If you ask any Scout what they look forward to most all year, chances are the answer is the same: summer camp. And when that camp is at the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation (LOTOSR), you’re talking about an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. It’s not just a week in the woods—it’s adventure, innovation, friendship, and personal growth rolled into one unforgettable journey.
A Camp Built to Change Lives
At its core, LOTOSR exists for one purpose: to give Scouts the best possible opportunity to have fun, learn skills, and grow through the Scouting program. The camp’s mission emphasizes not just activities, but impact—“Our goal is to CHANGE LIVES!”
That’s not just a slogan. It’s reflected in everything—from the passionate staff to the diverse program offerings—creating an environment where Scouts leave more confident, capable, and inspired than when they arrived.
Endless Adventure, All Week Long
Summer camp at LOTOSR is packed with action from sunrise to campfire. There’s truly something for every Scout:
🌊 Waterfront & Aquatics Like No Other
With 1.5 miles of shoreline on the Lake of the Ozarks, Scouts get unmatched access to aquatic adventures.
- Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and sailing
- Watersports like water skiing and motorboating
- Jet skiing and paddleboarding
- Mile swim, free swim, and instructional swimming
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned water enthusiast, the waterfront delivers excitement all week long.
🧗 Big Adventure & Personal Growth
Looking for a challenge? LOTOSR delivers in a big way:
- Climbing tower and zipline
- COPE high and low ropes courses
- Team-building and problem-solving challenges
These programs push Scouts outside their comfort zones while building confidence, resilience, and teamwork skills.
🎯 Range & Target Sports
Few things compare to the thrill of hitting your target. Scouts can safely learn and improve in:
- Archery
- Rifle shooting
- Shotgun shooting
- Pistol (for older Scouts)
All guided by trained instructors who emphasize safety, discipline, and focus.
Over 80 Merit Badges—And Then Some
LOTOSR offers more than 80 merit badges, making it one of the most robust advancement opportunities anywhere.
Scouts can earn badges in:
- Outdoor skills like Camping, Wilderness Survival, and Fishing
- Eagle-required badges like First Aid and Environmental Science
- Hands-on trades like Welding, Electricity, and Plumbing
- Unique topics like Moviemaking, Entrepreneurship, and Railroading
And the best part? Camp encourages balance—Scouts are reminded that summer camp is not just about advancement, but also about having fun and exploring new interests.
Where Innovation Meets Scouting
What truly sets LOTOSR apart is its Sinquefield Invention Campus—a cutting-edge hub of creativity and hands-on learning.
Here, Scouts can:
- Use 3D printers, laser engravers, and CNC routers
- Design and build real projects
- Explore technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship
LOTOSR is proudly described as the only Scout camp in the country where youth can take an idea, design it, and bring it to life.
That’s not just cool—it’s future-ready learning disguised as fun.
Skills for Life (and Career!)
Beyond merit badges, the Skills & Trades Lab introduces Scouts to real-world trades:
- Automotive and marine mechanics
- Welding and metalworking
- Electrical and plumbing work
These programs don’t just teach skills—they open doors to potential careers while reinforcing the value of hard work and craftsmanship.
More Than Classes—It’s the Full Experience
What makes summer camp truly awesome isn’t just the scheduled activities—it’s everything in between:
- Campfire programs and traditions
- Troop competitions and games
- Dutch oven cookoffs and pizza-making
- Fishing at sunrise and stargazing at night
- Friendships that last a lifetime
Scouts also enjoy daily free swim and boating opportunities, expanded activities, and unique experiences like ziplining and troop outings.
Something for Every Scout
Whether it’s your first year at camp or your fifth, LOTOSR has a place for you:
- First-year Scouts build foundational skills in the Brownsea program
- Experienced Scouts tackle advanced activities like SCUBA, COPE, or leadership roles
- Older Scouts can even participate in invention startup programs or become camp staff
Every Scout’s journey is different—and LOTOSR is built to support them all.
A Camp Experience You’ll Never Forget
Year after year, Scouts travel from across the country to be part of the LOTOSR experience. They come for the adventure—but they stay for the memories, friendships, and growth that last a lifetime.
From the laughter in campsites to the pride of earning new skills, from the thrill of trying something new to the quiet moments under the stars—summer camp at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation is simply awesome.
Ready for the Best Week of the Year?
Summer 2026 sessions run from June 7 through July 11, offering multiple opportunities to join the adventure.
If you’re looking for a camp that blends tradition, innovation, and unforgettable fun, there’s only one place to be:
👉 Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation
Because at LOTOSR, summer camp isn’t just something you do—it’s something that sticks with you for life.
