About Us - Northeast Illinois Council

The Northeast Illinois Council of Scouting America, brings the Scouting experience to families and communities throughout Northeastern Illinois. We help young people grow into confident leaders through meaningful adventures, mentorship, and opportunities to serve others.

We deliver the program through a partnership of council staff and board, district volunteers, and local units:

The Council provides the structure and resources that support Scouting—camp properties, leader training, youth protection, events, and operational support.
Districts connect this support to local communities, assisting units with recruitment, advancement, and engagement.
Units (Packs, Troops, Crews, Ships) are where Scouting comes alive through meetings, outdoor adventures, leadership development, and service, led by dedicated volunteer leaders.

Together, we ensure Scouting is safe, inspiring, and high-quality, instilling lifelong values of integrity, respect, and responsibility.

Shaping tomorrow’s leaders, one Scout at a time.

Our Districts

Our Mission

The mission of the Northeast Illinois Council, Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

4,019+ Total Scouts

2,600+ Adults

1,858+ Volunteers

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Scouting has been such a gift to our family. Xander isn’t a sports kid and hasn’t really connected with traditional teams or friend groups. But he loves the outdoors and all the adventures that scouting offers. For us, our pack has been one of the few places where we have truly felt love and acceptance. It’s a wonderful, caring, and positive community — something we believe so many people are craving right now, in a world that often feels divided. We believe deeply in giving back and making our community better. It really does take a village, and having other positive adults and kids around has made such a meaningful impact on our son’s life. At school, our son doesn’t always feel fully accepted, but with his pack and troop, he truly feels like he belongs. When he crossed over, he said, 'I’ve been waiting for this my whole life!' and he couldn’t wait to make new friends. Scouting has given him a place to grow, to feel valued, and to be exactly who he is — and that’s the greatest gift we could ask for.

Beth,
Pack 98 and Troop 194

When Charlie first joined Pack 98, he was nervous and had been dealing with anxiety. Trying new things was always a big challenge, and we weren’t sure how he would react. At that first meeting, we told the leaders we might need to leave quickly — but within 10 minutes, we knew we had found something special. Charlie was welcomed so warmly, and even joined in the flag ceremony that very night. It was the first time I saw him with an ear-to-ear smile in years. My wife and I were completely floored by how well things clicked for him and how excited he was to come back. Since then, he’s come out of his shell in ways we never imagined. From Pinewood Derby and campouts to popcorn sales and den meetings, he’s found confidence, bravery, and so much joy. Scouting has given him a place to feel safe, supported, and celebrated for who he is. We’re so thankful to be part of such a positive, inclusive pack that teaches strong values and helps kids truly belong. We can’t wait to see Charlie continue to grow — and for our younger son to join when he’s old enough!

Daniel,
Pack 98

Our family loves being part of Pack 98! Ewan is excited to move up to Bear this year. He beams with pride when he earns patches and awards, which has really built his confidence. Jane is both a Girl Scout and a Cub Scout and says she loves them both equally because she gets to do fun activities and make new friends in each group. As a parent, I really appreciate the opportunities to participate in all of the special activities where we can make memories together and build a community with the other families.

Sara,
Pack 98, Mundelein

NEIC has earned the Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency, which is the highest level of recognition awarded by Candid (formerly GuideStar).

Vision

Scouting America will prepare every eligible youth in America to become a responsible, participating citizen and leader who is guided by the Scout Oath and Law.

The Scout Oath

On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.

The Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.