Adventure means many things to each of us. Maybe it is traveling to a new place or trying a new skill. Perhaps it is setting our imaginations free to share a story – or listening to sounds we’ve never heard before. Adventure may mean climbing to new heights, or settling down to a creative dish you just made up. However, you define it, just knowing a new adventure awaits you is thrilling to all of us.
Upcoming Events at The Scouting Adventure Center
The Sinquefield Innovation Space is proud to present the Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge Series at the Scouting Adventure Center in 2026.
Scouts need to accumulate at least 21 merit badges before earning the Eagle Scout rank. Of those 21 badges, 14 must come from this list of Eagle-required merit badges and the rest can be any badges not used for these 14.
Starting in January, the Innovation Space will host an Eagle Required Merit Badge Event.
Dates for each Merit Badge are listed below. The Merit Badge offered will vary month-to-month. Please Check-out the Registration Page below for details on upcoming Merit Badges being offered.
Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge Series Dates for 2026:
- Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Friday, March 6, 2026
- Saturday, April 4, 2026
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- Saturday, June 6, 2026
- Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
Open Climb - Open to the Public!
The Great Rivers Council is pleased to host an open climb on the 26’ tall and 40’ wide indoor Veteran’s United Foundation Climbing Wall. With multiple lanes of varying difficulty, we cater to every level from beginner to the avid climber. This is an open climb for all age and skill ranges. Climbing instructors will on site to assist and direct.
Dates of Open Climb:
- January 3, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- March 7, 2026
- April 4, 202
- May 2, 20256
- June 6, 202
- August 1, 2026
- September 5, 2026
- October 3, 2026
- November 7, 2026
- December 5, 2026
We are offer two sessions each day of Open Climb:
- Session 1: 10:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Session 2: 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
The Cost for each session is $15, which includes all the equipment needed to climb (such as harnesses and helmets). Climbing shoes are also included. However, in the event that your shoe size is not available due to usage, we highly recommend you bring a pair of soft-soled tennis shoes)
*Please remember to bring socks.
Unbelievable Science Adventures
Are you ready to experience the wonder of science in a fun and interactive way?
Our Unbelievable Science Adventures Series offer a unique opportunity for kids to learn about science through hands-on experiments. With activities that are age-appropriate and designed to be interesting and engaging, kids will have the chance to explore their creativity and learning skills in a fun atmosphere. Sign up now to join our upcoming session and get ready to discover the amazing world of science!
Dates vary and will be posted as they are scheduled:
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Geology – Rocks, Fossils & Lava!
(brought to you by the University of Missouri’s Geological Sciences Department as part of the Science on Wheels program)
- February 7, 2026
- 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
- Ages 6-11
- Cost: $6
- Get the Details & Register Here
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Public Health
(brought to you by the University of Missouri’s Science on Wheels program)
- April 4, 2026
- Ages: 6-11
- Time: 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
- Cost:$6
- Get the Details & Register Here
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Circuits
- May 2, 2026
- 9:00 AM to Noon
- Ages 8-12
- Cost: $6
- Get the Details & Register Here
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Bioluminescent Lab
- June 6, 2026
- 9:00 AM to Noon
- Ages 7-11
- Cost: $20 (includes your very own Bioluminescent Laboratory Kit to take home with you at the end of the day)
- Get the Details & Register Here
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Sweet Science, The Fudge Transformation Lab
- September 5, 2026
- 9:30 AM to Noon
- Ages 6-11
- Cost: $7
- Get the Details & Register Here
Unbelievable Science Adventures – Forensics Crime Lab
- November 7, 2026
- 9:00 AM to Noon
- Ages 8-11
- Cost: $17 (includes a personal Forensics Kit to take home with you at the end of the day)
- Get the Details & Register Here
Day Camps at the Scouting Adventure Center
Innovators Adventure STEM Camp
June 29 – July 3, 2026
Open to Anyone! All Scouts, Friends of Scouts, and Potential Scouts are invited!
Get Ready for the Innovators Adventure Camp!
Summer Fun Awaits!
We believe that every child has the potential to be an innovator, creator, designer, and maker of a better future. At the Scouting Adventure Center’s Innovators Adventure Camp, we’re ready to unleash that potential through an unforgettable summer filled with play, exploration, and discovery!
What We Offer:
Our camp is designed to challenge your child in a fun and supportive environment where they can learn by doing. Each day is packed with hands-on activities that cover exciting topics like Engineering, Electronics, Science, Technology, and Health & Safety. Our dynamic curriculum ensures that your child will encounter new challenges each day, keeping their curiosity and enthusiasm alive!
Spark Creativity & Build Confidence:
Under the guidance of our experienced staff, campers will embark on a journey of self-discovery and creativity. Children will engage in team-building games, problem-solving activities, and innovative projects that foster collaboration and communication. By the end of the camp, your child will not only have gained knowledge but will also have developed self-confidence and valuable teamwork skills.
Who Can Join?
This camp is open to everyone aged 6 to 11; you don’t have to be a scout to attend! We welcome all young adventurers eager to explore the world of innovation and creativity.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Summer!
Sign up today for a summer full of adventure, learning, and fun at the Innovators Adventure Camp. Let’s spark the imagination of the next generation of creators and innovators—because we all learn best through play!
Event Details:
Tech Adventures Day Camps
July 12 – 16, 2027
Open to Anyone! All Scouts, Friends of Scouts, and Potential Scouts are invited!
Unlock creativity, problem-solving, and technology skills through our exciting Tech Adventures Day Camps. These hands-on camps are designed to meet participants at their individual skill level while introducing them to coding, programming, and game design in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment. Professional instructors guide campers through age-appropriate projects that build confidence, encourage collaboration, and inspire innovation.
Why Choose Tech Adventures?
- Hands-on, project-based learning
- Age-appropriate curriculum
- Professional and experienced instructors
- Online safety and digital citizenship integrated throughout
- Creative problem-solving opportunities
- Individualized pacing and support
- Collaboration and teamwork development
- Fun, engaging experiences that inspire future technology leaders
Tech Adventures – Coding for Kids (Ages 6-7)
This adventure is a great introduction to coding for all ages. Participants will start out with online safety then dive into an introduction to coding. Building on to their skills with each session throughout the week.
Each participant moves at their own pace throughout the course with our professional staff guiding them along the way.
Tech Adventures – Programming (Ages 8-11)
*Let’s learn Programming! In this dynamic course, students will embark on an exciting journey through the Sprite Lab programming tool, laying the foundation for a robust understanding of coding concepts while emphasizing the importance of online safety. The curriculum begins with engaging, interactive projects that not only capture students’ imaginations but also build their confidence as they create their own digital experiences. As they progress, learners will delve into more complex coding concepts, such as nested loops, functions, and conditionals. These foundational skills will empower them to tackle challenging puzzles that require critical thinking and problem-solving, enhancing their computational thinking abilities.
Tech Adventures – Game Design (Ages 11-15)
Event Details:
Learn about the Scouting Adventure Center
Thanks to an impressive gift a new adventure awaits everyone in the Great Rivers Council. Larry and Brenda Potterfield donated a 13,000-square-foot building to the council in 2021 – and encouraged all of us to build a center for the future.
The Scouting Adventure Center provides much-needed office space, an improved Scout Store, training/board rooms, and storage. It is also for the profound – space for modular activities our youth can utilize throughout the year to master new skills, make connections and move toward the future.
Through the generous support of organizations like the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation, Veterans United Foundation, Columbia Visitor & Convention Bureau, and Simmons Bank, we are excited to offer a one of a kind experience for your youth.
The 9,000 square foot Scouting Adventure Center Program Area is divided between the Sinquefield Innovation Space and the Veterans United Foundation Climbing Wall.
The Sinquefield Innovation Space features 4 unique program areas, each with a different focus:
- Audio, Visual, and Design: this unique area focuses on photography, moviemaking, animation, and other design processes such as art, sculpture, model building, and more! Youth and adults will engage in traditional design activities but also get to you cutting edge equipment such as 3D printers and printing software, the latest graphic design software, and more!
- Engineering and Programming: this unique program area focuses on teaching youth and adults about the basics of engineering, electricity, electronics, computers, coding, and more! Activities in this area will range from teaching basic engineering principles to learning how to solder a circuit board, to building robots, and more!
- Health and Safety: what of the most important skills someone can learn is how to take care of themselves and others when they get injured or are in an emergency. This area focuses on those basic skills such as First Aid, CPR, AED, Wilderness First Aid, Fire Safety, Healthcare Professions, and more!
- Science and Nature: this area is focused on teaching and connecting youth and adults with the scientific principles that surround us. This is one of most broad areas. Youth and adults will learn about Chemistry, Nuclear Science, Bird Studies, Insect Studies, Reptile & Amphibian Studies, and more!
Veterans United Foundation Climbing Wall:
The Scouting Adventure Center is proud to be one of just two facilities in the Columbia area that will have access to a full-scale, indoor climbing wall. The wall is 26 ft high and approximately 53 ft wide. The highest point of the wall is Hillard’s Peak! The wall will feature both automatic and traditional style belays. There will be a variety of paths with increasing difficulty.
Space Rental
In addition to our program area, the Scouting Adventure Center is open for space rental. Whether it’s a graduation party, board meeting, bingo night, the Scouting Adventure Center can be an excellent venue!
Learn more here with our Facility Rental Guide for the Scouting Adventure Center.
To reserve space, please go to our reservation system here.
