Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council

What Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council does

Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit local council (EIN 43-0655866) operating under the national Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America, founded 1910) charter, delivering youth development programming across central and northeast Missouri. The council serves youth in age-tiered programs: Cub Scouts (grades K-5), Scouts BSA (ages 11-17), Venturing (coed 14-20), Sea Scouts, and Exploring, with supporting programming for adult volunteers and Scouting families. Operations center on the Scouting Adventure Center in Columbia, MO (primary service center) and the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation in Gravois Mills (primary residential summer camp and high-adventure facility), the latter hosting the only Sinquefield Invention Campus in the BSA network — a maker/STEM facility with 3D printers, CNC routers, laser engravers, welding stations, and metalworking equipment.

The council's core technology comprises the national Scouting membership and advancement systems (My.Scouting, Scout Book, Internet Advancement, service hour reporting) layered on a traditional volunteer-led youth development infrastructure. Differentiated assets include exclusive national high-adventure base access (Philmont, Northern Tier, Sea Base, Summit) and the unique Sinquefield Invention Campus. The council operates a multi-stream nonprofit revenue model: annual tiered membership registrations, summer camp session fees (five sessions in 2026), $35 ECSI First Aid/CPR/AED certification courses, monthly merit badge programming, Scout Shop product sales, popcorn/Burger's fundraising, facility and equipment rentals, and Friends of Scouting donations, augmented by United Way funding in northeast Missouri, central Missouri, and Pettis County, plus Veterans United Foundation support for the 'Armor Up for Life' military-family membership discount.

Distribution runs primarily through chartered organizations (schools, religious institutions, civic groups) that host Scouting units (packs, troops, crews, ships), supplemented by self-serve online registration via scoutingevent.com, the national BeAScout.org unit locator, and direct service delivery at the council's two physical facilities. Marketing spans a standard nonprofit digital mix — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Flickr, Constant Contact email — alongside school partnerships (Adopt-a-School, Scouting in Schools), community events, and earned media. The organization is governed by a local Executive Board within the national Scouting America framework and is presently operating with newly launched 2025–2026 programmatic initiatives (Unit Excellence Program, formalized monthly merit badge series, Simpler Renewal Initiative).

Name

Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council

Legal name

Boy Scouts of America

Website

https://grcbsa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1910

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council is a Missouri-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit local council of Scouting America delivering Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring youth programs through chartered organizations, the Scouting Adventure Center in Columbia, and Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Rooming and Boarding Houses, Dormitories, and Workers' Camps (72131)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Academic Enrichment Camps (General Studies) (EDAMALAB), Adventure Multi-Sport Camps & Skills Academies (THAAAKAM)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Scouting activities
• Outdoor education
• Merit badge programs
• Summer camp programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Columbia

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Registration Fees: Annual membership fees for youth and adult members, with tiered pricing for different program levels. New member registration fees and annual renewal fees support council operations.
2. Summer Camp Programs: Revenue from residential summer camp sessions including Scouts BSA Summer Camp with multiple week-long sessions, Cub Scout Day Camp, and Family Adventure Camp. Fees cover lodging, programming, meals, and activities.
3. Training and Certification Courses: Revenue from First Aid, CPR, and AED certification courses (ECSI certification) offered regularly at $35 per course. Additional training programs including NYLT and Wood Badge.
4. Merit Badge Programs: Revenue from the Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge Series and other merit badge skill centers offering ongoing monthly programming for advancement.
5. Facility and Equipment Rental: Rental of Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation facilities, camp properties, and equipment to chartered organizations, families, and external groups.
6. Scout Shop Sales: Sales of Scouting uniforms, literature, merit badge pamphlets, camping equipment, and supplies through the council Scout Shop.
7. Popcorn and Fundraising Products: Unit funding through popcorn sales (Burger's popcorn program) and other fundraising product sales. Also includes Thrifty Ticket program for unit fundraising.
8. Donations and Fundraising: Friends of Scouting annual campaign, planned giving programs, memorial and tribute gifts, vehicle donations, workplace giving, Philmont Experience fundraising, and special event fundraising.
9. Camperships and Financial Aid: Financial assistance programs for youth who cannot afford full program costs, funded through donations and council allocations. Veterans United Foundation provides 50% off membership for veterans and active-duty military families.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council delivers youth Scouting programs, resident summer camps, merit badge training, leadership courses, and high adventure expeditions across Missouri. It operates the Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation (including the Sinquefield Invention Campus) and the Scouting Adventure Center in Columbia, MO, serving Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring participants. The council also sells uniforms, supplies, and runs fundraising programs while offering certification courses such as First Aid, CPR, and AED.

Product overview

The Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council operates a multi-faceted youth development organization providing Scouting programs across a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offerings include age-based Scouting programs (Cub Scouts K-5, Scouts BSA 11-17, Venturing 14-20, Sea Scouts, and Exploring) alongside specialized facilities like the Sinquefield Invention Campus (a unique high-tech maker space with 3D printers, CNC routers, laser engravers, and metalworking equipment) and the Scouting Adventure Center. The council's modular add-on programs include summer camps, high adventure expeditions, merit badge pathways, training courses (NYLT, Wood Badge), First Aid/CPR certification, college scholarships, and financial aid programs. All programs share the unified mission of character development, citizenship training, and physical/mental/spiritual fitness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation: The council's primary camping facility located at the Lake of the Ozarks, featuring the Sinquefield Invention Campus for STEM programs.
• Scouting Adventure Center

Products and services

• Cub Scouts Family-centric Scouting program for youth in kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5-10) focused on character development, citizenship training, and physical fitness through age-appropriate activities. Features rank advancement from Lion through Arrow of Light.
• Scouts BSA Troop-based Scouting program for youth ages 11-17 featuring merit badges, rank advancement through First Class, Life, and Eagle Scout ranks, leadership development, and access to high adventure bases and summer camp.
• Venturing Coeducational program for young adults ages 14-20 focused on adventure, leadership, service, and personal growth with self-directed programming and Venturing awards.
• Sea Scouts Program focused on maritime activities including sailing, rowing, powerboating, and nautical skills. Youth develop seamanship, water safety, and boat handling abilities through ship-based programming.
• Exploring Career exploration program connecting youth with business and community professionals through mentorship, workplace interactions, and hands-on experiences in potential career fields.
• Resident Summer Camp Overnight summer camp programs at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation including Cub Scout Summer Day Camp, Cub Scout Camp, Family Adventure Camp, and Scouts BSA Camp week-long sessions.
• Sinquefield Invention Campus State-of-the-art maker space at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation featuring hi-tech equipment including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC routers, embroidery machines, welding, metalworking stations, computer lab, and skills/trades training. The only Sinquefield Invention Campus in the BSA network.
• Scouting Adventure Center Programs and day camp facility in Columbia, MO offering various Scouting programs, day camps, merit badge courses, and training programs to youth participants.
• High Adventure Programs Extended wilderness adventure experiences including National Jamboree, Northern Tier, Philmont, Sea Base, and Summit high adventure bases.
• Training Programs Leadership and skill training including NYLT (National Youth Leadership Training), Philmont Training Center, Wood Badge, and Youth Protection certification courses for adult and youth leaders.
• First Aid, CPR & AED Certification ECSI certification courses providing First Aid, CPR, and AED training at $35 per course, offered regularly throughout the year on a monthly schedule.
• Merit Badge Skill Centers Educational facilities and programs helping scouts earn merit badges in various subjects, including the Pathway to Eagle Merit Badge Series held monthly throughout the year.
• College Scholarship Partnerships Scholarship opportunities and partnerships with colleges to support Scouting members pursuing higher education.
• Facility & Equipment Rental Rental services for Scouting facilities and equipment at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation for chartered organizations, families, and external groups.
• Scout Shop Retail operation selling Scouting uniforms, literature, merit badge pamphlets, camping equipment, and supplies to members and the public.
• Camperships and Financial Aid

Quantifiable outcome

• Scouts are more likely to embrace positive social values compared to non-Scouts
• +2 more outcomes

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Scouting America (National Organization)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational parent organization providing program standards, curriculum, insurance, Youth Protection policies, membership systems (My.Scouting, Scout Book, Internet Advancement), high adventure bases, and governance framework. The council operates under the Scouting America national charter with local council autonomy for program delivery.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• 4-H (National 4-H Council): Major U.S. youth development organization delivered through land-grant university extension system with clubs, camps, and project-based learning. Competes for the same youth/family time and county-level chartered organization infrastructure across Missouri.
• YMCA of the USA: National youth/family services nonprofit operating resident camps (e.g., YMCA of the Ozarks), swim/sports programs, and after-school care. Overlaps with Great Rivers Council on summer camp and youth programming in Missouri markets.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National youth development nonprofit providing after-school programs, sports, leadership, and summer camps through local affiliate clubs. Competes for youth participation time and donor dollars across the same Missouri communities.
• Scouting America (National Organization): National parent organization that charters the Great Rivers Council and provides curriculum, insurance, membership systems, and high-adventure bases. The council is operationally a franchisee of this national body, sharing program DNA but without independent competitive positioning.
• Girl Scouts of the USA (national): National counterpart to BSA delivering girl-focused youth development, summer camps, badge/award programs, and cookie-based fundraising across the U.S. — overlapping charter organization distribution model and camp-based programming, though historically gender-segregated.

Direct peers

• Camp Fire (formerly Camp Fire Boys and Girls): Inclusive coed youth development organization offering camp, club, and after-school programs nationally. Direct programmatic peer for camping, character development, and family-based youth engagement.
• Boy Scouts of America Heart of America Council: Adjacent BSA local council serving Kansas City and central Missouri regions. Operates identical Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring programs with its own Scout reservation, summer camp, and merit badge programming — direct geographic and programmatic peer.
• Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri: Direct competitor for youth development memberships in the same Missouri service area. Offers age-based programs (Daisies through Ambassadors), summer camp, cookie fundraising, and troop-based delivery — the principal parallel youth development organization competing for the same families.
• Boy Scouts of America Ozark Trails Council: Neighboring BSA council serving southwest Missouri. Provides the same Scouting America programs (Cub Scouts through Venturing), operates summer camp facilities, and runs merit badge programming — directly comparable local council peer operating in overlapping Missouri geography.

Emerging players

• Civil Air Patrol: U.S. Air Force Auxiliary providing cadet programs (ages 12-20) focused on aerospace education, leadership, and emergency services. Comparable youth character/leadership development model with structured advancement, though narrower program scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GRC_Scouting
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@greatriversscouting
• Facebookfacebook.com/greatriversscouting
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greatriversscouting
• Instagraminstagram.com/greatriversscouting

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Boy Scouts of America Great Rivers Council