowan have already been acquired as a result of the campaign. Major building refurbishments have also been accomplished at Camp Lakota. Funding has also been provided for expanded program support of Scoutreach and Learning for Life. The new pool and the new Don Yacktman's Eagle Lodge at Camp Lakota have recently been constructed. A new poolhouse for Lakota is completed and the new Jerry and Adele Epstein Dining Pavilion at Napowan was dedicated in May 2009 and has been in usage since then.

In 2006, the Northwest Suburban Council served as host to the BSA National Endowment Art Tour, the Biennial Meeting of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting, and the Annual Meeting of the National Jewish Committee on Scouting.

Lakota Lodge #175 is the local Order of the Arrow lodge of the Northwest Suburban Council with Alex Witek being the current Lodge Chief. Lakota Lodge's website is www.lakotalodge.org and is updated to keep members up to date with everything going on in the lodge. Past Lakota Lodge Chief Don Hough was elected as Order of the Arrow Section Chief and also 2007 Central Region Chief. Richie Ferolo was also elected as Order of the Arrow Central Region Chief in 2010. Lakota is nationally famous for their annual Haunted Hike, which have they traditionally put on the weekend prior to Halloween for 19 years.

The council's service area includes 34 communities in the northwest suburbs of Chicago with Skokie as the eastern border, Barrington on the west, Lake Zurich on the north, and O'Hare International Airport on the south with the council territory remaining unchanged since its founding in 1926. The population served by Northwest Suburban Council is quite diverse, as it is composed of 15% Latino/Hispanic, 8% Asian, 3% Eastern European, 1% African-American, and 73% Caucasian.

The council newsletter recently changed its name to "The Drum Beat" when it went electronic and is now available on-line. The council's website is located at www.nwsc.org.

The council's annual operating budget is just under $2.5 Million annually with $485,000 being raised through its Friends of Scouting Annual Giving Campaign. Popcorn sales net income for the council account for approximately $400,000 in annual income. Camping/activity revenue account for another $650,000 in income. Scout Shop sales are approximately $50,000 net annually. Special events such as the Golf Outing, Distinguished Citizen Banquet, and Sports Events account for another $125,000. United Way income totals approximately $40,000 annually. Project Sales total $20,000. Interest Income from the Endowment is approximately $50,000. The council conducts an independent annual audit through Robert Hofmeier, CPA of Gurnee, Illinois which is reviewed by a volunteer Council Audit Committee, and approved by the Council Executive Board. For 2009, the council earned an "unqualified" or "clean" audit opinion.

Organization
Camp Napowan

Camp Napowan, located in Wild Rose, WI, is a 400-acre Boy Scout camp owned by Northwest Suburban Council and was founded in 1946. This camp is located between Hills lake and Lake Napowan with the pine forests surrounding the rest of the camp. During the summer months, this camp operates an eight-week camping experience for scouts that stay for one or two week sessions. This camp typically draws around 4,000 campers each summer.[6]

Camp Napowan entrance sign

The camp staff are registered with Venturing Crew 0477 and live on the camp grounds during the summer; in total there are usually over 70 staff members during the summer session. Harrison Ford worked in the Nature program area in 1957.[6][7]

A new Dining Pavilion was constructed in 2009 in the 'back forty' with the dedication occurring on April 16, 2009; food is not prepared in this facility.[6][8][9] The camp's main office is located in the heart of the camp, near the main parade field, housing most of the administration (Business Manager, Camp Director, Commissioner, Health Officer,& Program Director). The camp has an enclosed Dining Hall near the main parade field with a full kitchen attached (outside of this structure stood a dining fly where campers ate under until the build of the Dining Pavilion in 2009).[8]

Camp Napowan has many program areas that encourage scouts advance through the ranks and promote youth development. These program areas include: Aquatics (swimming and boating), C.O.P.E. (Climbing tower and High Adventure Course), Nature, Skynet S.T.E.M. Lab (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics), Shooting Sports, Sherwood (scoutcraft), Verona (performance and design), and Flintlock (a mock 1870s frontier village).[2] [3]

Aquatics The Aquatics program area, headed by the Aquatics Director, is broken into two sections - the swimming area (located on Hills Lake) and the boating area (located on Lake Napowan). Many Merit Badges are taught here from Swimming to Small Boat Sailing. New to Camp Napowan in 2014 is a 14-foot floating climbing wall set to challenge older scouts.

C.O.P.E. C.O.P.E., overseen by the C.O.P.E. director, is a program area for scouts 13 and older that challenges scouts to work independently and within an team while doing trust falls, climbing, and going down the zipline. This program area is located on the far south side of the camp off of 24th Ave. Merit Badges taught here include Climbing. In 2013 the camp revamped their older scout program, Annulus Initiative (AI), to include an off camp climb and overnight camping experience. In 2014 the camp the camp altered the program again to add a day trip to an Archery Golf Course. [4]

Nature The Nature area, supervised by the Nature Director, at Camp Napowan is located between Hills Lake and Lake Napowan with a view of Lake Napowan from its higher altitude. The Nature program area teaches many Merit Badges, which include Environmental Science, Fishing, and Weather.

Skynet S.T.E.M. New to Camp Napowan in 2014, Skynet S.T.E.M. Lab is a program area that encourages scouts to gain skills in the sciences and mathematics. The lab overlooks Lake Napowan located on the trail to Aquatics and Nature. Merit Badges taught include: Chemistry, Architecture, Cinematography, and Fingerprinting. [5]

Shooting Sports Scouts have the ability to use firearms under the management of the Shooting Sports Director in the Shooting Sports program area. This area is located on the east side of the camp near the Ranger Headquarters. The Shooting Sports area is broken into Shotgun, Rifle, and Archery where scouts can earn those respective Merit Badges for the Venturing Crew staff. [6]

Sherwood Sherwood, the program area that teaches scout skills, is overseen by the Sherwood Director and is located on the southwest side of camp near the firebowl. Scouts are able to earn the Camping, Cooking, and Geocaching Merit Badges in this area - along with other Merit Badges.

Verona The Verona program area, directed by the Verona director, overlooks Boot Hill and teaches skills in the arts, performance, and design. Merit Badges taught here include: Art, Music, Public Speaking, and Painting. [7]

Flintlock Flintlock Pioneer Village is the most notable program area offering an authentic 1870s replica village that induces a blacksmith shop, old time printing press, and a Native America village. This area is located on the far south side of the camp and noted for its long walk. Program staff, overseen by the Flintlock Director, are the only program staff on camp to not dress in traditional green uniforms, but instead clothing that represents that era. This area has special activities/structures including candle making, tomahawk throwing, and an open merchant shop. [8]

Other Other Merit Badges are taught from various members of the camp staff including camp administrators like the Health Officer who teaches First Aid. Horsemanship is also taught, but this occurs off the camp. [9]

Prairielands Council

Main article: Prairielands Council

Prairielands Council serves Scouts in east central Illinois and western Indiana.

Rainbow Council

Rainbow Council is headquartered in Morris, Illinois. It serves communities in Will, Grundy, and Kankakee counties. Currently Ted Karns serves as the council Scout Executive. Rainbow Council has made a concerted effort to focus on unit support and kicked off 2014 with the motto of "One Council; One Mission."

Rainbow Council operates Rainbow Scout Reservation (RSR) near Morris, Illinois. This over 700 acre property hosts year round camping, including Boy Scout and Cub Scout Resident Camping. RSR runs a complete Boy Scout Summer Camp program as well as Cub Scout Resident Camps each summer. Programs at RSR include a high quality first year camper program, expanded programs for older scouts, and over 50 merit badges. RSR has earned a reputation for its highly dedicated and enthusiastic staff. RSR information can be found at [www.rsrcamp.org].

The council also owns Camp Theakiki near Kankakee, Illinois. Rainbow Council is served by Order of the Arrow Waupecan Lodge #197.

[10]

Shawnee Trails Council

Main article: Scouting in Kentucky

Shawnee Trails Council serves Scouts in Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee.

Three Fires Council

Main article: Three Fires Council

Three Fires Council is located in St. Charles, Illinois, where it also operates a scout shop. A second scout shop is located in West Chicago, Illinois.

W. D. Boyce Council

Main article: W. D. Boyce Council

The W. D. Boyce Council serves youth in central Illinois, from Lincoln to Ottawa, and Peoria to Bloomington.

Girl Scouting in Illinois

There are five councils based in Illinois though a small part of northern Winnebago County is served by Girl Scouts of Wisconsin - Badgerland Council

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois
Owner GSUSA
Headquarters Springfield, Illinois
Country United States
Chief Executive Officer Pam Kovacevich
Board Chair Debra Wozniak
Website
www.getyourgirlpower.org

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois serves over 20,000 girls and has nearly 5,000 adult volunteers.

It was formed by the merger of Girl Scouts of Centrillio Council, Girl Scouts-Kickapoo Council, Girl Scouts of Two Rivers Council, Shemamo Girl Scout Council of Illinois, Girl Scouts, Land of Lincoln Council, and Girl Scouts of Green Meadows Council.

Regions:

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Owner GSUSA
Headquarters Rock Island, Illinois
Country United States
Chief Executive Officer Diane Nelson
Board Chair Teresa Colgan
Website
girlscoutstoday.org

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serves 20,000 girls and has 5,000 adult volunteers in Eastern Iowa as well as those in Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Warren, Knox, Henry, and Jo Daviess counties in Illinois.

Formed by the merger of Girl Scouts of Conestoga Council, Girl Scouts Little Butt Council, Girl Scouts of the Mississippi Valley, and Girl Scouts of Shining Trail Council.

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana
Owner GSUSA
Headquarters Chicago, Illinois
Country United States
Chief Executive Officer Nancy Wright
President of the Board Karen Layng
Website
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org

Serves more than 94,000 girls and is the largest Girl Scout council by membership in the United States. It includes Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kankakee, Lake and Will counties in Illinois and Jasper, Lake, Newton, and Porter counties in Indiana.

It was formed by the merger of Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council Indiana, Girl Scouts of Chicago, Drifting Dunes Girl Scout Council, Girl Scouts — Illinois Crossroads Council, Girl Scouts — Prairie Winds, Girl Scouts of South Cook County, and Girl Scouts of Trailways Council on July 1, 2008.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
Owner GSUSA
Country United States
Chief Executive Officer Fiona Cummings
Board Chair Lisa Normoyle
Website
www.girlscoutsni.org

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois was formed on October 1, 2009 from a merger of Fox Valley, Rock River Valley, Green Hills, and Sybaquay councils. The council serves Kane, Kendall, McHenry, DeKalb, Boone, Winnebago, Stephenson, Ogle, Lee, Jo Daviess, Carroll and Whiteside counties.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois
Owner GSUSA
Headquarters Glen Carbon, Illinois
Country United States
Chief Executive Officer Villie M. Appoo
Board Chair Dixie Travelstead
Website
www.gsofsi.org

The council serves around 14,000 girls in southern Illinois. It was formed in October 2009 from a merger of River Bluffs and Shagbark Councils.

Scouting museums in Illinois

International Scouting units in Illinois

In addition, there were Belarusian Scouts in Exile in Chicago through the 1980s, and Lietuvos skautų sąjunga still exists there. Külföldi Magyar Cserkészszövetség Hungarian Scouting also maintains a troop in Chicago, and there are large contingents of active Plast Ukrainian Scouts in Chicago.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.oglecountynews.com/articles/2010/09/09/39175567/index.xml
  2. ↑ Wells, Valerie (July 21, 2007). "Inner-city youths scout new ways to enjoy life through outreach program". Herald & Review. Retrieved July 23, 2007.
  3. ↑ "Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan website". NEIC. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Better Stronger Scouting"
  5. ↑ Hook, James; Franck, Dave; Austin, Steve (1982). An Aid to Collecting Selected Council Shoulder Patches with Valuation.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Daday, E. O. (September 10, 2005). Maintaining a legacy boy scouts begin drive to update facilities. Daily Herald Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/313109829?accountid=7398
  7. ↑ Zwecker, B. (January 6, 2006). 'Housewives' sheridan, hatcher stay busy with love life, legal battles. Chicago Sun - Times Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/259512413?accountid=7398
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Daday, E. O. (April 17, 2007). Upgrades progressing quickly at boy scout's summer camp. Daily Herald Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/313204348?accountid=7398
  9. ↑ "Dedication opens new dining pavilion at Napowan" "Drum Beat" 2009
  10. ↑ http://www.rainbowcouncil.org

External links

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