Camp Geiger debuts all-new invention scouts program, one of the first in the nation

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Scouts from St. Joseph and more than a dozen states became some of the first in the nation to participate in an all-new STEM-based invention program launched in St. Joseph.

Every summer, scouts from 15 different states call Camp Geiger "home" for multi-week scouting sessions that last from June to July, a near century-long tradition.

The camp is located just north of St. Joseph off Interstate 229 and next to the Missouri River.

This summer, scouts are getting the chance to develop and grow their skills as innovators, part of the first ever Invention Scouts Program launched by the local Pony Express Council thanks to a $30,000 donation from former Camp Geiger scout and now nuclear physicist Rob Duncan, a leading Texas Tech physics professor with more than 50 patents to his name.

"This makes us only the second program in the country like this. And what an exciting opportunity for these scouts to really be the first generation to experience it," said Dr. Ryan Maderak, director of Benedictine College’s astronomy major and a top advisor for Invention Scouts. "It's not changing scouting. It's just enhancing it.”

Scouts have been work hands on with a wide range of new technology like 3D modeling software, printers, laser cutters, and other equipment.

One competitive project saw scouts design and then build bridges using 3D modeling software. Bridges were then stress-tested against other designs. One of the top-ranked bridges held upwards of 100 pounds, a notable achievement.

“I think the really fantastic part about it is it's giving a new spin to scouting as a whole," said Maven Vette, an Eagle Scout and sophomore at Missouri S&T who's helping teach the new class. "Having this program is giving camp an opportunity to adapt to the growing world."

Another new-age project involves learning to fly and maneuver drones, which are now used in a variety of industries including agriculture, construction and engineering.

Vette envisions a wide range of new merit badges becoming available thanks to the new program, creating new benchmarks for growth and achievement in the world of science.

"If they get the perspective of I can design things myself, I can problem solve myself, I can make things myself, then that everyday experience will just further influence how they think and I think that's a big perspective change in their lives," said Vette, who's pursuing a mechanical engineering major with a minor in Biomedical Engineering.

One eager scout in attendance for the debut program was 16-year-old Sean Hidy with Troop 60 out of Savannah, Missouri.

"I thought it was pretty cool," said Hidy. (It'll) teach me how to do it in the future, too, if I want to continue."

Over the last several months, Duncan, Maderak and longtime Pony Express Council members Bill McMurray and Ed Stroud have worked to bring the program to life.

Maderak and others see it as a huge opportunity to expand upon the well-known and foundational components of Scouting like camping, cooking, nature study, swimming and hiking, among others. Camp Geiger has already been incorporating areas of focus like electricity, plumbing, welding and hydraulics over the years.

"I got my start teaching astronomy out here at Scout camp … To see it all come together is amazing," said Maderak. "Connecting with these kids and giving them the spark has always been a big part of what motivates me in my career. That light bulb that goes off. We want to open up the possibilities for these kids.”

Once camp concludes, the hope now is that scouts take those newfound skills and apply them to everyday life, whether as a hobby or as a potential career.

Maderak wants to ensure scouts have that opportunity by offering similar programs year-round, starting with a 21st Century Scouting Academy at Benedictine College on Saturday, Oct. 4.

"We'll be offering a full slate of STEM-focused merit badges to continue to build on this enthusiasm and give those kids some, some opportunities to get instruction from experts in their field," Maderak said. "Our faculty will be teaching and are very enthusiastic about this."

Information for 21st Century Scouting will be published on the Pony Express Council's website by the first week of July. A full schedule and registration will also open by the first week of August.