Author: Mike Matzinger
Scouts across the country are diving into summer camp adventures—and in St. Joseph, Missouri, that experience now includes innovation, invention, and high-tech learning thanks to a Scouting America alum.
At Camp Geiger, a nearly 100-year summer tradition hosted by the Pony Express Council, Scouts from over 15 states are doing more than just hiking and campfires this year—they’re becoming inventors.
Thanks to a generous $30,000 gift from Camp Geiger alumnus and nuclear physicist Dr. Rob Duncan (Texas Tech), the first-ever Invention Scouts Program has launched, offering Scouts hands-on experience with 3D printing, modeling, drone piloting, laser cutters, and real-world STEM problem solving.
“This makes us only the second program in the country like this,” said Dr. Ryan Maderak of Benedictine College. “It’s not changing Scouting—it’s enhancing it.”
One highlight? Scouts designed and 3D-modeled bridges, which were then stress-tested. One design held over 100 pounds—a serious feat of youth engineering.
This is more than just a summer novelty. It’s a gateway to year-round opportunities like the upcoming 21st Century Scouting Academy at Benedictine College (Oct. 4), which will offer STEM-focused merit badges taught by college faculty.
Scouting continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. And this program shows just how bright the future can be—for both our Scouts and the world they’ll help build.
