Explore What’s Happening
Adventure Summit 25
April 25-27 at All 6 Camp Properties
A council-wide weekend camping extravaganza catering to all ages of Scouting, from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers, and adult volunteers, alongside Scouting families. Embracing community involvement wherever possible. At all 6 of our properties on one weekend: April 25-27th 2025.
Annual Recognition Night
Council Annual Volunteer Recognition Night
Event Details will be posted early 2025
The Silver Beaver Award is the highest recognition a Boy Scout council can bestow on an adult volunteer leader. The award is presented to those volunteers who have provided noteworthy service that impacts the lives of youth and who have made outstanding contributions to the Scouting program. Nominations are recommended by the local council and approved by the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Greater St. Louis Area Council presented its first Silver Beaver Awards in January 1932.
Recognize a Silver Beaver recipient in the event program by purchasing a SHOUT OUT!
One Line Shout Out: $15.00
1/4 Page Shout Out: $25.00
Half Page Shout Out: $50.00
Full Page Shout Out: $100
Shout Outs are due to Kim.Blumenberg@scouting.org by April 30th.
Aquatics
AQUATICS
AQUATIC ACTIVITIES
Many of the council’s properties offer a variety of activities on the water. Swimming, boating, sailing and fishing are some of the favorite activities of many Scouts. Find out what each camp has to offer by going HERE.
SAFE SWIM DEFENSE
BSA groups shall use Safe Swim Defense for all swimming activities. Adult leaders supervising a swimming activity must have completed Safe Swim Defense training within the previous two years. Safe Swim Defense standards apply at backyard, hotel, apartment, and public pools; at established waterfront swim areas such as beaches at state parks and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes; and at all temporary swimming areas such as a lake, river, or ocean. Safe Swim Defense does not apply to boating or water activities such as waterskiing or swamped boat drills that are covered by Safety Afloat guidelines. Safe Swim Defense applies to other nonswimming activities whenever participants enter water over knee deep or when submersion is likely, for example, when fording a stream, seining for bait, or constructing a bridge as a pioneering project. READ MORE
SAFETY AFLOAT
BSA groups shall use Safety Afloat for all boating activities. Adult leaders supervising activities afloat must have completed Safety Afloat training within the previous two years. Cub Scout activities afloat are limited to council, district, pack, or den events that do not include moving water or float trips (expeditions). Safety Afloat standards apply to the use of canoes, kayaks, rowboats, rafts, floating tubes, sailboats, motorboats (including waterskiing), and other small craft, but do not apply to transportation on large commercial vessels such as ferries and cruise ships. Parasailing (being towed airborne behind a boat using a parachute), kitesurfing (using a wakeboard towed by a kite), and recreational use of personal watercraft (small sit-on-top motorboats propelled by water jets) are not authorized BSA activities. READ MORE
*Training for Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat are available online by logging on to my.scouting.org.
Climbing, Rappelling, & Challenge Courses
The Greater St. Louis Area Council is proud to offer multiple different Challenge Course and Climbing opportunities for our Scouts! These include two high and low ropes courses, three climbing towers, and natural rock face climbing and rappelling. All ages (including Cub Scouts) are eligible to participate at our climbing towers at Beaumont, Camp Lewallen and Camp Warren Levis. Scouts BSA and Venturing members are welcome to climb, jump, and challenge themselves with our Challenge Courses and Climbing programs.
Learn More by clicking here.
Community Events
Barnes-Jewish Hospital: Attend a free class called “Stop the Bleed.” This one-hour class is designed to teach non-medical people how to control emergency bleeding. The program goes over how to apply pressure to bleeding wounds, how to do emergency packing, and how to apply a tourniquet. If interested in taking the class, contact Billy Kollmar at william.kollmar@bjc.org.
Farmers & Merchants Bank (Eureka, MO): Sign your Pack up for an interactive and age-appropriate lesson on Financial Responsibility or make plans to take a field trip. Farmers & Merchants Bank offers Packs a tour of the teller line, vault, and the different tools used at the bank. Call 636-938-7878 for more details.
Federal Aviation Administration: The FAA encourages Scouts and their families who may travel by aircraft not to pack hazardous materials in their checked and/or carry-on luggage. View their brochure or visit faa.gov/Go/PackSafe for helpful resources to share with your units.
Gateway Arch: NPS Rangers facilitate audience-centered programs that feature role playing, decision making, multiple perspectives, analytical thinking and many hands-on activities. Programs are hosted at the Old Courthouse or the new Museum at the Gateway Arch. They are presented year-round, free of charge.
- Lewis and Clark: Explore the cultures, landscapes and animals encountered by the Corps of Discovery as they traveled and mapped the newly purchase Louisiana Territory.
- Trappers and Traders: Bold and audacious, join these adventurers as they learn about the resources of unknown territories, barter and live among American Indians, and contribute to the economy of the American frontier.
- American Indians of the Great Plains: Compare and contrast your life with that of traditional Plains Indians tribes during the 1800s. Learn how the land shaped their traditional tribal customs and how westward expansion changed their way of life.
- Heading West? Supply yourself in St. Louis before heading west. Confront some of the same choices early pioneers did while traveling west across prairies, rivers and mountains to Oregon and California.
- St. Louis: How It All Began: In 1764 French fur traders founded St. Louis at what is now the base of the Gateway Arch. Explore how this small yet diverse settlement grew into a thriving river town.
- General Museum Tour: Meet the people and hear the stories of those who lived, settled and worked in the early 18th- and 19th-century “west.” The program will include information and activities related to Lewis and Clark, the fur trade, Plains Indians and pioneers on the trail.
- Mock Trials: Ranger-led mock trials give students the opportunity to read scripts, argue facts and decide a verdict as they re-enact one of several historic trials that took place at the Old Courthouse including Dred Scott and Virginia Minor cases, and Williams v. Bellefontaine.
Reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance. Maximum group size is 30 youth (one adult for every 10 youth). Please allow 50 minutes for each program.
To make a reservation, visit www.nps.gov/jeff or www.gatewayarch.com, or call 877-982-1410.
Missouri Botanical Garden: visit mobot.org/scouts for details.
- Meet Me Outdoors in St. Louis Festival, April 6-7
- Scout Night at Missouri Botanical Gardens, April 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
River Radio (Cape Girardeau): River Radio in Cape Girardeau (324 Broadway) offers free tours of its radio station to Scout groups. Scouts get an up close and personal view of radio broadcasting and learn how radio stations operate. To schedule your Scout group, contact Kirby Ray at kirbyq@riverradio.net or 1-800-289-5103 ext. 577.
Shaw Nature Reserve: Cub Scouts, enjoy a weekend at Shaw Nature Reserve! Enjoy a variety of activities including water ecology, night hikes, themed crafts, star gazing, and a campfire with s’mores and plenty of hot chocolate! Accommodations provided in the Dana Brown Overnight Center’s delightful historic cabins and new shower facilities.
- Scout Day at Shaw Nature Reserve, May 18 from 8 a.m.-noon
St. Louis Astronomical Society: The SLAS Library Telescope Program seeks to foster scientific literacy, stimulate an interest in astronomy, and provide people who have never looked through a telescope the chance to experience the excitement that comes from discovery. If you are interested in gaining an introduction to astronomy or would like to help SLAS with its new Library Telescope Program, email librarytelescope@slasonline.org. View the Library Telescope Locations.
St. Louis Blues Hockey: Scouts can take advantage of discounted tickets for the game on March 21. Visit nhl.com/blues/tickets/scout-offers for tickets. Use promo code BSCOUT at checkout.
Saint Louis Chess Club is hosting a Scouts BSA chess merit badge event just for girls! The free workshop is Feb. 3 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Click here for more details and to register.
SIUe Basketball Game/Sleepover: Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA are invited to attend the SIUe basketball game on Jan. 19 and then stay for a sleepover in the arena. Your $15 ticket includes admission to the game, movie, popcorn and breakfast the next day. For more info or to reserve tickets, contact Paul Dodson at 618-650-3695 or pdodson@siue.edu.
Tower Grove Park: Tower Grove Park has free birding kits available! Kits are geared towards students in grades 4-8 and each kit includes binoculars and flash cards. View the flyer or contact Tricia Scalise at tscalise@towergrovepark.org.
Duty To God
Every Scout has the opportunity to earn their faith’s religious emblem which can be worn on their uniform as a youth or an adult. Religious emblems will fulfill Duty to God adventure requirements for Cub Scouts, Scout Spirit requirements for Scouts BSA and TRUST award for Venturing.
Learn More by clicking here.
Fishing
2024 Scout Fishing Day @ S Bar F
Dates coming soon
Register Here
All Scouting youth are invited to experience fishing on Nim's Lake at S-F! Our Council Canoe Guides will be onsite to give you tips and tricks on fishing and help you have a great day.
Valid state fishing permit is required for those between the ages of 16–65 wanting to fish on Greater St. Louis Area Council properties. You can purchase permits online at:
Missouri: https://mdc-web.s3licensing.com/
Illinois: https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/LPR/Pages/FishingLicensesFees.aspx
Get on board and create your own adventure!
All the fishing resources you need in one place to learn, plan, and equip for a day on the water. https://www.takemefishing.org/how-to-fish/fishing-resources-events/everything-you-need-to-start-fishing/
Free Learn to Fish Course!
https://learn-to-fish.igfa.org/courses/intro-to-fishing
Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Hiking Trails
The Greater St. Louis Area Council sponsors hiking trails throughout Missouri from a 4-mile trail over the rolling hills of Beaumont Scout Reservation to the rugged, two-day 20-mile hike across Taum Sauk Mountain in the Ozarks. There are also historic trails such as the Gateway West in downtown St. Louis and the Les Petites Cotes in St. Charles.
These hiking trails are maintained by the Council Hiking Committee, which is made up of dedicated trail coordinators. If you or your unit are interested in adopting a trail and helping maintain it for all to enjoy, please contact the Greater St. Louis Area Council Camping Department at camping@stlbsa.org.
Check out the list below to find your unit’s next outdoor adventure!
HOW TO REGISTER FOR TRAIL HIKES
Reservations for hiking any of these trails must be made in advance. To make a reservation for a trail not on a GSLAC Property, click here.
- Cub Scouts may hike the Shippey Color Trails (2-9 miles) at Beaumont. There is a recognition patch.
- Webelos may hike these 10-mile hikes: Gateway West, 1904 World’s Fair and Les Petites Cotes.
- Any Scout may hike any trail except the School Craft, Daniel Boone, Taum Sauk and Lost Creek. Scouts hiking these four trails must have hiking experience.
There must be two adult leaders for every 10 Scouts who hike, and one leader for each additional 10 Scouts. Patches for most trails are available at gatewaytraders.org
You can file a hiking report here.
GSLAC TRAILS
Anpetu-We Trail
This is a 10-mile trail (5 miles up and 5 miles back) that winds up Mount Logan at Camp Lewallen. Anpetu-We Trail is a perfect backpack trail to get ready for Philmont because it offers a chance to do a hike with a dry campsite — meaning you have to carry your own water in. The one and only campsite is located near the top of Mount Logan. It is also possible to do this hike in one day.
Anpetu-We Trail
John J. Audubon Trail
Located in the Mark Twain National Forest just west of Ste. Genevieve, this 12-mile trail is a wonderful trail hike to do as a one- or two-day trek. This trail is currently the only council-sponsored trail that has a GPS geo-cache located on a section of the trial (this would be a good trail to teach with GPS). Hikers will encounter approximately 3,000 vertical feet of ups and downs, so consider this terrain as rugged.
Daniel Boone Trail
This one-way 20-mile trail in St. Charles and Warren Counties follows the Katy Trail for 15 miles of its length. It starts in Defiance and takes scenic back roads to Matson, where it joins the Katy Trail. Augusta is a good halfway point. The Boone Trail leaves the Katy Trail a little past Dutzow to end at the Daniel Boone Monument. Troops can use the trail for the one-day, 20-mile requirement of Hiking Merit Badge, or they can bike the Katy Trail straight from Defiance to Dutzow and then the Boone Monument for the 15-mile requirement of Cycling Merit Badge.
Carondelet-Jefferson Barracks Trail
This 12-mile closed-loop city hike is located in the Carondelet-Jefferson Barracks area of south St. Louis and south St. Louis County. This trail covers many historic buildings and sites, along with two scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River. Bring a camera, as this trail can offer the Scout a chance to work on the Photography merit badge.
Carondelet-Jefferson Barracks Trail
Gateway West Historical Trail
This is a circular 10-mile city hike that begins and ends at Eads Bridge in downtown St. Louis. It is a question-and-answer trail over many of the historical sites in downtown and south St. Louis. Many of the historical sites also offer tours of their facilities, so plan ahead and visit some of these sites while you hike and learn about the city of St. Louis.
Gateway West Historical Trail Information - Updated 2024
Green-Rock Trail
The hike starts at the Rockwood Range Tract, travels through the Greensfelder County Park, and finishes its one way 14-mile hike at Rockwoods Reservations where the museum and wildlife displays are available for nature and wildlife education. This trail can also be hiked backwards to complete the trail as a 20-mile hike and fulfill one of the requirements for the Hiking merit badge. This trail is 99 percent in the woods, and it is also a perfect opportunity to work on individual advancement with the use of map and compass.
Henry School Craft Trail
This map and compass trail can be divided into north and south loops located in the Mark Twain National Forest southwest of Potosi, Mo. The south loop is approximately 9 miles long, while the north loop is approximately 5 miles. Many hiking options are available, such as individual day hikes of the two loops, combinations of the two loops and backpacking. This trail also can be used with GPS navigation equipment.
Henry Rowe Schoolcraft Trail Map
Les Petites Cotes Trail
A circular 10-mile urban hike located in historic St. Charles, the first capitol of Missouri. This is a question-and-answer trail over many of the historical sites in downtown St. Charles. Many of the historical sites offer tours of their facilities, so plan ahead and visit some of these sites while you hike and learn about the city of St. Charles.
Lost Creek Trail
This is a 20-mile circular hiking and bicycling trail located in Warren County, Mo. The entire trail is over county and state roads. The trail starts in Pendleton. The trail can be used to cover some of the requirements for the Hiking and Cycling merit badges.
Moses Austin Trail
The 14.5-mile wilderness trail is in a rugged section of the Clark National Forest in Washington County, northwest of Potosi, Mo. This is a wonderful trail to work on the Backpacking merit badge.
Pioneer Trace
This rugged 17-mile circular trail around the perimeter of the Beaumont Scout Reservation is ideal for overnight backpacking programs. Groups planning high-adventure treks will find the trail to be a challenging shake down. It is a great trail to work on the Backpacking merit badge.
Shawnee Trail
The Shawnee Trail, named after one of the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s Order of the Arrow lodges, was developed to be a 20-mile hiking trail in the woods at Beaumont Scout Reservation. The trail follows a number of the other hiking trails located at Beaumont. It is all 10 percent or less in slope.
Shippey Color Trail System
There are four different short trails at Beaumont Scout Reservation. The Red Trail is 5.2 miles long, the Green Trail is 4.4 miles long, the Yellow Trail is 2.5 miles long and the Blue Trail is 9 miles long. Each color trail goes into a different part of Beaumont and offers a different view of what Beaumont has to offer.
Taum Sauk Trail
The Taum Sauk Trail is now part of the Ozark Trail. Please go to www.ozarktrail.com to get map and information about hiking the Taum Sauk Trail portion of the Ozark Trail. Scout camping is available at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
The Taum Sauk Trail was made possible through the efforts of the late J.L. “Pop” Connelly, and was formally dedicated on April 12, 1958. Many scouts and scouters have been able to experience the natural beauty of the Ozarks thanks to his efforts. Below is a link to a news article detailing some of the history of the trail and the dedication of a memorial to “Pop” Connelly. Also listed is a program from the trail dedication in 1958.
Mountain Echo
Taum Sauk Trail Dedication Program
Three Notch Trail
This trail is a 21-mile, two 10-mile loops joined by a 1-mile connector, at the S bar F Scout Ranch. You will hike through many of the wilderness areas not normally seen by Scouts at summer camp. The hike can be done in separate loops and it is great for backpacking with the West Loop rated at moderate and the East Loop rated difficult.
Three Notch Trail Map
Three Notch Preparation
Tomahawk Trail
The 12-mile circular forest trail lies entirely within Beaumont Scout Reservation. Much of this trail follows scenic ridge tops and up or down at 10 percent or less grade in most places. This trail qualifies as one of the five 10-mile trails required for the Hiking merit badge. There are several places to camp on the trail, which makes this a great backpacking hike also.
1904 World’s Fair Trail
This 10-mile trail goes all around Forest Park and part of the Washington University campus. This trail helps tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition held in St. Louis in 1904. There are many places to visit in addition to hiking the trail, such as the St. Louis Zoo, History Museum, Art Museum and the World’s Fair Pavilion.
Council-wide Pinewood Derby
March 8 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, IL
World Wide Technology Raceway
March 8, 2025 9:00 AM to 1:00 pm
Council Pinewood Derby - Celebrating 72 years of pinewood car racing!
Join us on the morning of Saturday, March 8 at World Wide Technology Raceway for a council wide competition and other fun. Sponsored by the generosity of WWT Raceway Gives.
For all Cub Scouts, and a league for Scouts BSA and Venturing to compete! Don't miss this grand time!
The Pinewood Derby is one of the highlights of a Cub Scout's year and great memories for older Scouts. This event will bring Scouts from across the council to have some fun as they race their cars to see who has the fastest one.
This event is open to ALL Cub Scouts in the Council, regardless of a Scout's placement at their home Pack's or District race.
Fee is only $5 per car to enter, all spectators are free. Please register by February 27. Youth under 18 must be in the care of an adult.
Click HERE for more information to to register.
Horses
From September until May, several opportunities exist with the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s herd of horses. Come out and enjoy a trail ride, horse camp, or a tractor-drawn hayride!
To reserve a spot for tractor-drawn hayrides, visit our online portal: Online Reservations
TRAIL RIDES
Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Explorers can hit the trail, beginning and ending at Nagel Base located on Beaumont Scout Reservation. There is a 5-horse minimum and maximum of 12 horses. There must be two registered Unit Leaders per ride. Trail Rides are available for 1 and 1/2 hour, 3 hour, 6 hour and overnight trail rides. We have horses for your experience level.
Pricing for BSA Group In & Out of Council:
1.5 Hour Ride - $35/person
3 Hour Ride - $45/person
6 Hour Ride - $55/person
Overnight Ride - $100/person
Pricing for Non-BSA Groups
1 1/2 hour ride - $45/person
3 hour ride - $55/person
6 hour ride - $70/person
Overnight Rides - $110/person
Trail Rides are available Saturday and/or Sunday during the months of September, October, and January - May.
For March, Trail Rides are only available on Sunday.
Overnight rides are only available during the months of April, May, September, and October.
All rides begin and end at Nagel Base Camp located at Beaumont Scout Reservation.
All rides are weather permitting (i.e. rain, snow, severe cold, extreme heat).
Again, a minimum of five and a maximum of 12 horses can be reserved for trail rides. There must be two registered Unit Leaders per ride.
Trail Ride Recommendations – All riders must be a minimum of Scouts BSA age 11 or older.
1 1/2 hour and 3 hour rides are for Scouts BSA/Venturers 11 and older.
6 hour and overnight rides are recommended for Scouts BSA/Venturers.
For safety reasons no one can ride who is over the maximum weight limit of 230 pounds. Weight will be checked at camp. Rangers and/or trail guides have the authority to restrict any person from taking part in a horse-related activity who may pose, in their opinion, a safety risk to themselves, others, or the horses.
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance at a Greater St. Louis Area Council office or by clicking here.
HORSEMANSHIP MERIT BADGE SKILL CENTER
The Horsemanship merit badge skills center will provide Scouts with the knowledge of how to care for, groom, and ride a horse. In addition to the riding, Scouts who take this merit badge will gain an understanding of horse instincts and behaviors to better their horsemanship.
2025 DATES
We are excited to offer a Horsemanship Merit Badge skill center this March! The skill center consists of an online orientation and 3 sessions of in-person instruction.
Orientation: March 13 via zoom meeting
Session 1: Saturday, Mar. 15
Session 2: Saturday, Mar. 22
Session 3: Saturday, Mar. 29
HAY RIDES
Come down to Nagel for a tractor-drawn hayride! This is a great outdoor activity for Scouting units of all ages. There is one wagon available and each hayride wagon holds a maximum of 20 people. A minimum of two adults for the wagon is required. Hayrides can be reserved in one-hour blocks and come with the use of a picnic area.
- March 1 through May 15 & Sept. 1 through October 31
- Saturday: 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m.
- Sunday: 5-6 p.m., 6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m.
- $75 per wagon
Hayrides are not offered on Saturday nights during heavy camporee weekends.
A maximum of 20 people are allowed on a hayride wagon.
Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance at a Greater St. Louis Area Council office or online by clicking here.
SUMMER HORSE PROGRAMS
HORSE CAMP July 28 - August 3, 2024
Spend a week at an intermediate riding camp cantering around the property and learning more about horses. There are many trails to be ridden, competitions/games to be played on horseback in the riding ring, and other activities to further your horsemanship along with a chance to show off your advanced skills in a Cavalcade at the end of the week. Other activities while at Horse Camp are swimming, skeet shooting, climbing tower, ropes course, campfires, and much more.
All youth participants must be 14.
Registration is now open for this year’s Horse Camp.
Maximum number of participants is 20. The Greater St. Louis Area Council Trail Guide Committee provides adult leadership for Horse Camp.
You can sign up for Horse Camp here.
Little Buckeroo's Camp
This program is meant to help Cub Scouts learn how to behave around horses, horse behaviors, how to lead a horse, discuss parts of a saddle, how to sit properly on a horse, and to become more comfortable while horseback. On Thursday they youth will have the chance to show parents what they have learned. Parents are not required to stay. A snack is included.
Age: 8 - 10 years old
When: June 16 - 19, 2025
OR
June 23 - 26, 2025
Time: 8am - 12pm
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Junior Wrangler Camp
This program is to help youth become more comfortable with everything horses! Learn about horse behaviors, equipment, and of course riding! Thursday parents are welcome to watch skills their child has learned during a horse show from 10:30 till noon. Parents are not required to stay. A snack is included. All activities depend on youths riding skills.
Age: 11 - 13 years old
When: July 7 - 10, 2025
OR
July 14 - 17, 2025
Time: 8am - 12pm
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Custom Horse Programs
Are you planning a camporee, birthday party, Unit Court of Honor, wedding, or something else out at Beaumont and would you like to use the horses? Please call the Camping Department for availability and pricing.
Map & Compass
The Map & Compass Committee supports a variety of programs focused on these important skills. These programs include:
- Scouts BSA First Class Orienteering Event - This event is designed to fulfill the orienteering requirement for the First Class Scouts BSA rank. Pre-registration is required and must be by troop. There is no individual registration. Scouts must be under the supervision of their unit leaders. Scouts should show up prepared for the event. No instruction/training in orientation can be provided at the event. Register here.
Date: May 17, 2025
Location: Emerson Porch – Beaumont
Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM - Map & Compass Training - For leaders 18 years and older. This training prepares leaders to take their troops through the map and compass program at Beaumont Scout Reservation. The program is a progressive learning experience incorporating games, fun, map reading and compass skills. Learn More by clicking here. Register Here.
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Location: Sverdrup Lodge – Beaumont
Time: 9 AM to 4:00 PM
- Scout Orienteering Festival - This annual event at Beaumont Scout Reservation allows Scouts to put their skills to the test and enjoy a fun Orienteering course competition. Registration will be on the morning of the event. There is no pre-registration. The cost is $5.00 per participant. Please, submit a count of participants by Wednesday, March 5, 2025 to:Bill Croker
Date: March 8, 2025
Location: Emerson Porch and Parade Ground - Beaumont
Time: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
76th Memorial Day Good Turn at Jefferson Barracks
May 25, 2025 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary
Gravois Trail 76th Annual Jefferson Barracks Memorial Day Good Turn
Scouts of all ages are invited to participate in the 76th Annual Memorial Day Good Turn on May 25, 2025, hosted by Gravois Trail District. Registration will be from 10:30 am until 11:30 am at the VA Hospital Orange Lot with the procession into the cemetery beginning at 11:30 am. Upon check-in, the unit leader or designated adult will receive a map and participation ribbon. Patches will be available for $5.00.
Participants will attend the Flag Ceremony before proceeding to the flag boxes. No one will be allowed to begin placing flags until after the ceremony has been dismissed.
Register Here
Know Before You Go Facts & Map
About Memorial Day Good Turn
For more than seven decades, approximately 5,000 Scouts have gathered at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery before Memorial Day to decorate each of the approximately 280,000 graves with an American Flag. In its 76th year (2025), the tradition is one of the longest-running Memorial Day events within Scouting.
The public is welcome to attend the event. Scouts from across the Council will assemble at the VA Hospital Orange Lot and march into the Cemetery, where they proceed to the main flagpole for assembly and ceremony honoring our fallen soldiers. A flag presentation marks the opening of our ceremony, followed by a guest speaker who will address the crowd. The ceremony will close with the retrieving of the flags, Taps, and Amazing Grace by the Bagpipers. Everyone will be dismissed to begin placing the flags on each grave.
It takes approximately 2 hours to complete the Good Turn, and Scouts will have placed over 200,000 flags on each grave.
In 1866, Jefferson Barracks was established as a National Cemetery, and today is one of the oldest interment sites of the National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
Memorial Day Good Turns for Jewish War Veterans
May 25, 2025 at Various Cemeteries
Jewish Committee on Scouting Good Turn
Sponsored by the Jewish Committee on Scouting
The Jewish Committee on Scouting is also proud to assist Jewish War Veterans Post 644 by placing over 8,000 American flags on the graves of veterans at eight local Jewish cemeteries. For more information on this good turn please CLICK HERE.
Scouting for Food
Nov. 15, 2025 (bag distribution) and Nov. 22, 2025 (food collection)
Scouting For Food is the Greater St. Louis Area Council’s one-of-a-kind day of service. Thousands of Scouts, parents, and leaders hit the streets on a Saturday in November to distribute blue bags to the homes in their area. Community members fill up those bags with non-perishable food items, and the Scouts return one week later to pick up those bags and distribute them to local food banks and pantries. On average, we collect almost 2 million food items each year.
Click Here to check out the 2024 drive details!
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors:
STEM
The BSA’s STEM initiative gives Scouts an opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics related concepts and learn how STEM knowledge is used in everyday life and in the professional world. The aim is to expose youth to new opportunities and help build interest in the STEM-related careers that are so crucial to our future economy.
Learn More by clicking here.
University of Scouting
University of Scouting
University of Scouting is an event that offers the widest variety of Merit Badge clinics as well as training opportunities, in all program areas, all in one place! You will find just about anything to do with Scouting at University of Scouting whether you are a Scout, leader, commissioner, or parent!
Webster University will be hosting this year! The event will take place November 4th from 8am to 4pm. Signups coming soon.
2025 Date and location coming soon
Camp Warren Levis 100th Anniversary Celebration
Camp Warren Levis will be Celebrating its 100th year in 2024. There will be a celebration at camp for all ages to participate in activities, to fellowship with new and old friends, and to have the opportunity to see the view of the lake from the porch. There are several ways to register and enjoy the day at camp.
The 100th Anniversary Celebration will take place on October 5, 2024. This is the same weekend of the annual Rendezvous. Individuals that are interested in participating in both events will have the opportunity to experience camp in a new way. Rendezvous will start at 8:00am and will conclude at 3:00pm, then starting at 3:00pm the 100th Anniversary activities will start and end with with a campfire by 10:00pm.
There will be program and activities at both Rendezvous and the 100th Anniversary Celebration for all ages.
Registration Opportunities and what's included:
Day Pass (Rendezvous from 8am-3pm, event patch, lunch) $25
Celebration (Rendezvous and Celebration, event patch, lunch and dinner) $60
Scouts Attending Rendezvous (Rendezvous from Rendezvous Registration, Celebration, event patch, dinner) $30
Everything CWL 100th (Rendezvous and Celebration, event patch, shirt, buckle, event sticker, lunch and dinner) $100
Staff (Celebration, event patch, and dinner) $15
Youth under 5 years old Free
GSLAC World Mental Health Day Symposium
The Greater St. Louis Area Council, Scouting joined on World Mental Health Day for a panel discussion with Local Mental Health Professionals. Be a part of the solution and join us as we work to better serve those facing mental health crises.
PANELISTS
- Bart Andrews, Chief Clinical Officer, Behavioral Health Response
- David Haasis, Director of Clinical Partnerships, St. Louis Mental Health Board
- Melinda McAliney, Executive Director, Community and Children’s Resource Board of St. Charles County
- Stephanie Moore, Chief Program Officer, Human Support Services
- Duru Sakhrani, M.D., Compass Health
Moderator: David Amelotti, KMOV 4
Jamboree on the Air & Jamboree on the Internet
Dates for Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet (JOTA/JOTI) is October 19, 2024 - 9 am to 4 pm at Beaumont near the Emerson Center and Warren Levis near dining hall. All Packs, Troops, Venture, Crews, Sea Scouts are welcome along with all leadership and parents.
Last year's statistics for JOTA/JOTI was 700,000 scouts worldwide were on the Air and Internet (Echo-Link).
Cub Launch
Oct. 4, 2025 at Beaumont Scout Reservation & Additional Locations
Cub Launch Activities
October 4th, 2025 - Beaumont Scout Reservation
Spend a day at camp with the whole family doing all the things Cub Scouts love to do!
BB gun shooting, Archery, Hike the Bobcat Trail (learn what you need to know to get your Bobcat badge!), and STEM demonstrations and activities are just a few of the exciting things available. At Beaumont Scout Reservation, our flagship Cub Launch location, there are more than 20 different activities including Horseback Riding, make your own first aid kit, mud cave and more!
Click here to learn more and find the location nearest you!
Fall Fright Fest
Oct. 25, 2025 at Beaumont Scout Reservation
Fall Fright Fest Event Details:
Fall Fright Fest is a Halloween event for Cub Scouts. Attend just the Saturday event or camp overnight with us and enjoy the entire weekend!
Sign up for sessions from 3PM to 7PM Saturday evening! Each session is under 2 hours. Start by listening to a classic Halloween story, then hike the spooky trail, get a goody bag, play on the playgrounds, make slime and get into the Halloween spirit.
Optional camp overnight with us! The classic Fall Fright Fest event is Saturday evening, but now you can join us Friday night and Saturday for a family or pack campout. Friday night we will have a Council hosted campfire program with songs and skits! Families or packs will be responsible for their own meals. Camping space will be provided and campfire program Friday night.
Bring your costume!
A fun, age-appropriate, but scary activity to add to the Halloween Spirit! Costume's are welcomed but not a requirement. Wear trail appropriate footwear, you will be going through a wooded trail.
- When? October 25th 2025
- optional chance to camp overnight with us Friday and/or Saturday night! When registering, select your timeslot for the Saturday program and then select if you want to camp overnight. It is an additional $5 fee for overnight camping per person - this includes Friday and Saturday nights (although you do not have camp both nights if you dont want) - there will be a Friday night campfire show with songs and skits! Families and packs will be on their own for meals.
- Where? Beaumont Scout Reservation
- What is it?
- Saturday night program: Start the event with a storyteller who sets the scene, encounter the haunted forest, walk through the pirate ship, explore the fort, and then end your walk with homemade slime and receive a goody bag full of treats!
- Sessions leave every 15-30 minutes. Guides will walk you through the event.
- Friday Night program: optional camping overnight with a campfire program with songs and skits
- Event Cost: $10 per attendee (optional overnight additional $5 per person)
- Who can attend? Cub Scout and sibling friendly and age appropriate.
- Trading post and food concessions are available for purchase during the Saturday night program.
- Worried about being spooked? We recommend attending in the afternoon, but the whole event is for Cub Scouts and is age appropriate.
Haunted Hayrides
Oct. 17, 18, 24, and 25, 2025 at Camp Warren Levis
Event Details!
Haunted Hayrides is a spooky good time for children and adults of all ages!
Held over two weekends in October at Camp Warren Levis, this event is open to all Scout units, Scout families and the general public. Each hayride ride lasts about 20 minutes, showing the spookier, scarier side of Camp Warren Levis. Keep an eye out for the goblins and ghouls, and be careful about that noise in the woods…Come early or stay after your ride for time around the bonfire, and enjoy some chili and hot chocolate from the concessions stand.
2024 Dates
October 18th, 19th, 25th, and 26th
You can preregister or show up and pay at the event.
Wanting to help scare? Sign up here
Scouts BSA Winter Camp
Winter Camp is a short-term camp experience for Scouts BSA members. Scouts will be able to work on advancement and merit badges similar to Summer Camp. Scouts also get to enjoy one of the GSLAC Camp Properties in the winter! Scouts may participate with their Troop or as a provisional attendee (individually with camp-provided adult leadership).
December 28-31, 2025
Rhodes France Scout Reservation
Mom & Me
Sept. 19-21, 2025 at Camp Warren Levis
Where
Camp Warren Levis
Godfrey, IL
Details
September 19-21, 2025
Registration and more information HERE
This year's theme is Mommy and Me
Mom & Me is a weekend camp for Cub Scouts and their moms (or guardians), packed with activities and outdoor adventure. Enjoy camp favorites like archery, BB guns, hiking, arts and crafts, games, and more! Every year has a unique and fun theme that ties into the event shirts, crafts, and games.
Not an expert camper, mom? No worries, we provide all the meals and programs. You just need a tent, a sleeping bag, and an overnight bag with any weekend-away essentials.
Parent & Pal
Returning in 2026!
Returning in 2026! Consider attending our Council-Wide Camporee. Click Here for More Info
Parents, join your Scout as they dive deeper into the true Spirit of Scouting at beautiful Camp Warren Levis. Make wonderful memories with your scout(s) as they catch their first fish, hit their first bulls-eyes, climb the tower, and explore the adventure and fun of the outdoors during Parent & Pal.
Scouts BSA Voyageur Workshop
What is it?
Calling all Scouts BSA! We have an action-packed event that is designed to help our first-year Scouts along their advancement trail and enjoy some of the fun activities available at our camps. The workshop runs from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Join us for Map and Compass, Fire Building, First Aid, and Knots and Lashing instruction. Don’t miss this chance to have an awesome day at camp while fulfilling many Scout through First Class rank requirements!
Event Dates
March 29, 2025| Beaumont Scout Reservation
Register Here
Shoot-o-Ree
Returning in 2026!
Returning in 2026! Consider attending our Council-Wide Camporee. Click Here for More Info
The Shoot-O-Ree is open to registered Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and Venturers. Scout-age siblings may participate too. Cub Scouts and Cub Scout-age siblings should have an adult partner present throughout the day.
All activities run from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Scouts and Venturers - stop by at any time and stay for as long as they like.
Cub Scouts: BB gun shooting, archery, sling shots!
Scouts BSA, Venturers, Explorers: Tomahawk throwing, shotguns, rifles, archery, and sporting arrows!
All registered and paid participants will receive a wristband and punch card for access to Shoot-O-Ree activities. Shooting activities include BB gun shooting, archery, sling shots, and more.
Lunch will not be provided, but please fee free to bring sack lunch or other ways to have lunch to stay for the fun.
Just a few reminders and details regarding the event:
- This event is not a drop off/ pick up event, meaning parents/guardians/unit leaders must attend with the scouts.
- Don't forget to bring water bottles and closed toe shoes. While rain is not in the forecast, the event will occur rain or shine.
Note: Range and Target Activities require instruction and a safety briefing. Safety around firearms is a key lesson to learn in life.
Spook-o-ree
Oct. 10-12, 2025 at Rhodes France Scout Reservation
Rhodes France Scout Reservation
Spook-O-Ree Event Details:
Please join us for a weekend of fun Halloween themed camping at Rhodes France scout reservation for Cub Scouts! This will be a Halloween weekend campout geared for the whole family. There will be activities for all age ranges of cub scouters and their families (including shooting sports, scout skills, and more!). Bring the whole crew plenty of fun things to do for siblings, parents and even grandparents. Families will move into camp on Friday, October 10th and will depart camp on Sunday, October 12th. The Friday evening meal is up to the unit/campers to provide (most units either eat before they come or have a wiener roast at their campsite!). We hope to see everyone there for this great weekend.
Register
October 10-12 2025 | Rhodes France Scout Reservation | Register Here