Camp Geiger (Boy Scouts)
Camp Geiger is a Boy Scout camp situated on the bluffs above the Missouri River, two miles northwest of St. Joseph, Missouri in Andrew County, Missouri. It is owned and operated by the Pony Express Council and serves as its primary summer camp facility.
Camp Geiger is one of only two Scout camps in the United States that uses The Tribe of Mic-O-Say for their honor camping society exclusively, rather than the Order of the Arrow. It is also notable as the birthplace of the Scouts' national Project COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience) program, which focuses on teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
History
The Origins of Camp Geiger
In December 1930, Dr. Charles Geiger, a local physician from St. Joseph, Missouri, generously donated his boyhood home to the Boy Scouts for use as a summer camp. The river bluff property, which Geiger had explored as a youth, soon became a cherished site for Scouts across northwest Missouri. Clearing and construction began promptly, with a dining hall and caretaker’s cabin built using native limestone from the area. A stream running through the camp was dammed to create a swimming hole, and a large bridge was constructed to span the ravine between the camp's main ridges. Canvas tents with wooden frames were used as living quarters.
Camp Geiger officially opened as the council's summer camp in July 1935. Its opening coincided with the construction of a new swimming pool, built high on the bluff overlooking the campgrounds. Over the next fifteen years, Camp Geiger became a beloved destination for Scouts from St. Joseph and the surrounding areas.
Geiger Expands in the 1950s
By the early 1950s, Camp Geiger's growing popularity had outpaced its original facilities. The council acquired additional land to the north, atop the higher river bluffs. This expansion marked the beginning of the "new Camp Geiger." In December 1950, Harry Block of St. Joseph donated the Block Memorial Training Center, which served as both a dining hall and off-season training facility.
Over the next decade, civic-minded organizations and individuals continued to support the camp’s development. Notable contributions included:
- Sol Hirsch Lodge – Headquarters and Trading Post, donated in 1954. Now used for housing.
- Handicraft Lodge – Donated by the St. Joseph News-Press/Gazette in 1954.
- Goetz Lodge – Dedicated in 1956, still used for housing today.
- Maryville Health Lodge – Constructed in 1965, now used for staff housing.
In 1971, after over 35 years of service, the original swimming pool was replaced with a new pool located on the camp’s northernmost property. This facility remains in use today, having undergone several renovations.
Project COPE and National Influence
In the late 1970s, Camp Geiger became the birthplace of Project COPE (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience), a program designed to develop teamwork, self-confidence, trust, and leadership among Scouts through physical and mental challenges. COPE was later adopted as a national program by the Boy Scouts of America and implemented in Scout camps across the country.
Further Expansion and Modernization
In 1989, the Pony Express Council purchased additional property adjacent to the camp’s entry road, known as "Chieftains’ Corner," through donations from members of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. On this land, two major facilities were constructed:
- Messick Dining Hall – Opened in 1992.
- Colonel Courtney F. Turner Headquarters & Health Lodge – Also opened in 1992.
In the early 2000s, Camp Geiger acquired former quarry land south of the original camp, providing a buffer zone against nearby development. In 2004, Richardson Lake was formed, and over the next few years, our impressive COPE course, climbing tower, and modern Archery and Rifle Range facilities were constructed.
In 2015, FEMA-rated storm shelters were installed at every campsite, ensuring Scouts' safety during severe weather events.
Scouts BSA Camping
Camp Geiger serves as the Pony Express Council’s primary Scouts BSA summer camp, offering week-long camping experiences and over 60 Merit Badges focusing on skill development, personal growth, and leadership. The camp also emphasizes open program opportunities where Scouts can explore additional activities at their own pace.
Beyond merit badges, Scouts can challenge themselves through high-adventure options such as the COPE course and climbing tower, Cowboy Action Shooting, and 21st Century Scouting.
Cub & Webelos Camping
Cub Scout and Webelos camps at Geiger focus on providing fun, age-appropriate programming that fosters a love for the outdoors and builds a foundation for future Scouting adventures. Activities often include archery, BB gun shooting, nature hikes, crafts, and water activities. Family participation is encouraged, creating opportunities for parents and Scouts to experience the camp together.
These programs are designed not only to introduce Cub Scouts to the excitement of camping but also to familiarize them with the traditions of Camp Geiger, setting the stage for their eventual transition into Scouts BSA.
Mic-O-Say
Camp Geiger is renowned for its exclusive use of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, a Scouting honor society founded by H. Roe Bartle in 1925 at the council’s previous summer camp, Camp Brinton. When Bartle was later transferred to Kansas City, Missouri, he established a second Mic-O-Say chapter at H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation. However, Camp Geiger remains unique in that it has never adopted the Order of the Arrow, maintaining Mic-O-Say as its sole honor society.
