News

When Sanjana “Sanju” Purayil looks back on her Scouting journey, she doesn’t just see merit badges and campouts—she sees a series of firsts that helped shape who she is today. Sanju’s introduction to Scouting started on the sidelines. As a child, ... read more

For Dave McCall, Scouting has never been just a chapter of life—it’s been a constant thread. He began as a Bear in Cub Scouts with Pack 53 in New Jersey and continued his journey through troops in New Jersey, Illinois, and Texas, ultimately... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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 ... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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 & Accessibility (IDEA)... read more