Spotlight on a Cause:
Boy Scouts Prairielands Council
The Boy Scouts of America Prairielands Council, which is based out of Champaign, provides character development and leadership training to 4,000 youth in Illinois and Indiana. Their core mission is to give youth the opportunity to have responsible fun and adventure, to instill lifelong values modeled by the Scout Oath and Law, and to teach youth citizenship, service, and leadership.
Volunteers for the Prairielands Council act as leaders to youth and help instill values. Volunteer Den Leaders receive extensive and ongoing training on how to safely and effectively lead their groups, create meeting plans, schedule outings and events, and help their youth achieve milestones in their scouting careers. They also meet frequently at area roundtables with other Den Leaders to discuss event planning, fundraisers, and other important issues involving their Scouting units. Scouting groups are awarded each year on their excellence in several areas pertaining to the Scouting core values. Volunteer Scout Leaders have a passion for working with youth, have dynamic personalities, are good citizens, and can set a good example to youth.
To learn more about Scouting, and to find resources and information on how to become a Scout Leader, go here.
Volunteers Needed
Food for Seniors
Help maintain the good health and nutrition of seniors in our area by volunteering for Food for Seniors. Food for Seniors meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday morning to help put together bags of groceries and deliver them to seniors in need. There is a current need for folks to help in all areas, especially with driving grocery sacks to seniors’ homes. Drivers must have their own vehicle with a valid license and insurance. For more information, email Robbie or call (217) 359-6500.
Krannert Art Museum
Krannert Art Museum is seeking new volunteer docents for Fall 2012. Docents lead tours of the museum’s collections to student and adult groups. Volunteers receive necessary training on art history, and are required to have good speaking skills when interacting with groups. Knowledge of Spanish and/or French is a plus, and availability during weekdays is also necessary. To apply, go here and read more about requirements and where to send application letters.
Freedom Fest Volunteers Needed
Champaign County Forest Preserve needs volunteers to assist with parking gates at the annual Freedom Fest celebration at Lake of the Woods on July 4. Volunteers are mainly needed from 6:00–9:15 p.m., but there are a few earlier shifts, as well. Volunteers will spend the majority of the time on their feet, interacting with the public, and handling cash transactions. Food will be provided to all volunteers. Those interested should email Kelsey Hieke or call (217) 586-3360.
Upcoming Events
2012 National Conference on Volunteering and Service
This year’s National Conference on Volunteering and Service will be held in Chicago on June 18–20 at McCormick Place. Keynotes will include former First Lady Barbara Bush and actor Kevin Bacon. Participants will have an opportunity to network and hear about information on volunteerism and social service programs in our nation. Learn more info and register here.
Benefit for Daily Bread Soup Kitchen
Come hear Candy Foster and the Shades of Blue on June 15 from 6:00–10:30 p.m. at Alto Vineyards. A cover price of $25 will include food and live entertainment. All proceeds are going to benefit Daily Bread. Call (217) 356-4784 or email for more details.
Disclaimer: I gather this information based on local community calendars and from colleagues at local service organizations. Some of the wording is based directly on what I receive and research. Please feel free to email me if you have any comments, questions, or have anything you would like to see posted. Thank you. (MER)