Northeast Illinois Council provides campsites and program activities at our local camp property, Camp Crown. Take advantage of the Local Adventure programs. Your unit can rent equipment for canoeing, bouldering, geocaching, and cycling. See each activity below for more information.
Paddling
Take on the water with our paddling rentals! Rent up to 12 canoes that come fully equipped with personal flotation devices and paddles in a variety of sizes, and can be transported on our 2 canoe trailers. If your Scouts are interested in the Canoeing Merit Badge, please indicate this in the reservation so we can put you in touch with a Merit Badge Counselor.
Please review the Leaders' Guide below for more information.
Paddling Leader's Guide & Rental Information >
CLICK HERE to reserve canoes
Cycling Rentals
NEIC has 3 options for cycling rentals!
- Pump Track at Camp Crown
- Mountain Bike Rental for unit activities (Great at Silver Lake County Park!)
- Fat Tire Bike Rental for unit activities (Great for riding at Camp Crown or on the Des Plaines River Trail, even in the snow!)
The Pump Track is like a skate park for bicycles; it is a unique style of riding that will hone your cycling skills. Click to see a video of how it works).
CLICK HERE to reserve bikes
Fishing
The Northeast Illinois and South East Wisconsin area offers many excellent fishing locations for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Rent our canoes to create your own weekend fishing trek.
Get more information about fishing in Lake County, IL by clicking here, and you can check out the fully-illustrated Lake County Forest Preserve Fishing Guide by clicking here!
Interested in becoming a Certified Angling Instructor? Our Fishing Committee can help you! Contact our Fishing Chairman to learn more.
Shooting Sports
NEIC has a long and strong tradition of safe and responsible shooting sports instruction at Camp Ma-Ka-Ja-Wan and local council programs. If you are interested in shooting sports, please check our calendar for upcoming events. Per BSA regulations, we cannot rent out archery or air rifle equipment. FAQs about the BSA shooting sports program can be found here.
If you're interested in becoming trained as an instructor to assist at our shooting sports events, contact our Program Director.
Geocaching
Camp Sol R. Crown has a self-serve geocaching course that is perfect for unit outings. Participants follow clues to find and solve puzzles to complete the 12-station course. Our course at Camp Oakarro has been deactivated.
Our geocaching course can be completed using any smartphone or device. Follow the directions on our Camp Crown Geocache Worksheet to get started today!
Please direct questions to our program team.
Pioneering Kit
NEIC has a full set of pioneering equipment and materials that will enable your troop to practice lashings and build towers, monkey bridges, and other camp gadgets when you reserve it. This kit is only available at Camp Crown.
An adult leader in your unit must complete the pioneering kit training and orientation to be authorized to rent the Pioneering Kit. If you're interested in joining us, go to our calendar to find the next training date (usually in April).
If you have already trained, please email the camping and program assistant to make a reservation.
Or Visit Camp Sol R. Crown:
Weekend Camping at Camp Sol R. Crown
Located near Wilmot, Wisconsin, Camp Sol R. Crown has 146 acres of rolling hills featuring wooded and open areas, campsites, a fire bowl, the Jadel Training Center (great for large events and retreats), and the Miller Cabin that was built in 2018. It can sleep up to 28 and includes two private living spaces for your adult leaders as well as indoor bathrooms. It's a great way to introduce new Scouts to the outdoors. In 2024 we launched the John Landgraf Village which has 10 individual cabins that sleep 4 per cabin. This village has a pavillion, firebowl and is perfect for first time campers with their families.
To learn more about these facilities and to book a reservation, click the link below.