News

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,... read more

A Scouting Journey that Lasts a Lifetime: Tony & 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... read more

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 –... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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... read more

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... read more

My passion in Scouting is giving leadership opportunities to our youths and watching them grow. I love seeing Scouts get more comfortable talking to adults or organizing and leading other Scouts in activities. I support Scouting by serving and... read more

We asked this question of our unit leaders recently, and it turns out it was harder to answer than we anticipated. So, we turned to council historian John Ropiequet for some background. Evanston Peter C. Wercks first appeared in the paper on... read more