Scouting has been shaping the youth of America for more than a century. Discover everything Scouting has in store for you! Our mission is to provide character development, citizenship training, and growth in physical, mental and spiritual fitness, to help create the next generation of leaders. We invite you and your family to join scouting, find a unit near you, BeAScout.org.

The Great Rivers Council is home of the only Sinquefield Invention Campus at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation. Our Invention Campus provides access hi-tech equipment, computer lab, 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC routers, embroidery machines, Scan-n-Cut machines, welding, metalworking, skills and trades, and more.

Upcoming Events & News

Please join us on April 18th as we recognize our incredible volunteers at the Volunteer Recognition Reception.
https://scoutingevent.com/653-councilawards
📅 Date: April 18, 2026
🕠 Doors Open: 4:30 PM
🎖️ Awards Presentation: Begins at 5:30 PM
💰$25.00 per person
📍 Location: Scouting Adventure Center, Columbia

The Sinquefield Innovation Space is proud to present the  2026 Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge Series at the Scouting Adventure Center.

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
  • Saturday, March 7, 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

Learn More & Register Here!

Join us for a fun-filled summer camp experience in 2026!

Scouts BSA Summer Camp Sessions:

  • Session 1: June 7th-13th, 2026
  • Session 2: June 14th-20th, 2026
  • Session 3: June 21th-27th, 2026
  • Session 4: June 27th-July 3th, 2026 (PLEASE NOTE SATURDAY TO FRIDAY DATES)
  • Session 5: July 5th-11th, 2026
Registration is now open for Summer 2026 – https://scoutingevent.com/653-summer2026
 

Get your ECSI Certification in First Aid, CPR/ AED  – and be prepared for the moments that matter.

Learn how to respond to and prepare for emergencies.

We are offer regularly scheduled monthly ECSI certifications for only $35 per course*.

2025 Dates:

  • April 5, 2025
  • May 3, 2025
  • June 7, 2025
  • August 2, 2025
  • September 6, 2025
  • October 4, 2025 – Offsite
  • November 1, 2025
  • December 6, 2025

Click here to register for 2025 Dates.

Your service deserves our thanks — and now, veterans & active-duty military families get 50% off for NEW youth and adult Scouting membership registration fees! Visit greatriversscouting.org/armorup for more information.
 
Made possible by the generous support of Veterans United Foundation.
We’re excited to introduce the Unit Excellence Program. Focused on youth, growth, and better Scouting experiences for all.

The Scouting Programs

Scouting programs and outdoor adventures give young people the opportunity and freedom to explore a world beyond the boundaries of everyday life. It presents them with chances to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and develop leadership skills. These experiences not only help Scouts while they are young but also stay with them throughout their adult lives, growing into exceptional men and women who respect their family, community, religion, country, and themselves.

Cub Scout Logo

Cub Scouts

Youth grades K–5

Scouts BSA Logo

Scouts BSA

Youth ages 11-17

Venturing Logo

Venturing

Coed Ages 14-20

Sea Scouts Logo

Sea Scouts

Coed Ages 14-20

Exploring Logo

Exploring

Coed Ages 14-20

 

 

Find a Scouting Unit near you

LOTOSR Logo with Roboto Slab

Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation

Scouts

Who We Are

Scouts

What We Do

NYLT Change Lives

Get Involved

beprepared

Our Mission

The mission of the Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Scout Law

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

Scout Oath

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

THE VALUE OF SCOUTING

Discovery is at the heart of Scouting. Whether it’s a campout, derby car race, or hike on the trail, we believe every adventure helps us uncover a little more about ourselves. We build the foundations for humility and compassion—strengthening character through actions—to prepare youth for a lifetime of leadership.

Prepared. For Life.

Scouting teaches youth to confront any challenge with whole hearts and clear minds—to live their lives without regret, never back down, and do their very best!




Safety

In Scouting, we will not compromise the safety of our youth, volunteers, and employees. Safety is a value that must be taught and reinforced at every opportunity. We are all responsible and must hold each other accountable to provide a safe environment for all participants.

Become Your Best Self

Through fun yet challenging physical and mental activities, Scouting encourages personal growth by teaching youth
how to set goals and achieve them with determination.


 

Diversity

Scouting promotes a culture where youth, volunteers, and employees feel a sense of belonging—where every person feels respected and valued. We welcome families of all backgrounds to help prepare young people to serve as successful members and leaders of our nation’s diverse communities.

Fun for the Whole Family

Scouting is something the whole family can experience together. We designed our program so that anyone—brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers—can have fun and make an impact!

 

SCOUTING IS THE DIFFERENCE

Our unique programs focused on character development, leadership and outdoor exploration provide a lifetime of benefits!

Compared to non-Scouts, Scouts are more likely to:

 

ScoutsEmbrace positive
social values

Scouts

Develop kindness, helpfulness,
and cheerfulness

Scouts

Have a greater sense
of hope for their future

Stay Informed

United Way logo

The Great Rivers Council is generously supported by United Way of Northeast Missouri, United Way of Central Missouri (Jefferson City & Lake), and United Way of Pettis County (Sedalia).