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 program highlights the need for financial support of the Boy Scouts of America. Each unit is encouraged to schedule a presentation for their Scouting families this spring. The Family Friends of Scouting campaign is a vital component for strengthening our local council.

Arrowhead Award Ceremony Recognition at First Campfire

All of the 2018 Arrow of Light recipients who attend Camp Drake this summer will be recognized at the opening campfire for this achievement.  During the festive atmosphere of the welcoming camp skits, each new Boy Scout that has earned the Arrow of Light will be called on stage by members of the Illini Lodge Ceremonies Team to receive a special Arrowhead Award for their achievement.  As a part of the presentation, these new Boy Scouts participate in a motivating program that encourages their attainment of the highest goal in Boy Scouting, namely the Eagle Scout rank.  The ceremony is very impressive and uplifting, and parents and leaders are welcome to attend.

Pinewood Derby Championship Race

The 2018 Council Pinewood Derby Championship race is on April 14th from 10-2 at Judah Christian School. Please make sure to arrive on time for the event! We will have a full concession stand with hot dogs, pizza, chips, candy, slushies AND popcorn! We also are still looking volunteers to help with set-up Friday evening at 8:30 and to help Saturday. If you are able to help and can use the service hours please contact Parker Arnholt at parker.arnholt@scouting.org.

Invitation to Participate in Two Studies at University of Illinois:

1. Middle School Transition Project: Your 5^th grade student and parents
2. Interpersonal Stress Community: Your Middle School student and parents

Please see the attachment for more information and possible remuneration for participation.   Middle School Transition attachment.

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!

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/.

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.

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

==================================

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 ==================================

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.

Adult Adventure Weekend at The Summit, Beckley, West Virginia

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

See www.summitbsa.org//AAW for more info.

MANY TRAILS DISTRICT

Many Trails Roundtable on Thursday

The Many Trails District Roundtable meeting this Thursday  will be in the First Floor Conference room  (the first left inside the main doors)  at the Danville Public Library.   The meeting will conclude by 7:45 because we need to be out before the library closes at 8:00 pm.   The annual program planning kickoff will distribute helpful program info for Scouting at the Many Trails District Roundtable Meeting for April. Scouting opportunities will be previewed on 4/12,  from 6:30 to 7:45 pm in Danville.  See more details  HERE.

Spring Camporee at Kennekuk

The 2018 Many Trails Spring camporee will be held on the weekend of May 18-20 where fun Scouting events are planned for Mallard Point.  The campground has scenic trails, a wonderful fishing lake, and an excellent warm weather report.  Plan now to be part of the rewarding outdoor weekend.

Prairie Fire District News

District Spring Camporee/Rendezvous

The Prairie District Rendezvous will be held at Camp Drake on April 20 – 21 at Camp Robert Drake. Cost for the whole weekend is $15 and there is no late fee. Sign up now to reserve your campsite, as campsites will go on a first come first serve basis! Signups can be found by going to www.prairielandsbsa.org under the right side events tab to get the registration form.

Last Commissioner Check In and District Roundtable of the Year

Please join us Thursday, April 12th at 6:00pm for the final Commissioner Check In of the year.  If you have made any recent visits make sure to log them ASAP.  We will meet in the Auditorium of the Illinois Fire Safety Institute.

IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR SCOUTERS...

Come to a very important District Roundtable at 7:00 on Thursday, April 12th at the IFSI Auditorium. 

• 2018-2019 District Calendars will be available
• New Youth Protection training will be offered (It will be finished at the meeting!) All Scout leaders are required to have the new training by October.  This is your chance to get it done in one quick, focused training! (Training might last longer than 1 hour, as it is the new training required by October)
• Summer Scout Camp, Day Camp, and Adventure Camp info will be available.
• Last meeting of the year!

CAMP DRAKE

Adventure Camp Deadline Moves:

To accommodate Cub Campers attending the 2018 “Cubs on the High Seas” Cub Scout Adventure Camp, the next fee deadline for both youth and adult registration has been altered from April 20 to Friday, May 18.   Please have your full fees paid at that time for your fun “on the banks of the Salt Fork” at Cub Scout Adventure Camp.  Take advantage of this great camping option to experience outdoor thrills,   achieve special advancement options, and live the Scouting life in the pirate themed activities.

Summer Camp Food Requirements

Do members of your summer camp contingency to Camp Robert Drake have any Special Dietary needs? We want to help, but you need to tell us!! Email mykegr@gmail.com AFTER fees are paid but more than 3 weeks before camp .   The Camp Kitchen may not be able to accommodate special dietary needs that are not shared in advance to mykegr@gmail.com due to the camp's food delivery schedule and staffing plan, and refrigerator space may also not be available. Please send an e-mail with your requirements to help us help you!

Scout Camp Work Day this Saturday

A day of service to Camp Drake will occur this Saturday,  April 14 beginning at 9:00 am at the Tin Shed.  Now is a great time to invite any age helpers to provide service to summer camp.   Please help clear the campsites and trails, plus spruce up program areas and equipment.

CUB SCOUT

Young 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 but especially brand new younger Cubs.  The youth who are now in kindergarten can be signed up as Tiger Cubs and participate in all the summertime activities.  Look to find some Lion Cubs in the families of your pack.   What a great way to start off the summer with eager new Scouts! 

Adventure Camp High Seas Fees

To all Cub Leaders on the HIGH SEAS.   The Cub Scout Adventure deadline is moving to May.  PLEASE NOTE   Registration fees for CS Adventure Camp have been pushed back a month to a Friday, May 18, 2018 deadline.     Cub Scout camping payments that are bundled into a group for the whole pack help to make the registration process go smoother.  Each pack should keep a copy of their camping registration paperwork to maintain their own camping records for their group.  Keeping copies on file for your pack of medical forms, payment transmittals, and program requests will help your unit through the administration process.  ALSO NOTE:   CS Adventure Campers need only parts A & B on the medical forms.

Bonus Webelos/AOL Program

During both the Blue and the Gold Session of Cub Scout Adventure Camp in 2018, the SUNRAYS program will offer extra program options.  Boys that are currently in the third and fourth grades will graduate up to advanced program status and be eligible to select two added program features during their Cub Scout Adventure Camp session.  Space is limited for certain time frames for each program. The SUNRAYS program is designed to be an added feature for the Adventure Camp schedule for older Cub Scouts.  SUNRAYS events are set up during open hours and extra time slots.

BOY SCOUT

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.

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

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.

Illini Lodge Chevron

The fantastic looking Illini Lodge chevron has arrived from the talented embroiderers.  Lodge Treasurer Ryan Henderson has opened the sale at the Robeson Scout Shop for these gorgeous emblems of lodge spirit.  These patches will look great on your Illini Lodge attire.  The patches are available in a limited supply, so get to the Spring Fellowship on May 4-6 at Camp Robert Drake.