Spring Recruitment

Families can find fun summer activities in your pack.  As your Pack has summertime activities planned (and it should), you can recruit all ages of Cub Scouts ..  What a great way to start off the summer with eager new Scouts! 

RAIN, SHINE OR SNOW…THE TROMP WILL GO

Despite the April Foolish weather conditions, the Trail Tromp set for this weekend at Camp Drake will still occur along the Onaquispassippi Trail.  Illini Lodge of the Order of the Arrow is warming up to host the morning hike starting at the Trading Post at 9:00 am this Saturday, April 7.

Shooting Event at Drake-a-palooza

Various levels of Scouting programs will compete in the Camp Drake Marksmanship Challenge on Saturday April 7, 2018.   Join the Shooting Sports fun from 1:30pm to 3:00pm at the Nogle Shooting Sports Facility on the south side of the camp.  Only $5.00 per person for any age marksman.

Boy Scout Invitations

Troop leaders in the council are encouraged to contact local 5^th and 6^th graders about the fun of Scouting.   The opportunity to join a troop during the great upcoming camping season is here!  Special invitations can be personalized to advertise your fun troop events in the near future.  Share the excitement of Boy Scouting with new families in your community

Pinewood Derby Championship Race

The 2018 Council Pinewood Derby Championship race is on April 14^th from 10-2 at Judah Christian School. Registration for race, show and open race are due TODAY. If you can’t make it to the council office, please email parker.arnholt@scouting.org or call us at 217-356-7291 to register your Unit. Also, if you are looking for service hours, we could use the help on Friday night and Saturday! Please email parker.arnholt@scouting.org if you’re available!

Training

IOLS: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills This course is required to be considered fully trained as a Scoutmaster or Asst. Scoutmaster. You will enjoy a hands-on overnight experience in the outdoors as you learn the basic outdoor skills you need to coach your Scouts. Meals provided.

What to bring: basic overnight camping gear

When: Sat/Sun April 28-29 2018

Where: Camp Robert Drake, 9994 Camp Drake Rd. Fairmount, IL 61841

Cost: $20

Register: https://www.campdrake.com/iols ===============================

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BALOO: Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation This course is for Cub Scout leaders to take Cubs camping. You will enjoy a hands-on, full day outdoor experience as you learn the basic skills you need to take 'em camping. No camping gear is required. Lunch provided.

When: Sat April 28

Where: Camp Robert Drake, 9994 Camp Drake Rd. Fairmount, IL 61841

Cost: $10

Register: https://www.campdrake.com/baloo ==================================

New Youth Protection Training due by October 1

The BSA has rolled out a new, more intensive YPT that all volunteers must complete by Oct 1.

Go to the www.prairielandsbsa.org and see unit resources at the bottom of the home page to take YPT2.

The training has several modules and each module must be completed before breaking.

Educational Resources

The University of Illinois’ Funk ACES Library now has Educator Resource Trunks from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  Scout leaders are encouraged to borrow them with no fee and no University library account is required. 

For more information: go to https://www.library.illinois.edu/funkaces/trunks/.

Adult Adventure Weekend at The Summit, Beckley, West Virginia

--Ride zip lines, climb rocks, ride bikes, fish, and experience all the adventure!

Support Big Brothers Big Sisters - Bowl for Kids Sake!

I am reaching out on behalf of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Illinois to see if local Boy Scout groups would be interested in participating in Bowl For Kids Sake, our annual fundraiser that directly supports the 230 current mentor relationships in Champaign. By creating a team today, you can make a big impact on opportunities and services for children who need extra support in their lives.  We ask that, at minimum, each individual raise at least $100. Chances to win great prizes are available for additional individual and team fundraising!

Bowl for Kids Sake will take place on April 6-8, 2018 at Old Orchard in Savoy.  Teams can sign up for a time slot on Friday night, Saturday afternoon, or Sunday afternoon.  Bowl two games on us and enjoy free pizza and soda.

Please let me know if you would like more information about Bowl for Kids Sake by emailing: jana.lithgow@gmail.com . 

Sign up here today:  https://bfksil2018.kintera.org

Thank you for your time,

Jana Lithgow

BBBS Champaign Board President

www.summitbsa.org//AAW for more info

Recycling

Cub Scouts: Learn about recycling and how to help the environment

See the attached flyer about a day camp at University of Illinois on Sunday, April 22^nd.

Wanna Volunteer as International Rep?

Prairielands Council is accepting applications for the role of Council International Representative! This is a new position for Prairielands Council!

Position Concept: In cooperation with the council leadership, the council international representative sets up a communications and organizational plan that will make it possible to keep the council membership informed of the opportunities for program enrichment in the area of international Scouting. 

Position Qualifications They should have, or wish to acquire, an active interest in the program enrichment values of international Scouting as a means of advancing the ideal of world brotherhood and providing extraordinary Scouting activities for Scouts and Venturers. The representative must be a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America, maintain current Youth Protection Training, and should have sufficient stature within the council structure, preferably membership on the council executive board, to be able to work at the various levels of the council operation involved in unit service. The appointee should familiarize themselves with the International Department website, www.scouting.org/international, which contains information that would assist them in their role.

Interested applicants should email Vice President for Program John Marquardt at jrmarqua@gmail.com for full consideration. Please include a brief description of your Scouting (including International Scouting, if applicable) experience and a brief explanation of why this position would be a great mutual fit for you and Prairielands Council.

See the attached job description

The Bloodmobile is coming to Prairielands Council Office

Tuesday, April 24^th from 3pm to 5:30pm is your opportunity to give blood that will be used locally at Carle Hospital.

Normally it only takes about 45 minutes and you will feel good helping the community.  To sign up to be a donor,please call or email Sharon Kirk (217)531-0218 or Sharon.kirk@scouting.org . Thanks for your consideration!

Fighting Illini Scout Camporee Save the Date

The 2018 Fighting Illini Scout Camporee is set for Saturday, October 13th!  This is the homecoming game against Purdue.  More details for this year's event will be available soon!

Planting for Pollinators Kick-Off Event 

The Council-wide service project Planting for Pollinators is kicking off this Saturday at Camp Drake! Join us from 11-1 pm for pollinator activities that will help your unit get started on their pollinator garden. Scouts will learn about pollinators, building gardens, and get to make some fun take-aways. Bee there on April 7th to join the buzz! If you are participating in the research project, be sure to bring your parent signed participation form. More information at https://www.campdrake.com/planting-for-pollinators/

MANY TRAILS DISTRICT

Get Your Program Details

The annual program planning kickoff will distribute helpful program info for Scouting at the Many Trails District Meeting for April.  Scouting opportunities will be previewed at the roundtable on the second Thursday of the month (4/12),   from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in Danville.

Friends of Scouting

The annual Friends of Scouting fund-raising campaign is helpful in building the strength of the council.   District Scouters will provide an educational program to packs, troops, and crews to solicit funds for the Prairielands Council. The Family Friends of Scouting campaign is a vital component for strengthening our local council.

Many Trails Spring camporee news

Great Spring Camporee Deal

Take advantage of this tremendous event on the shores of Kennekuk Cove in May.  All troops are invited to attend and enjoy the festivities and fellowship of the 2018 Many Trails District Spring Camp-o-ree   on the weekend of May 18-20 2018.  It is open to all Venture crews and Scout troops. For registration info, click HERE

CAMP DRAKE

Spring Cleaning at Camp

All Scouts, Scouters, and parents are welcome to help prepare camp on 4/14/18. The Tool Time Work Day starts at 9:00 am at the north end of the Tin Shed at Camp Robert Drake near Oakwood, IL.  A lunch will be served at 12:15. 

Annual Health Form Reminder

The national Boy Scouts of America camp policy mandate medical examinations for week-long summer camp at Camp Drake. All youth participants and adult leaders must present evidence of a physical examination annually for the weekly camp session by a licensed physician AND a health history completed by the adult participant or a parent (for youth participants). Copies of the medical form will be available at the Raymond Lee Scout Service Center in Champaign and the Danville Service Center. Completion of both sections of the form is necessary for all campers. All physicals and health histories must be on file with the camp health officer in case of emergency.

Chainsaw Training

Skilled forester Gene Mochel will provide the BSA Chain Saw Safety Training course, No. 20-136 on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Camp Robert Drake.  The course will begin at 8:00 am.  Please bring any chain saw equipment and safety gear that you can for the training course.  If you do not have equipment, certified wood-cutter Gene will provide tools as needed.  Pre-registration is required.  Form available  HERE

CUB SCOUT

Pirate Cubs

The bearded pirates may visit the vestiges of your hallowed pack during every plank-walking opportunity on the Cub Scout Adventure Camp scene.   The theme of "Buccaneers of the Salt Fork" will offer an exciting array of entertaining activities and educational games for the different Cub Camp activities coming this July. Cub Scouts and leaders experience all kinds of treasure-filled booty through a series of “scurvy” programs.  Campers can bring their own camping gear, but tents and cots will be provided, as needed. See the Cub Scout Adventure Camp Leader Guide, also known as “The Lantern”, for added details.  

BOY SCOUT

Bugle Troop

Any Boy Scout can attend Camp Drake as a part of the Prairielands Council provisional camping option without their hometown Scoutmasters.  Join the Bugle Troop from July 15-21 this summer. This summer there are multitudes of adventures you can undertake to fill your summer with fun exciting challenges.  You can come back to camp to work on extra merit badges, awards, relax, or to push yourself to discover new events. 

ORDER OF THE ARROW

Troop Elections Time

The Order of the Arrow election clock is ticking down and all troops are encouraged to conduct an election for new members.     As needed, Illini Lodge is assisting Scout troops and Varsity teams with the important procedures in the election process. Forms are available at the Camp Drake website https://www.campdrake.com under the Illini Lodge tab.

SCOUTMASTERS’ NOTE: The 2018 Spring Fellowship is the last event for elected candidates from 2017 to participate in their Ordeal ceremony.  Please follow up with any outstanding candidates to remind them of this deadline.

SPRING FELLOWSHIP

Come out and have fun with ARROWMAN friends as you spend the weekend of the activities we will be doing, as well as an evening dinner. We will also be doing service to help prepare camp for summer camp. Spring Fellowship is May 4-6. We hope to see you out there for a fun Order of the Arrow themed weekend.

Every Troop Needs a Youth and Adult Troop Representative

Ever wonder how we make our lodge so nice and effective? Part of that is due to our Troop Representative system.  Troop Reps help us communicate to each and every troop throughout our council. You may be asking who these mysterious people are. Well look no further than your fellow arrowmen to find one.

Troop Meeting

The April Lodge Meeting is this Sunday April 8,2018 at 3:00 p.m. at IFSI.  Hope to see you there!

Prairie Fire District

Commissioner Check-In

The April Commissioner check in for all Prairie Fire District Commissioners will be at 6pm on Thursday, April 12^th at IFSI in Champaign. If you  are a registered commissioner or would like to be a commissioner please plan on attending to get all the important information from the Council to be able to share with your Units before the summer!

Roundtable Showcase

The first new roundtable showcase for Prairie Fire will be held at 7pm on April 12^th at IFSI in Champaign! Please make sure one representative from your Unit is at the showcase to get information about summer activities, a NEW council calendar for 2018-2019, and to be able to learn something new from a fellow Unit in our District! Don’t be late, and don’t forget!

District Spring Camporee/Rendezvous

The Prairie District Rendezvous will be held at Camp Drake on April 20 – 21 at Camp Robert Drake.

VENTURING

POWDER HORN

Do you need help and ideas in getting youth to attend events and activities in your unit? If you answered yes, then you need to sign up for Powder Horn.  Powder Horn is a resource training course designed to showcase local and national resources for better unit programming.  During this one weekend course you will experiences activities such as: shooting sports, climbing/rappelling, caving, camp properties, team building, flag folding/retirement, trek planning, Zumba, wilderness first aid, living history, Sea Scouting, sailing, fishing, ethical controversies, orienteering, religious services, STEM, CERT, evening programs, and much more.  Look for POWDER HORN at the GSLAC course held at Beaumont Scout Reservation in High Ridge, MO on April 26 to 29, 2018.