W. D. Boyce Council Celebrates 115 Years of Scouting and a New Name, Scouting America

The W. D. Boyce Council celebrated 115 incredible years of the Boy Scouts of America, and its new identity as Scouting America, at a special ribbon cutting ceremony and open house with the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce on Feb. 7, 2025.

Following the unveiling of new signage at the Scout Service Center, 614 NE Madison Ave., Peoria., attendees enjoyed birthday cake and refreshments. The celebration continued the following evening at Scouting America Night with the Peoria Rivermen.

The new identity, Scouting America, reflects the organization’s continuing efforts to welcome everyone to experience the benefits of Scouting. It reaffirms the nationwide Scouting organization’s commitment to helping all eligible youth grow and become the best version of themselves.

“Changing our name to Scouting America is our way of inviting all families to be part of a program that is life changing and that makes an incredible difference,” said Ben Blumenberg, W. D. Boyce Council Scout Executive.

The W. D. Boyce Council delivers life-changing programs of leadership, citizenship and personal fitness for boys and girls from kindergarten through age 20. Through Scouting, more than 3,500 young people in 14 central Illinois counties experience fun, challenging and enriching programs in the outdoors.

For more than a century, Scouting America’s mission has remained the same: to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Whether it’s a camping trip, a Pinewood Derby car race, or a trail hike, every adventure encourages personal growth by teaching young people how to set goals and achieve them with determination. Scouting America provides young people with the values, skills and experiences they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Learn more about Scouting in Central Illinois at wdboyce.org and join at BeAScout.org.