We are hiring!
Do you want a rewarding career for an organization that helps shape the lives of youth every day?
Do you like having autonomy in your everyday workload?
Reach out to Scout Executive Jared White at jared.white@scouting.org for any questions or to send your resume!
Find the Position Description here! District Executive Position Description
Brought to you by Illini Lodge #55!!!
Camp Robert Drake
Saturday May 2nd
9:00am - 3:00pm
Lunch is on your own!
Advancements offered for ranks up to First Class! 
Scouts must bring medical forms,
water bottle, and a lunch.
Scout handbooks are encouraged as well.
Scouts must have an adult with them at all times
Advancement Stations (pdf)
There is no cost to the event!
https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/oa-advancement
All those who admire Camp Drake can join with Prairielands Council in supporting our summer camp programs with a 2026 Program Area Sponsorship. This is a great way for those who have or had a connection to Scouting and Camp Drake to give back now! Starting at just $300 you can sponsor a program area of your choice at one of our camps! These funds go directly to the Summer Camp operating budget of the camp you sponsor.
We will place a sign in the area honoring your support this summer!
To support, please click here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/FCD
For any future wood-cutting volunteers at Camp Robert Drake, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America requires that any persons felling trees more than 3 inches in diameter must be approved by the camp ranger, be 18 years of age, and be properly trained.
Former Camp Ranger Gene Mochel will provide a Chain Saw Safety Training course on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Camp Robert Drake. The course will begin at 9:00 am. Please bring any chain saw equipment and safety gear that you can for the training course. If you do not have equipment, wood-cutter Gene will provide tools and gear needed. Please note that the purpose of this course is to provide training for future wood-cutting volunteers at Camp Drake. Please bring a copy of a current health history. This training will require physical stamina in wood-cutting, log hauling, and limb removal. This course has room for only 8 students.
Sign up here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/chainsaw
We are pleased to roll out of 2026 Product Sale, Meats and Sweets! The Meats and Sweets sale will run from Friday, February 13, 2026, to Friday, April 10, 2026. This sale is designed to help fund unit program and help Scouts to earn their own way to pay for Scouting Activities.
As in past years we have 2 options for Scouts and units to fund their Scouting activities. Scouts could sell our traditional World’s Finest Candy Bars and Country Meats Snack Sticks. You do not have to choose one or the other, you can choose to sell both!
Worlds Finest has increased their Candy Bars from $1 to $2. Reasoning for this is the cost of cocoa has doubled. That being said the Scout/Unit Earning $.50 for each candy bar sold. World’s Finest Candy Bar Boxes have 40 bars in each box. Our Council has chosen to sell the Variety Box with a mix of 12 Caramel Bars, 8 Milk Chocolate with Almonds bars, 8 Crisp Bars, 4 Wafer Bars, 4 Milk Chocolate Bars, and new 4 Dark Chocolate Pretzel Bars. We will also be selling Caramel Bar boxes with 40 bars in each box. Unopened boxes can be returned no later than Friday, April 10, 2026.
Country Meat Sticks are sold for $10 for a pack of 5 sticks, and the Scout/unit earns $4 for each sold. That is 40% profit for our units. Our Council has chosen to sell Original Smoked Hickory, Sweet BBQ, and Cajun Style Snack sticks. Each stick only has 70 Calories and is soy and gluten-free. The sticks are individually vacuum sealed withing the package with a best by date included on each stick and multi-pack. These are shelf stable for a year!
Thanks for your support of our Spring Fundraiser to support Prairielands Council!
Find our 2026 Meats and Sweets Pre-Order form or place your order below!
Place your order here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/springsale
Prairielands Training College will be taking place on Saturday, February 7th, 2026. The event will take place at St. Matthew Lutheran Church located at 2200 Philo Rd #8002, Urbana, IL 61802.
PTC check in starts at 8:00am, with flags/opening at 8:45am. Classes begin at 9:00 after opening. Enter the Fellowship Hall on the North Side of the Building, lower entrance. Handicapped accessible parking and elevator is accessed from the West Entrance of the building.
Sessions for Prairielands Training College
James Quisenberry - Geocaching With Your Troop
James Quisenberry - AI Tools for Scouting
James Quisenberry - Training Opportunities for Adult Leaders
Levi Marriott - Backpacking On A Budget
Kris Hoogstrat - Bushcraft Skills (2 hours x 2 sessions)
Jill Quisenberry/Corey Betka - Camp Cooking with Dutch Ovens
Jim Dieker - Path To Eagle
Jim Dieker - Eagle Projects 101
Eddie Waldmire - How to Plan a Cub Scout Overnighter
Andrew Chamberlain - Pinewood Derby and You
Dakorie McElhaney - Natural Remedies for the Outdoorsman
Dakorie McElhaney - Practical Knots and Lashings for the Outdoors
Marguerite Bailey - Becoming and Merit Badge Counselor
Marguerite Baiiey - Resource Sharing Forum
AJ Martin - OA Vision and Basics
AJ Martin - Adult’s Role in OA
Justin Morgan - Recruiting Tips for Packs and Troops
Justin Morgan - Creating Fliers for Your Unit
Tony Martin - Rangemaster Training for Cub Scouts (3 hour block)
Bushcraft Trading Post – During the PTC, there will be an opportunity to purchase items from Hooks Outdoors for all your Bushcraft needs!
FEES:
Prairielands Training College fee is $20. This covers lunch and patch.
A Continental Breakfast, Lunch, and a variety of snacks are included with your fees. We will have a box lunch with sandwich, chips, fruit, and a dessert. You will pick your sandwich when you register on Tentaroo.
Register at https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/PTC
You are cordially invited to the Prairielands Council Annual Meeting. At this meeting we will celebrate the successes from 2025 and give the vision for 2026. This meeting is also where we will honor our District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Honorees.
Monday, January 26, 2026
6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Meal Cost is $30
City View Building - Illinois Terminal, 45 East University Ave, Champaign, IL 61820
Parking is available in the front of the terminal building or behind in the public parking.
Thanks for supporting Prairielands Council!
Register at https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/annualmeeting
Sat. Jan. 17, 2026, @ Camp Drake Training Center from 1 to 4 pm
Bring a white elephant gift for the festivities Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please RSVP to mykegr@gmail.com if you are planning to attend the party.
Any youth interested in summer camp staff is invited. All past staff members are welcome to attend and bring a buddy.
IN ADDITION: Interested staff alumni can submit an entry for the 2026 summer camp patch design. The theme for next summer is Unlock your Adventure. and remember that the Scout Law is the key to achievement.
Scout Night with the Bisons
Saturday, January 10, 2026
7:00 PM, Bison vs. Grizzlies at Grossinger Motors Arena
Tickets in our Gold and Attack Zone sections are reduced to a special rate of $18.
Scout Night Sleepover:
• Camp on the concourse
• Movie on the videoboard
• Popcorn, drinks, and late-night pizzas
• $6 per person
See the flyer here to purchase tickets: Prairielands Scout Night at the Bison
All Critters welcome with Guests!
The 2026 Wood Badge Rendezvous will be helod on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 5PM to 8PM. This gathering will be held at El Toro Bravo located at 2561 W. Springfield Ave, Champaign, IL 61821.
The Cost is $20 per person. The menu is a Fajita Bar and Fountain Drinks. Please RSVP by January 6, 2026!
Questions, please email Josh Kittle at jkittle@gmail.com.
Register here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/wbrendezvous
Save the Date!
A Klondike Derby inspired by the Winter Olympics
When: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Where: Camp Robert Drake
Times: Check-In @ 7 am / Stations start at 9 am / Stations end at 2:30 pm
Get ready to go for the gold! This year’s Klondike Derby brings Olympic-sized excitement to the snowy frontier. Patrols will compete in classic Klondike challenges with a thrilling Winter Games twist. From fire-building to the winter pentathlon, scouts will test their skills, teamwork, and endurance in pursuit of the Winter Cup Trophy.
Traditional Skills. Olympic Flair. Unforgettable Adventure.
Whether you're racing across the snow, navigating icy obstacles, or showing off your patrol spirit, this is one winter event you won’t want to miss.
Mark your calendars and start training….
The 2026 Klondike Winter Cup is coming!
Want to get involved or need more info? Connect with our 2026 Klondike Winter Cup co-chairs, Ben Hoogstraat and Josh Cooper, at benhoogstraat@gmail.com.
Sign up here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/klondike
Join fellow Scouts & Scouters for a morning packed with updates, prizes, and inside info about all things Camp Robert Drake.
When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 9:00 AM
Where: ILEAS Training Center - Urbana, IL
What’s Happening:
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Are you passionate about the outdoors, youth development, and leadership? Scouting America is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and mission-driven Camp Director to lead our summer camp operations and create unforgettable experiences for scouts across the region.
Position: Camp Director
Location: Camp Robert Drake, Fairmount, IL
About the Role
As Camp Director, you’ll be the heart of our camp—overseeing all aspects of camp life, from staff management and program delivery to safety and camper engagement. You’ll work closely with volunteers, staff, and council leadership to ensure a high-quality, inclusive, and fun environment that reflects the values of Scouting America.
Responsibilities
• Lead and manage day-to-day camp operations
• Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal staff and volunteers
• Ensure compliance with Scouting America policies and safety standards
• Oversee program planning, scheduling, and execution
• Foster a positive, respectful, and inclusive camp culture
• Manage budgets, supplies, and logistics
• Serve as the primary point of contact for parents and council leadership
Qualifications
• Minimum age: 21 years
• Prior experience in camp leadership or youth program management
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to lead with integrity, enthusiasm, and adaptability
• Commitment to the mission and values of Scouting America
More Information
Please see the Position Description here! 2026 Camp Drake Camp Director Position
Interested individuals should reach out to Jared White at jared.white@scouting.org or call 217.531.0214.
Omega Tau Sigma at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine is offering the Veterinary Medicine Merit Badge on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 9AM to 12PM. The address for the event is 2001 S Lincoln Ave, Urbana, IL 61802.
At the event there will be 3 stations. The first is a PowerPoint going over how to become a veterinarian or a veterinary technician along with the role they play in medicine for not only our domestic pets, but in food animal health and safety as well. The second will be a hands-on station where Scouts will be taught how to bandage a leg and will discuss the anatomical differences of the leg of a dog, cow, and horse. At this station Scouts will also go over a case study on how to handle an animal that has a broken leg. The third station will be a tour of our teaching hospital.
For more information reach out to Kayla Buck at illinoisots@gmail.com.
Register at https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/vetmedmb
This Sunday Fun Day was a success at Camp Drake with the beautiful weather and the fun activities.
Great appreciation for the support of the super staff for the event!
The Smilin Pumpkin Outdoor Sports Fest is a great event for Cub Scouts to discover the fantastic activities at Camp Robert Drake. On Sunday, October 27 from 1PM to 4PM, Cub Scouts and their families can enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities like archery, water bottle rockets, and pedal cars. Spend the afternoon experiencing the fun of the outdoor aspects of Cub Scouting.
Camp Drake is located at 9994 Camp Drake Rd, Fairmount, IL 61841.
You can register here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/pumpkin
Contact Mike Graham if you have any questions
Raymond Lee Scout Service Center
Will be open
Saturday, September 6, 2025
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Save 10% on UNIFORM BOTTOMS with the purchase of a Uniform Shirt! Good through December 31, 2025.
Tops: Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing & Lion TShirts. Clearance uniforms are also INCLUDED in this promotion. Bottoms: Switchbacks, Shorts, Skorts, and Roll-up Pants.
Download the Flyer (pdf)
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Raymond Lee Scout Service Center 3301 Farber Drive Champaign, IL 61822 |
Normal hours: M-F (9 am-5 pm) Email: sharon.kirk@scouting.org Phone: 217-531-3010 |
Prairielands Council Cub Fun Day is being made available on 2 dates this year:
Sunday, September 28, 2025 from 1PM to 4PM at either Camp Robert Drake, located at 9994 Camp Drake Rd, Fairmount, IL.
Saturday, October 4, 2023 from 1PM to 4PM at Illinois Fire Institute located at 11 Gerty Dr, Champaign, IL 61820.
The cost for both events is $10 and that includes fun such as BB Guns, Bows and Arrows, Crafts, and much more. Scout’s siblings and friends are welcome to join in the fun.
?
If you have any questions feel free to call the Prairielands Council Office at 217.531.0219. You can also contact Mike Graham or Lovetta Ash-Simpson at Michael.Graham@scouting.org or lovetta.ash-simpson@scouting.org.
You can register online here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/cubfunday
October 10 - 12 @ Camp Drake
The First Aid Meet is an event that challenges Scouts in troops to perform first aid in simulated real-life situations. Patrols work in practical first aid problems, displaying hands-on skills. PLUS: First Aid demonstrations by professional emergency personnel to showcase skills.
What to Bring: Every patrol is expected to provide all equipment needed to perform first aid problems, including poles and blankets or other material for making an improvised stretcher; a troop/patrol size first aid kit with splints, bandages, and sunscreen, bottles of water for patrol members; patrol flag
Medical Forms: Every participant needs to bring a copy of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A and B for all Scouting events).
Register here: https://prairielands.tentaroo.com/fallcamporee
Download your Camporee Maze today! (doc)
Camporee Schedule (doc)
October 4 @ Illinois Fire Safety Institute 1 - 4 pm
11 Gerty Dr, Champaign, IL 61820
Enjoy the thrills of Cub Camp activities this fall!
Test your keen eye towards the target. Cub Scout Family Fun Days provide an afternoon of fun fitness events and Scouting skills for youth and adults.
September 28 @ Camp Drake 1 - 4 pm
Enjoy the thrills of Cub Camp activities this fall. Drive the Cubmobiles against your racing partner.
Test your keen eye towards the target. Hurdle the obstacles as you speed across the field. Cub Scout Family Fun Days provide an afternoon of fun fitness events and Scouting skills for youth and adults.
Learn how easy it is to cook a tasty meal or a delicious dessert on a fire!
See how to Tie the perfect knot! Scouts from Troop 30 and 2119 teach how!
brought to you by your Illini Lodge #55
This event will take place Saturday, May 3rd, from 9am - 11:55pm and 1pm - 3pm
at Camp Robert Drake
Advancements are offered for ranks from Scout through First Class!
Scouts must bring their medical forms (A+B), scout handbook, water bottle and a lunch.
There is no cost for this event.
Download the flyer (pdf)
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