Upcoming Events
Cub Fun Day
Join Us for Cub Scout Family Fun Day at Camp Drake!
Get ready for an afternoon of Cub Scout adventure at the Prairielands Council Cub Scout Family Fun Day on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 1:00–4:00 PM at Camp Robert Drake (9994 Camp Drake Rd, Fairmount, IL).
For just $10 per youth participant, Cub Scouts, siblings, and friends can enjoy pedal car racing, BB guns, archery, slingshots, trail hiking, frisbee games, and more! Adults attend free, and families can move at their own pace from station to station.
📞 Questions? Contact the Prairielands Council Office at 217-356-7291 or connect with:
📧 Mike Graham – Michael.Graham@scouting.org
📧 Lovetta Ash-Simpson – lovetta.ash-simpson@scouting.org
Official flyer here.
Fall Camporee
First Aid Meet
The First Aid Meet is a fun and challenging event where Scout patrols put their skills to the test in simulated real-life emergency situations. Working as a team, Scouts will tackle practical first aid scenarios—demonstrating knowledge, teamwork, and hands-on problem-solving.
In addition to the competition, professional emergency personnel will provide live first aid demonstrations, giving Scouts a chance to see real-world techniques in action.
What to Bring
Each patrol should be prepared with:
Poles and blankets (or similar materials) for an improvised stretcher
Troop/patrol-sized first aid kit (including splints, bandages, and sunscreen)
Rescue breathing apparatus/mannequin
Sleeping bag
Bottles of water for patrol members
Patrol flag
Medical Forms
All participants must bring a completed copy of the BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A & B).
Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Gold Session
Escape into adventure at the 2025 Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Robert Drake! For two exciting sessions, your Cub pack will experience fun-filled activities along the Salt Fork River. Cool off in the pool with a cannonball into the deep end, cruise Poncho Pond for a chance to spot wildlife, and swim under the stars during a moonlit poolside party.
In addition to aquatic fun, Cub Scouts can enjoy plenty of advancement opportunities, including earning Archery and BB gun awards, learning new camping skills, and building handicrafts. Explore hiking trails, fish in the pond, and stargaze on the prairie. Each evening, gather around the campfire for skits, songs, stunts, and stories. Don’t miss out on the adventure—join us this summer at Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Drake!
Cub Scout Adventure Camp - Blue Session
Escape into adventure at the 2025 Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Robert Drake! For two exciting sessions, your Cub pack will experience fun-filled activities along the Salt Fork River. Cool off in the pool with a cannonball into the deep end, cruise Poncho Pond for a chance to spot wildlife, and swim under the stars during a moonlit poolside party.
In addition to aquatic fun, Cub Scouts can enjoy plenty of advancement opportunities, including earning Archery and BB gun awards, learning new camping skills, and building handicrafts. Explore hiking trails, fish in the pond, and stargaze on the prairie. Each evening, gather around the campfire for skits, songs, stunts, and stories. Don’t miss out on the adventure—join us this summer at Cub Scout Adventure Camp at Camp Drake!
May Tool Time
Join us for our May Tool Time Work Day and help make a difference at camp! The workday starts at 9:00 AM at the Tin Shed maintenance area near the Ranger’s House, where job assignments will be handed out. Bring your enthusiasm—and your tools, if possible—to ensure everyone has the supplies they need. Equipment for wood chopping and brush clearing is especially helpful.
A delicious lunch will be provided at 12:15 PM as a thank-you for your hard work.
To help with meal preparation, please RSVP by the Thursday before the event to Susan Coller at 217-531-0219 or susan.coller@scouting.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Chainsaw Safety Training
Attention to all prospective wood-cutting volunteers at Camp Robert Drake:
According to the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, individuals engaged in felling trees exceeding 3 inches in diameter must meet specific criteria. This includes approval from the camp ranger, being at least 18 years old, and receiving appropriate training.
Certified forester Gene Mochel will conduct a Chainsaw Safety Training course on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Camp Robert Drake, starting promptly at 9:00 am. Participants are encouraged to bring their own chainsaw equipment and safety gear. For those without equipment, essential tools and gear will be provided by Woodcutter Gene.
Please note, the primary aim of this course is to prepare future wood-cutting volunteers at Camp Drake. Participants are required to bring a current health history and should expect physical activities such as wood-cutting, log hauling, and limb removal.
Due to space limitations, this course can accommodate up to 8 students only. To secure your place in the CHAINSAW SAFETY TRAINING COURSE, please submit the requested information to the Scout Service Center no later than Monday, April 21, 2025. The training will commence at the Scoutcraft Shelter at 9:00 am.
April Tool Time
Join us for our April Tool Time Work Day and help make a difference at camp! The workday starts at 9:00 AM at the Tin Shed maintenance area near the Ranger’s House, where job assignments will be handed out. Bring your enthusiasm—and your tools, if possible—to ensure everyone has the supplies they need. Equipment for wood chopping and brush clearing is especially helpful.
A delicious lunch will be provided at 12:15 PM as a thank-you for your hard work.
To help with meal preparation, please RSVP by the Thursday before the event to Susan Coller at 217-531-0219 or susan.coller@scouting.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Spring IOLS & BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
It is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.
For more information, visit the official council page here!
March Tool Time
Join us for our March Tool Time Work Day and help make a difference at camp! The workday starts at 9:00 AM at the Tin Shed maintenance area near the Ranger’s House, where job assignments will be handed out. Bring your enthusiasm—and your tools, if possible—to ensure everyone has the supplies they need. Equipment for wood chopping and brush clearing is especially helpful.
A delicious lunch will be provided at 12:15 PM as a thank-you for your hard work.
To help with meal preparation, please RSVP by the Thursday before the event to Susan Coller at 217-531-0219 or susan.coller@scouting.org. We look forward to seeing you there!
Klondike Derby 2025
A test of your fire & ice scouts skills will take place at Camp Drake on January 25, 2025. The next big winter event of the Prairielands Council!
Scouts, Venturers, and Arrow of Light Scouts are invited to experience the excitement and challenges of the Fire and Ice Klondike Derby! Test your skills in cold-weather emergencies, knot tying, obstacle courses, campfire building, and outdoor knowledge, all while having a blast. Don’t miss the grand finale—our legendary Big Sled Race!
The cost of the event is:
Youth = $15.00 each
A late fee of $20 will be charged for youth paying after January 22, 2025.
Adult = $5 each
Register now!
Click here for the schedule.
Click here for the gear list.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike Graham at 217.531.0212 or Michael.Graham@scouting.org. Please let Mike know whether your Troop will be camping at all during the weekend.
Camp Staff Holiday Party
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The location of the holiday party has been changed to the Scout Office due to the recent weather.
Join us for a festive gathering to celebrate the holiday season with past and present staff members, as well as youth interested in becoming part of our team!
Event Details:
Eligibility: All past staff members and Scouts/Venturers aged 14+ by June 1, 2025, are welcome.
Gift Exchange: Please bring a “SCOUT APPROPRIATE” white elephant gift for the exchange game.
Event Schedule:
Staff Interviews @ Scout Office: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Interested youth can reserve a 15-minute interview slot for a summer camp staff position. To schedule, contact Susan Coller at (217) 531-0219. One spot left!
Holiday Party @ Scout Office: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Snacks & Treats 🍿
White Elephant Gift Exchange 🎁
Connect with past and future staff members 🤝
Please RSVP your attendance to Santa’s helper, Susan Coller, at susan.coller@scouting.org.
We look forward to celebrating the season with you and welcoming new faces to our camp staff family!
Camp Launch 2025
Attend the upcoming Camp Launch for exclusive information on the 2025 Summer Camp season:
Program and administrative information
New promotion plans for Illini Lodge 55 troop visit committee
A plethora of info flyers to provide detailed reminders about scouting opportunities in 2025
Order of the Arrow updates for 2025
and more!!
The Scouts BSA session will start at 9:00 am.
The Cub Scout session is at 10:30 am.
The Launch will also be online on Facebook Live.
Agenda can be viewed here.
Last minute news includes parking and entry into the hospital. See map below:
Please Park in Lot 2 on the south side of the building
Use the Emergency Department Entrance at ED on the north side
The Meeting will be in Auditorium A, B, C
Fall IOLS & BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
It is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.
For more information, visit the official council page here!
Fall Camporee
Attention all Troops, Crews, and Webelos/Arrow of Light Scouts! You're invited to join us for the Fall Camporee at Camp Robert Drake. Whether you want to camp both nights or just attend on Saturday for badge activities, this event has something for everyone!
What: Prairielands Council Fall Camporee 2024
When: October 11-13, 2024
Where: Camp Robert Drake
Theme: Handy Scout
Cub Scout Family Fun Day
Experience the excitement of Cub Scout Camp this fall! Test your aim, conquer the obstacle course, and speed across the field in a thrilling day of activities designed for fun and fitness. Cub Scout Family Fun Day offers a variety of engaging events for both youth and adults to enjoy.
Activities Include:
Pedal Cars
BB Guns
Outdoor Games
Fitness Fun
Obstacle Course
Frisbee Toss
Slingshots
Archery
Sports Challenge
Cost: $10.00 per youth participant. Siblings and friends of Scouts are welcome to join the fun at no additional cost. Adults attend for free. Families can enjoy activities at their own pace throughout the afternoon.
To pre-register, contact the Scout Service Center at (217) 356-7291, ext. 6447, or register on-site at Camp Drake near Oakwood.
Spring IOLS & BALOO
Basic Adult Leader Outdoor Orientation (BALOO)
It is the Cub Scout leader training required for any Cub Scout den or pack outdoor event, including pack camping overnighters and Webelos den overnighters.
Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS)
This hands-on program gives adult leaders a practical introduction to the patrol method of a Scout-led troop by teaching many of the practical outdoor skills they need to lead Scouts in the out-of-doors.
For more information, visit the official council page here!