Adventure Awaits
Welcome to Great Rivers Council
Boy Scouts of America has been shaping the youth of America for more than a century. Discover everything Scouting has in store for you!
Headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, Great Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America serves the youth and adult volunteers in 33 counties in central and northern Missouri. 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.
The Great Rivers Council is home to Invention Scouts and the only Sinquefield Invention Campus in the Boy Scouts of America. Our Invention Campus provides access hi-tech equipment, computer lab, 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC routers, embroidery machines, Scan-n-Cut machines, welding, metalworking, and more.
Upcoming Events & Resources
When: Thursday, July 14th, 2022 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Where: Scouting Adventure Center (6081 W Van Horn Tavern Rd) Columbia, MO 65203
When: Tuesday, July 26th, 2022 from 6:30pm-8pm
Where: Virtual thru Zoom
After an extensive search process, the Great Rivers Council is excited to announce, Tonya Dobbins will join our team as our Assistant Scout Executive starting May 15. Her responsibilities will include field operations, unit service, membership/recruitment initiatives, community engagement and awareness, product sales, and support for the council program and summer camp teams.
Tonya most recently served as a Field Director in the National Capital Area Council in Bethesda, prior stops were in the Dan Beard Council (Cincinnati), and Southwest Florida Council (Fort Myers). She has expertise in successful field operations, membership recruitment, and fundraising among other achievements.
Tonya has over 17 years of volunteer experience in Scouting in various unit, district, and council level positions; District Day Camp Director, Pack Committee Chairman, Pack Trainer, Cubmaster, Webelos Den Leader, Troop Committee Chairman, Venturing Crew Advisor, National Jamboree Staff Member and Learning for Life Finance Board Member.
She is a native of Ohio where she started her career in the banking industry. After nine years in the banking industry, she decided to make a change into the nonprofit sector. Moving from Ohio to Florida, Tonya volunteered with several nonprofit agencies, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, Boy Scouts of America, and Gateway Church.
She is a member of the Order of the Arrow, is Wood Badge trained, has trekked Philmont and experienced Sea Base.
In her spare time, she enjoys visiting with her two sons and three grandchildren: Bobby, lives in Florida with his family. Alex, lives in Maryland. She also enjoys volunteering and attending church, traveling, sports, suspense movies and books.
The Scouting Programs
Our Mission
The mission of the Boy Scouts of 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
The BSA 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!Stay Informed
The Great Rivers Council is generously supported by United Way of Northeast Missouri, United Way of Audrain County, United Way of Central Missouri (Jefferson City & Lake), and Sedalia-Pettis County United Way.