Come celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting where it all began, downtown Chicago. ScoutFEST 100 will take place on September 18th at Northerly Island. This event is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will feature a midway of Scouting activities, an urban adventure hike, and a night under the stars and the Chicago skyline which will include a spectacular stage show in the Charter One Pavilion featuring Smash Mouth, fireworks over Lake Michigan, and camping in downtown Chicago. Be sure to check back often as new components are added!

Annually, the Chicago Area Council recognizes the contributions of volunteer Scouters with the Silver Beaver Award, the Boy Scouts of America's highest honor for service in a local council. Many of your fellow Scouters are deserving of this award and should be considered for recognition. However, in order to receive the award, one must be nominated by another Scouter. If you know a deserving Scouter, send in their nomination form today. Nominations are due to the Council Service Center no later than November 30th. Click to download the nomination form.

Join us for Scout Night with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 14, 2010. Click to find more information.

The Basic Training Extravaganza is a council-wide training day dedicated to conducting required training for adult leaders in all phases of the Scouting family. This is the opportunity to attend leader-specific training to prepare you for your opportunities and responsibilities relating to your leadership position. This single day is packed with an abundance of information for leaders who want to provide the best program possible for their Scouts.

During this weekend training, participants will learn how to: set up camp, cook, work with wood tools and ropes. In addition, participants will also receive instruction in: first-aid, map and compass skills, hiking/packing techniques, and nature identification. Participants will also help plan a campfire program and worship service. Click for more information or to register.

The Chicago Area Council is now accepting applications for Camp Director or Management Team positions at Owasippe for the 2011 season. Applications are due to the Scout office by September 30th 2010.

The Chicago Area Council 2010 National Jamboree Contingent is offering for sale ALPS Mountaineering Taurus 4 Outfitter Tents. Tents are available now! Price reduced! There is a limited supply, so act fast! Click for more details on tent features and pricing.

With every new DirectTV subscription to the CHOICE package or higher, the BSA gets $75 and the subscriber saves $100! For more information, click the link above or call this exclusive BSA number for details 1-877-548-3550.

On March 31, 2010 in Houston, Texas Union Pacific Railroad unveiled the UP No. 2010 Boy Scouts of America Locomotive, created as a tribute to the organization's centennial celebration. The UP No. 2010 honors Scouting's 100-year impact on the nation and the many Scouting enthusiasts in Union Pacific's work force and communities. This is a working engine that is currently in service and parked at Ogilvie Station. The engine will keep the BSA 100 theme for 8-10 years before it is serviced and painted again. Because this is a working engine, tours and rides are not available. For more information, click the link above.

Complete all requirements for the Chemistry Merit Badge in a two session workshop this October. Must be between ages 10 to 18 and a registered Boy Scout. Click for more info.

Two new awards have been developed to promote "outdoorism" for Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts.

The attached document outlines activities that are not authorized or are restricted by the Boy Scouts of America.

Do your part to help end hunger in the Chicagoland area by participating in this year's Scouting for Food drive on December 11, 2010.  Please fill out a unit commitment form, to indicate your participation and submit $1 for each patch desired.  Collection sites will be open from 10am-1pm and will be announced as we get closer to the event.  Click to download the commitment form.

Youth safety is the No. 1 concern of the BSA. To increase awareness of this societal problem and to create even greater barriers to abuse than already exist today in Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America is implementing several important changes to further enhance its Youth Protection policies that are effective June 1, 2010: Youth Protection is required for all registered volunteers, new leaders are required to take Youth Protection Training before they submit their application for registration, Youth Protection Training must be taken every two years. Click to find out more.

Join us for Scout Day with the Chicago Fire on October 16, 2010. All Scouts in attendance will receive a participation patch. Special activities to include: exclusive tailgate area/activities for Boy Scouts pre-game, Scouts are welcomed to be Chicago Fire warm-up watchers - be on the field and see what the pros do to prepare to play, scoreboard recognition for all Packs and Troops attending, all units are welcome to visit the Scout booth at the Firefest pre-game festivities. Click for more information!