The Sinquefield Invention Campus at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation

Sinquefield Invention Campus

“Our mission is to facilitate hands-on education and invention of new ideas and technologies while utilizing problem-solving skills, creativity and imagination in a team environment.”

The Sinquefield Invention Campus is a world-class makerspace and STEM education facility located at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation. The Great Rivers Council was the first BSA council to own and operate an Invention Lab, and the campus has grown to include four specialized buildings serving Scouts and community members year-round.

Our Buildings

Inside the Sinquefield Invention Lab at Lake of the Ozarks Scout Reservation

Invention Lab

A 6,000 sq ft makerspace emphasizing technology and innovation. Equipment includes laser engravers, 3D printers, computerized embroidery machines, laptop computers, Scan-n-Cut machines, littleBits kits, and soldering stations.

Scout building a project with power tools in the Program Building woodworking shop

Program Building

Complete woodworking shop with hand and power tools plus a 5×8 ft CNC Router. Scouts learn wood carving, woodworking, and design-to-fabrication skills.

Inside the Sinquefield Metalworking Building with forges and anvils

Metalworking Building

Full blacksmithing and welding facility with six forges, a power hammer, knife sanders, and multiple welders. Scouts learn traditional and modern metalworking techniques.

Equipment inside the Sinquefield Invention Campus

Skills & Trades Building

Opened spring 2023, this building focuses on trades including electricity and electronics, plumbing, automotive maintenance, and sheet metal operations.

Merit Badges & Programs

The Sinquefield Invention Campus offers instruction in over 19 merit badges spanning technology, trades, and creative arts:

  • Inventing
  • Game Design
  • Engineering
  • Sustainability
  • Digital Technology
  • Radio
  • Photography
  • Movie Making
  • Graphic Arts
  • Sculpturing
  • Model Design & Building
  • Chess
  • Salesmanship
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Woodcarving
  • Woodworking
  • Metalworking
  • Blacksmithing
  • Nuclear Science

Additionally, the campus hosts the iLab program for hands-on training with cutting-edge technology, plus Adult iLab sessions for adult participants.

Summer Programs

During the seven-week summer season, the campus serves all scouting levels with merit badge instruction and the iLab program for hands-on training with cutting-edge technology. Adult iLab programs are also available.

Off-Season Programs

Scheduled Invention and Merit Badge Workshops are offered in spring and fall for Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Explorers. Invention-NOVA Family Camp weekends are available for Cub Scouts and their families.

Invention Scouts

Invention Scouts is a coeducational program for ages 11–21 — no prior Scouting experience required. Participants explore invention, design, and making through hands-on projects at the campus and beyond. Learn more at inventionscouts.org.

The council also operates two mobile Invention Labs that bring makerspace technology to communities across the Great Rivers Council territory for events, workshops, and outreach programs.

History

The Sinquefield Invention Campus was inspired in 2012 when three scouters invented Chess2Go. Dr. Jeanne Sinquefield created the program to foster innovation among young people. The Great Rivers Council became the first BSA council to own and operate an Invention Lab, and the Invention Scouts program operates as a coeducational pilot program for ages 11–21.

Contact

Travis Campbell — Invention Scouts & Labs
Phone: 573-449-2561 x210 | Email: travis.campbell@scouting.org