Why Camp Geiger?

As I am writing, Fourth Session of Scouts BSA camp has ended. Next week is Webelos Weekend, followed by the sixth session and the end of the camping season at Camp Geiger.

Camp Geiger is the resident camp for the Pony Express Council, in St. Joseph, MO. What may not be known is that many troops that call Camp Geiger home are not local. In fact. more than half of the campers at Camp Geiger are out of council. The questions are how far out of council are they, and why do they choose this camp.

There is no question that Mic-O-Say is a significant draw for the camp. The honor camping program, nearing its century anniversary, is an important factor in the decision to go. It teaches the Scout Oath and Law in a unique manner that impresses those timeless values on youth, and adult leaders alike, and is a key reason that the retention rate for youth is so high in the Council, and  those troops that attend the camp. Mic-O-Say and Camp Geiger complement each other, and rely on each other to thrive. 

It is true that some troops come to Geiger not knowing about Mic-O-Say. And some do, and don't actively participate in it. One might ask, why do they come? A feature of this program is the retention, not only for those coming to camp, but especially the staff. Because of the advancement structure, youth come back not only until they are 18 and age out of the youth portion of Scouts BSA, but many well into their collegiate years and beyond. This brings experience to the Scouting program at camp. Instead of 13-15 year olds, which many camps have as their bread and butter staff, Camp Geiger doesn't even hire potential staff members until they are at least 14, and regular staff members usually 15 or older. Complementing the staff are many who are adult leaders in BSA, working summer camp while going to school. These serve as the leaders of the youth staff, providing guidance, and using the EDGE methods to teach the staff  to teach the campers.

They do this for a fraction of the salary that other camps pay.  But it doesn't stop there. 

In addition to this seasoned youth staff is a seasoned older adult staff, of which I am a part. Many are retired, and spend their summers providing necessary experience, in particular, for those young adults learning to lead. Some are educators outside of camp, bringing their job experience to bear, with some choosing the profession knowing that they can work on the staff in the summer! Most volunteer their time and talent, while some of us receive a small amount which is usually spent for supplies necessary to get the job done.

COPE started at Geiger, and Geiger has a very strong COPE program with excellent facilities. The Shooting Sports complex is also business class, and during the off season hosts a variety of groups coming for corporate and other events. Robidoux outpost is a new set of buildings housing handicraft and trades. And while the Dining Hall is not new, and sometimes seemingly small, the meal programs, and food are something that always receives VERY HIGH marks on surveys. Not something you would expect for Scout Camp fare. Add in a variety of goods and snacks at the Tradin' Post, and a new disk golf course this spring for extracurricular activities.

So, I think the WHY is covered. But who?

I drive past a scout camp every bit as large as Camp Geiger, every week on my way to and from camp. It used to have several sessions, but is more of a Cub Camp now, and for off season activities. Many that come to Geiger do a similar thing. Such as?

Large contingents from Nebraska call Geiger home. Not far, I know, but out of council. So do a number of Heart of America Council troops.

Troops from central Kansas, Arkansas and Iowa are regulars. That it? Not by a long shot.

Every year we have a visit from a large troop from Texas. An overnight bus ride is what it takes. A troop from Scott AFB near St. Louis also. 

How about Washington State? Absolutely! In the past from Illinois, but didn't see them this year. But this year, we did have a troop from North Syracuse, New York, that took the train to get to camp. And coming Sixth Session?

The British invasion, as a troop from the UK will be spending the week at Camp Geiger. We are very excited for this visit. 

A quick tour of the Dining Hall will show which states and countries have been represented over the years at Camp Geiger, a small camp with a great program just north of St. Joseph, MO. 

While the season is nearly over, if you are planning for next year, more information can be found at the Pony Express Council website

http://ponyexpressbsa.org/camping-and-activities/camp-geiger

What are you missing out on by not checking it out? Hope to see you soon! 

As an addendum, I am including the following video showing all the states and countries that have been represented at Camp Geiger. 


 


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