STEM University- NEW DATE!
At STEM University, Scouts can visit a University, work with experts and professors, and participate in fun, hands-on educational activities while working towards STEM-based advancements and NOVA Awards. Click here to register for an upcoming event .
  • January 5 at Southeast Missouri State University (registration closes Dec. 30)
  • February 16 at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale (previously scheduled for Feb. 23)
NYLT Registration Open
National Youth Leadership Training is a six-day outdoor training course that improves and strengthens leadership skills. Land-based and pack and paddle courses are available. Register here .
University of Scouting
Class is back in session Jan. 26 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This training event is open to all adults, as well as Scouts. Many required BSA trainings are offered, as well as a variety of supplemental courses that can help you deliver an outstanding program. Click here to view the class catalog or register.
Camp Card Sale
The 2019 Camp Card sale runs Feb. 8-April 5. Sign up for your cards now . Scouts can sell the cards, loaded with discounts at area businesses, to earn money that can be used for summer camp, equipment, registration fees, or other Scouting activities. The program is risk free as all unsold cards can be returned before April 5 without penalty. Each card sells for $10 which means Scouts keep $5 for every card sold.
*Order by Jan. 18 to receive cards at February roundtables.
Welcome Lincoln Trails Council
The Greater St. Louis Area Council and Lincoln Trails Council, headquartered in Decatur, IL, will merge to form one unified council effective January 1, 2019 . The merger decision was approved by a vote of each council’s voting membership last September. The newly merged council, which will retain the Greater St. Louis Area Council name, will serve nearly 69,000 youth throughout 63 counties in Missouri and Illinois.
Cub Scout Camp Placemats
Add some fun to your Blue & Gold banquets with our FREE Cub Scout camp placemats! These colorful pieces provide families with dates and locations for all of our summer camp offerings. Order your placemats here .
STEMtastic Training
Join us for this inaugural event, Jan. 11-13 at Beaumont Scout Reservation, led by the National STEM in Scouting Committee. Participants will learn about STEM in Scouting and the BSA Nova program, becoming a trained counselor and mentor, assisting Scouts with STEM awards, and hands-on experience performing experiments and demonstrations. Register now .
Did You Miss Summer Camp Staff Interviews?
If you or someone you know would like to work on camp staff this summer but missed the interview dates, contact the camping department at camping@stlbsa.org . We will continue to accept applications and schedule interviews throughout the month of January. Learn more and find the staff application here .
Get A Sneak Peek Of Summer Camp
Camp Expo is a free mini-day of Cub Scout day camp at Beaumont Scout Reservation on Sunday, March 3 from 12—3 p.m. Adults will learn all about our Cub Scout camping options this summer for your family or unit while kids can participate in activities such as shooting sports, STEM experiments, crafts, games and much more. Click here to register for this free event.
Wood Badge Informational Dinner
Have you ever thought about attending Wood Badge? Learn more about this advanced training for adult leaders during an informational dinner at Beaumont Scout Reservation on Feb. 25. The Wood Badge program gives adult leaders a guided tour through the entire Scouting program. In the end, this course will not only help graduates lead more successful units, but they’ll learn tools that can be applied in life, family and work.
Cub Scout Summer Camp
Cub Scout summer camp registration is live! Scouts will find adventure in the outdoors while learning and advancing through the Cub Scout program. Click here to learn more and register.
Kodiak Challenge- New in 2019!
Kodiak is designed to be an adventure that pushes the boundaries of every participant. You'll complete leadership trainings as a part of the high adventure activities at Swift Base, such as rock climbing, rappelling, challenge course, mountain biking, and water skiing. Every group will have different experiences based on its preferences. It is an experience that has its underpinnings in the application of leadership skills learned in ILSC, ILST, NYLT, and/or NALYE. All participant must be at least 14 years old or 13 and completed 8th grade by the start of the course. Attend individually or as a troop or crew.  Register here .
Board of Review Dates for Ad Altare Dei 
Scouts working on their Ad Altare Dei religious emblem can check their progress at a board of review at the Cardinal Rigali Center on Jan. 6 from 1-3 p.m. or Jan. 9 from 7-9 p.m. Scouts should be in uniform and bring their workbook and all project-related materials along with the completed application and a check for $14.50 to purchase the emblem or $16 for the combo package.
Special Needs Awareness Training
This new training offers something for all ages. Adults will hear from professionals in the fields of Special Needs and Education to learn how to provide the best services for every Scout. There will also be educational activities for Cub Scouts and Disabilities Awareness Merit Badge for Boy Scouts. Training takes place at Camp Warren Levis on April 6 .
Position-Specific Training Updates
Position-specific training courses for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are being updated and will be available January 2, 2019. Any progress on current training materials will not carry over to the new learning plan so be sure to complete any in-progress training before December 31, 2018. Visit scouting.org/training .
Catholic Adventure Week
Back in 2019 is Catholic Adventure Week! The Council’s Catholic Committee is providing a great faith-based program at Camp Famous Eagle where Scouts can enjoy all the traditional aspects that the Ranch has to offer, including water sports on Nim’s Lake, rock climbing and rappelling, horseback riding, and a wide range of merit badge opportunities. Attend individually or as a troop. Reserve your spot today!
New St. Louis Scout Shop Hours
Beginning Jan. 1, the St. Louis Scout Shop, located inside the MacArthur Service Center, will no longer be open on Saturdays. Their operating hours will be Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. For additional Scout Shop locations and hours, visit the Scout Shop page .
Holiday Hours
All service centers will be closed Dec. 31 & Jan. 1.
ICYMI: Update For Volunteers
By now many of you may have seen the articles in the  Wall Street Journal  and other publications regarding the Boy Scouts of America weighing filing for bankruptcy. Please read this letter from Scout Executive Ronald Green where he clarifies some key points including that the Greater St. Louis Area Council remains in strong financial condition.
New Scout Shop Items
Check out the new line of accessories and home items that just arrived in the Scout Shop! Visit a location near you for these and other Scouting items such as uniforms, awards, and outdoor equipment.
Merit Badge Skill Centers
Veterinary Medicine - Jan. 4 or Feb. 18 | Truck Transportation - Jan. 12 | American Labor - Feb. 9 | Scuba Diving - Feb. 19 | Personal Fitness - March 2 | Railroading - March 2
Greater St. Louis Area Council | 314-361-0600 | stlbsa.org