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      <title>Investing in Stronger Leaders for Stronger Units</title>
      <description><![CDATA[As you spend time in Scouting, you come to understand something simple but important: The experience a young person has in this program is shaped, in large part, by the volunteer adult leaders who guide it.

I can never give enough thanks to the... <a href='https://neic.org/investing-in-stronger-leaders-for-stronger-units'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/investing-in-stronger-leaders-for-stronger-units</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/investing-in-stronger-leaders-for-stronger-units</comments>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Is Your Safeguarding Youth Training Current?</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Scouting America places the greatest importance on creating the most secure environment possible for our youth members. One aspect is having our leaders trained in safeguarding youth. Safeguarding Youth Training is required once a year and replaces... <a href='https://neic.org/is-your-safeguarding-youth-training-current'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/is-your-safeguarding-youth-training-current</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/is-your-safeguarding-youth-training-current</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:10:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Council Recognizes Leaders at the Annual Recognition Dinner</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Council recognition dinner – March 2026

Thanks to all who joined us on March 11 as we celebrated and honored the many leaders, Eagle Scouts and volunteers that make up our council. You can read about all the honorees in the program booklet. But... <a href='https://neic.org/council-recognizes-leaders-at-the-annual-recognition-dinner'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/council-recognizes-leaders-at-the-annual-recognition-dinner</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/council-recognizes-leaders-at-the-annual-recognition-dinner</comments>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:27:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Scouting America Wants Your Feedback</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Voice of the Scout, Scouting America's feedback program, isn’t merely a survey designed to collect data. It’s a way to amplify the voices of Scouts, parents and unit volunteers who might otherwise remain unheard.

The survey is designed to provide ... <a href='https://neic.org/scouting-america-wants-your-feedback'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/scouting-america-wants-your-feedback</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/scouting-america-wants-your-feedback</comments>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>See How One Volunteer Is Shaping the Next Generation of Scouts</title>
      <description><![CDATA[For Ryan Bond, Scouting isn’t just something he volunteers for — it’s something he lives.

An Eagle Scout himself, Ryan has spent more than 40 years experiencing Scouting from nearly... <a href='https://neic.org/see-how-one-volunteer-is-shaping-the-next-generation-of-scouts'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/see-how-one-volunteer-is-shaping-the-next-generation-of-scouts</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/see-how-one-volunteer-is-shaping-the-next-generation-of-scouts</comments>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>The Heart of Scouting: Ari and Violet Flemenbaum</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Some volunteers help when asked. Ari and Violet Flemenbaum step forward before the need is even spoken. Their sustained leadership, quiet resilience, and unwavering commitment to youth have strengthened Scouting in countless ways.

"I first met... <a href='https://neic.org/the-heart-of-scouting-ari-and-violet-flemenbaum'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/the-heart-of-scouting-ari-and-violet-flemenbaum</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/the-heart-of-scouting-ari-and-violet-flemenbaum</comments>
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      <pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 01:05:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>From Bullying to Belonging:  Supporting Youth Mental Health Together</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Bullying is often viewed simply as a social issue which can be corrected through punishment. In reality, bullying is deeply connected to mental health for everyone involved. Youth who experience bullying may struggle with anxiety, depression, and a... <a href='https://neic.org/from-bullying-to-belonging-supporting-youth-mental-health-together'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/from-bullying-to-belonging-supporting-youth-mental-health-together</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/from-bullying-to-belonging-supporting-youth-mental-health-together</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:54:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>A New Kind of First Aid: Scouting Works with Josselyn to Support Teen Mental Health</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The following article has been written by Maggie Nash, LCSW, M.Ed., Director of Mental Health Education at Josselyn, a Community Mental Health Center serving Cook and Lake Counties. The Inclusion, Diversity, Equity &amp; Accessibility (IDEA)... <a href='https://neic.org/a-new-kind-of-first-aid-scouting-works-with-josselyn-to-support-teen-mental-health'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/a-new-kind-of-first-aid-scouting-works-with-josselyn-to-support-teen-mental-health</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/a-new-kind-of-first-aid-scouting-works-with-josselyn-to-support-teen-mental-health</comments>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 15 Feb 2026 14:22:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>A Lifetime of Impact: Pat and Sue Klemens' Commitment to Scouting</title>
      <description><![CDATA[For Pat and Sue Klemens, Scouting is more than a program — it is a lifelong investment in young people and the communities they serve. Through decades of volunteer leadership, family involvement, and financial support, the Klemenses have lived the... <a href='https://neic.org/a-lifetime-of-impact-pat-and-sue-klemens-commitment-to-scouting'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/a-lifetime-of-impact-pat-and-sue-klemens-commitment-to-scouting</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/a-lifetime-of-impact-pat-and-sue-klemens-commitment-to-scouting</comments>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:51:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Scouting in Action</title>
      <description><![CDATA[During the 2025 fundraising season, JJ showed what dedication, resilience, and the true spirit of Scouting look like in action. JJ committed nearly every possible moment to fundraising this year and finished the season with more than $28,000 in... <a href='https://neic.org/scouting-in-action'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/scouting-in-action</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/scouting-in-action</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:35:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>NEIC Launches Annual Adult Registration Fee</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Beginning April 1, 2026, the Northeast Illinois Council (NEIC) will launch an annual $65 council registration fee for adult members. This fee applies to adults with primary registrations in packs, troops, crews, and other non-unit roles and aligns... <a href='https://neic.org/neic-launches-annual-adult-registration-fee'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/neic-launches-annual-adult-registration-fee</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/neic-launches-annual-adult-registration-fee</comments>
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      <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:53:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Pinewood Derby: Reserve Your Unit’s Race Time at the Council</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Pinewood Derby is a highlight of Cub Scouting, and the Northeast Illinois Council offers multiple ways to help your pack host a fun and successful race.

 

Build-a-Car Workshop on Jan. 31, 2026


At our Build-a-Car Workshop, experienced... <a href='https://neic.org/-pinewood-derby-reserve-your-unit’s-race-time-at-the-council'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/-pinewood-derby-reserve-your-unit’s-race-time-at-the-council</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/-pinewood-derby-reserve-your-unit’s-race-time-at-the-council</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:43:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>2026 National Jamboree</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Scouting America’s National Jamboree is back in 2026, and the Northeast Illinois Council is proud to send a contingent of youths and adult leaders to this once-in-a-lifetime event. Join us for an unforgettable journey filled with adventure,... <a href='https://neic.org/jamboree'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/jamboree</link>
      <author>allisonwaggoner@aol.com (AllisonWaggoner)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/jamboree</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:47:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Why Tony and Patrice Steenkolk Believe in Scouting — and Keep Giving Back</title>
      <description><![CDATA[A Scouting Journey that Lasts a Lifetime: Tony &amp; Patrice Steenkolk

For Tony and Patrice Steenkolk, Scouting has never been just an activity for their children — it has become a lifelong commitment, a source of cherished memories, and a... <a href='https://neic.org/why-tony-and-patrice-steenkolk-believe-in-scouting-—-and-keep-giving-back'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/why-tony-and-patrice-steenkolk-believe-in-scouting-—-and-keep-giving-back</link>
      <comments>https://neic.org/why-tony-and-patrice-steenkolk-believe-in-scouting-—-and-keep-giving-back</comments>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:04:00 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>What is Discrimination - and What Can We Do About It?</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Have you done any of the following?

You hear people speaking with an accent – and think to yourself they don’t belong. You meet someone of a different faith – and criticize them for their beliefs. You see a person from a different race at camp –... <a href='https://neic.org/what-is-discrimination-and-what-can-we-do-about-it'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/what-is-discrimination-and-what-can-we-do-about-it</link>
      <author>fkwcy@fkwcy.com (KsfhcKP6q2FT)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/what-is-discrimination-and-what-can-we-do-about-it</comments>
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      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 23:15:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Meet John: Why He Gives Back, a Lifelong Commitment to Scouting</title>
      <description><![CDATA[For John, supporting Scouting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a calling. From his earliest days as a Cub Scout in Flossmoor, Illinois, to his decades of adult service, Scouting has shaped his life and given him purpose. Today, he gives back to the movement... <a href='https://neic.org/meet-john-why-he-gives-back-a-lifelong-commitment-to-scouting'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/meet-john-why-he-gives-back-a-lifelong-commitment-to-scouting</link>
      <comments>https://neic.org/meet-john-why-he-gives-back-a-lifelong-commitment-to-scouting</comments>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Be an Upstander, not a bystander</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Being an Upstander means to stand up – especially for others and for our values. It implies that there is a need for an opposing force – perhaps to bullying behavior or to a practice or communication that is keeping or pushing someone down. Acting... <a href='https://neic.org/be-an-upstander-not-a-bystander'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/be-an-upstander-not-a-bystander</link>
      <comments>https://neic.org/be-an-upstander-not-a-bystander</comments>
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      <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jul 2025 18:13:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Inclusivity is our IDEA!</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Northeast Illinois Council of Scouting America (NEIC) strives to be an inclusive organization. In recent years, Scouting has made tremendous strides nationally, eliminating many exclusionary policies. We are proud of that progress and committed... <a href='https://neic.org/inclusivity-is-our-idea'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/inclusivity-is-our-idea</link>
      <author>fkwcy@fkwcy.com (KsfhcKP6q2FT)</author>
      <comments>https://neic.org/inclusivity-is-our-idea</comments>
      <guid isPermaLink="true">https://neic.org/inclusivity-is-our-idea</guid>
      <pubDate>Mon, 16 Jun 2025 01:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title>Meet Chuck and Pat Pint</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Have you ever seen someone running the Climbing Wall, leading the Cubmobile, or conjuring up mind-bending challenges at the Klondike Derby? Chances are, you've met Chuck and Pat Pint. For years, they've been the driving force behind countless NEIC... <a href='https://neic.org/meet-chuck-and-pat-pint'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/meet-chuck-and-pat-pint</link>
      <comments>https://neic.org/meet-chuck-and-pat-pint</comments>
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      <pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 23:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title>Meet Reed Snyder, Outgoing Council Commissioner</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Like many Scouters, I began my Scouting career in Cub Scouts, in a very small unit in Wisconsin. My first Pinewood Derby car won second place!

I reengaged in Scouting at the troop level a few years later. I participated in summer camp and... <a href='https://neic.org/meet-reed-snyder-outgoing-council-commissioner'>read more</a><div class='excerptspacer'>&nbsp;</div>]]></description>
      <link>https://neic.org/meet-reed-snyder-outgoing-council-commissioner</link>
      <comments>https://neic.org/meet-reed-snyder-outgoing-council-commissioner</comments>
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      <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:30:00 GMT</pubDate>
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