April Roundtable: Service Takes Center Stage! This April, our roundtable tackled a new topic, but one of the most important parts of Scouting: service! We brought fresh ideas to the table and talked about real, exciting ways to get youth involved beyond meetings and requirements. Service is how Scouting puts values into action—helping others, strengthening our community, and building character. And here’s the best part: service doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones right in front of us—planned well, done with care, and delivered with Scout spirit. The Service Ideas We Brainstormed: Humane societies & animal-related projects Blankets and toys, shelter supply prep, and pet-ready organization (labeled storage, restocking). A lot of these can even work as off-site projects! Forest preserve help & conservation hour projects Trails, cleanups, and supporting local green spaces—awesome outdoor time while helping Scouts build real skills. Rainbow Scout Reservation service Camp isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a community you help build. Service at camp makes the whole Scouting experience stronger- and there is ALWAYS something to do! Partnering with your chartered organization Want a shortcut to great service opportunities? Ask your chartered org! And we emphasized: ask multiple contacts (facility staff, teachers/program leaders, and the lead community contact). Helping food pantries Sorting, packing, food drives, supporting distribution days—small actions that add up fast (and build trust in your community). Community events (cleanups & local days) We talked about how fun it is to jump into local efforts—like your village’s cleanup day—helping neighbors and keeping shared spaces looking their best. Nursing homes & assisted living facilities (year-round) This is service that matters all year long. Depending on the facility, projects might include activities, crafts/comfort items, or writing notes/letters. Bottom Line No matter what project your unit chooses, the heart of Scouting service is the same: show up, help out, do it with respect, and make your community stronger—one action at a time. Catch our next roundtable! For Scouts BSA: Scoutmaster Cookoff at Spring Camporee — May 2 For Cub Scouts: Zoom on May 14 — Summer fun ideas! We hope you can join us—bring your questions, grab new ideas, and be part of the conversation- and the community! Do you have an idea for the next Rainbow Council News? Send us a message

Just prior to February 8, 2025, it's 115th birthday, a bi-partisan bill was entered into Congress to designate February 8th as Scouting America Day! The Boy Scouts of America was chartered by Congress in 1916 and changed it's name to Scouting America on February 8, 2025 in support of it's programs which serve all youth, boys and girls. Youth who engage in Scouting America programs including Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing and Exploring are learning character development, citizenship, leadership and personal fitness. Looking for an upcoming event? Check out these opportunities. Rainbow Council Ten Commandments Hike : March 29th Scouts Day with Chicago Cubs: April 6 Rainbow Council Easter Egg Hunt: April 12 Scouts BSA Spring Camporee: May 2-4 Scouts BSA and Venturing Swim Check: May 10th Fish On Rainbow Council Derby : May 10th Do you have an idea for the next Rainbow Council News? Send us a message