Category: Uncategorized

Building Strong Leaders for Strong Units Launching a new leadership initiative is about more than offering training. It is about creating confident, informed adults who can help young people thrive. The Great Rivers Council is excited to introduce the Trailhead Leadership & Training Program, a new leadership development experience designed specifically for Scouting parents and […]

This fall, the Great Rivers Council is bringing Scouts an exciting lineup of outdoor adventures, leadership opportunities, skill development, conservation projects, and unforgettable experiences through the 2026 Fall Camporee Series. Whether you’re a female Scout interested in conservation, a patrol looking to test your skills against other units, or a Scout ready to embark on […]

Scouts Took Advancement into Their Own Hands The inaugural Great Rivers Scouting Merit Badge Marathon at the Scouting Adventure Center proved that when Scouts are given flexibility, choice, and engaging learning opportunities, they show up in a big way. Built around the theme “A Merit Badge Marathon – Run It Your Way,” this innovative six-day […]

BY Alicia Belmore July 1, 2026 This story was originally published in the July 2026 issue of COMO Magazine. By now, the scene at the Scouting Adventure Center just west of Columbia is familiar. One teen has raved for months about the center’s climbing wall, building the anticipation for her eager friends, who are about […]

This summer at the Scouting Adventure Center, kids didn’t just attend camp—they became engineers, scientists, programmers, and innovators. The Innovators Adventure STEM Camp brought learning to life through an action-packed schedule filled with hands-on projects, team challenges, and unforgettable experiences. From the first “hello” at arrival to the final applause at the closing ceremony, campers ages […]

The Invention Scouts program was initiated in 2014 to establish a culture of innovation, curiosity, and discovery among young Scouts with a passion for moving novel ideas into tangible products or designs. Under the leadership of Jeanne Sinquefield, Invention Scouts grew into the Sinquefield Innovation Campus at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation. To ensure […]

When families think about the “perfect” vacation, they often picture a balance of fun, relaxation, meaningful experiences, and quality time together. What if all of that could happen in one place—without the stress of constant planning? That’s exactly what Cub Scout Summer Camp at the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation delivers. Here’s why this […]

First-aid training is essential for scout leaders responsible for guiding youth through outdoor activities, often far from immediate medical help. Unlike standard first-aid situations, scouting emergencies can occur in remote environments where leaders must assess injuries, provide extended care, and make critical safety decisions on their own. Specialized first-aid training prepares scout leaders to handle […]

              Dear Scouting Leaders, On behalf of the Great Rivers Council, I want to introduce you to the Unit Excellence Program. The Unit Excellence Program was developed with one purpose in mind: to clearly define what a strong, sustainable, and growing unit looks like and to support every unit […]

The Spring Breakout 2026 Merit Badge Academy, held March 20–22 at the historic Missouri Military Academy, proved to be one of the most successful youth programs of the year—selling out across numerous sessions and bringing Scouts together from across the region for a weekend of learning, growth, and adventure. This annual event, hosted by the […]