Scouting America, Blackhawk Area Council

09/24/2026

A BIG Thank You, Schnucks-Cherry Valley Schnucks-East State Schnucks-Loves Park Schnucks-11th Street Schnucks-Rockford Plaza for supporting local Scouting by providing locations for our Scouts to sell popcorn!

Every bag of popcorn sold helps fund unforgettable Scout adventures, including camping trips, outdoor experiences, leadership development opportunities, community service projects, and so much more. Your partnership gives our Scouts the chance to learn valuable skills in communication, goal setting, responsibility, and teamwork while earning their way toward new adventures.

We are grateful for community partners like Schnucks who help make Scouting possible and invest in the next generation of leaders.

Please stop by and support our Scouts when you see them selling popcorn this season. Together, we're helping young people build confidence, character, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you, Schnucks, for helping our Scouts grow and thrive!

🍿🏕️👏

09/22/2026

Scouting doesn't just benefit the youth who participate... Scouting strengthens the communities where they live. Through leadership development, character building, community service, and civic engagement, Scouting helps develop responsible citizens, future leaders and build stronger communities.

This Eagle Scout project is a perfect example of that impact in action. Eagle Scout candidates dedicate countless hours to planning, leading, and completing projects that leave a lasting benefit for their communities. Their efforts not only improve local organizations and public spaces but also demonstrate the values of leadership, service, and commitment that Scouting instills.

Congratulations to this outstanding Scout for making a difference and helping build a stronger community for everyone.

Read more about the project here: https://roscoenews.com/nate-blakemans-eagle-scout-benches-find-a-home-in-south-beloit-and-a-community-celebrates-his-craftsmanship-character-and-family-support/

The kind of project that reminds a community what service looks like came to life this earlier this month, thanks to South Beloit’s own Nate Blakeman, who completed a standout Eagle Scout project that is already making an impact. Nate built and donated a set of sturdy, beautifully crafted

09/17/2026

Adventure Awaits in Scouting!
Imagine hiking scenic trails, camping under the stars, learning new skills, making lifelong friends, and experiencing once-in-a-lifetime events. That's what Scouting is all about!

Our Scouts recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2026 National Jamboree, where they challenged themselves, explored new adventures, and created memories they will never forget. These amazing experiences are just a glimpse of what Scouting can offer.

Want to see what our Scouts experienced? Check out our latest Courier Newsletter article on their National Jamboree adventure!
https://blackhawkscouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blackhawk-Courier-Sept-Oct-2026-Revised.pdf

If you're looking for excitement, leadership opportunities, outdoor adventures, and friendships that last a lifetime, now is the perfect time to join Scouting. Your next great adventure starts here! https://beascout.scouting.org/

09/16/2026

Another incredible day at Camp Lowden for our Sporting Clays for Scouting event!
Enjoy this recap of our Saturday AM & PM flights filled with fun, friendly competition, and excitement from start to finish.

Participants had plenty of chances to win with multiple raffles, including a fi***rm raffle, 50/50 drawing, and amazing raffle prizes generously donated by community supporters. Congratulations to our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams for their outstanding performances!
Concrete Systems...1st Place
Ringland-Johnson Construction Team 1...2nd Place
Dan Hawkins - Country Financial ...3rd Place

Most importantly, every shot fired and every raffle ticket purchased helped support the youth served by the Scouting program in the Blackhawk Area Council.

A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors:
IBEW Local Union 364 - Rockford
Rockford Pool & Spa
E. D. Etnyre & Co - Official Site
Cord Construction Co.
Absolute Fire Protection
Area Mechanical - Rockford IL
Northern Illinois Building Contractors Association
Olson Aluminum Castings
Ringland-Johnson Construction
Hugh Funderburg (2 Low 8)
Jason Stauffer

And thank you to our volunteers, donors, and participants whose support made this event such a tremendous success. We couldn't do it without you!

09/16/2026

Sporting Clays for Scouting 2026 Friday Flight Recap
What an incredible Friday afternoon at our annual Sporting Clays for Scouting event! Every clay shattered and every dollar raised helps provide life-changing opportunities for local youth through Scouting. From outdoor adventures and leadership development to community service and character-building experiences, your support ensures that more young people can benefit from everything Scouting has to offer.

Thank You to our outstanding Title and Event Sponsors
Anderson Automotive Group, Nelson Carlson Mechanical, Miller Engineering Company, Ringland-Johnson Construction, Cord Construction Co. ,
Olson Aluminum Castings, IBEW Local Union 364 - Rockford - The Power Connection, Liebovich Steel & Aluminum Company - Rockford, IL , Northern Illinois Service, Rock Valley Industries , Aetna Building Solutions, UMB Bank , and Hugh Funderburg (2 Low 8),

We would like to also thank the teams and shooters who participated, our hardworking volunteers and event committee, and everyone who helped make this event a tremendous success!
Please enjoy this video recap highlighting the excitement, camaraderie, and impact of the day. Together, we are helping shape the next generation of leaders.

09/09/2026

Every Scouting adventure is a learning opportunity...to create your
own path!
That first hike isn't just a walk in the woods... it's learning perseverance, teamwork, and an appreciation for nature.

That campfire isn't just about roasting marshmallows... it's learning outdoor skills, responsibility, and creating memories with friends and family.

Building a Pinewood Derby car teaches problem-solving and creativity. Service projects teach compassion and leadership. Camping trips build confidence and independence.

In Scouting, learning happens through adventures, challenges, and experiences that help prepare youth for life.
What Scouting activity taught you the most? Share your favorite memory and the lesson you learned in the comments!
https://beascout.scouting.org/

09/08/2026

Want to Meet a Special Scout?
"Dylan came home from school one afternoon with a flyer advertising Cub Scouts in their ‘blast off in Scouting’ recruitment effort. We attended and got to shoot a model rocket off. That day was the ‘blast off’ day for Dylan’s Scouting career. He has been full steam ahead since that day. Signing him up for Scouts was the best decision I made!"
Check out the article in our September/October Courier issue
https://blackhawkscouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blackhawk-Courier-Sept-Oct-2026-Revised.pdf

09/03/2026

Olympian Helps Raise Funds
Rockford BMX was buzzing with excitement on July 24 as local riders and Scouts joined two-time Olympian Nick Long for a special BMX clinic and charity pump race.

Winners in the 12-and-under and 13-and-over divisions received half of the registration fees, while the remaining proceeds, along with a donation from Nick Long, benefited Scouting America Blackhawk Area Council.

We extend our sincere thanks to Rockford BMX, Nick Long, and announcer Garret Rapp for their generous support and encouragement of Scouting.