"The University, from its leadership of Dr. Carlos Vargas, Dr. Bruce Skinner, Kevin McMeel and other SEMO staff, have provided enhanced experiences for youth in southern Missouri and Illinois that the Scout Council could not have done without this impactful partnership,” said Thomas Kroenung, Director of Program Development with the BSA.  

The Greater St. Louis Area Council of the BSA is one of the top five largest BSA councils in the country. The Council awarded Southeast with the Cosmos Award, the highest award the council can bestow on an individual or organization, during their recent Einstein Recognition Dinner held on Nov. 11, 2022, at The Magic House in St. Louis, Missouri.  

The award comes as Southeast has been associated with the BSA for over half a century, beginning with the creation of Merit Badge University. The Merit Badge University is a single-day event held with local school districts in Dempster Hall on Southeast’s campus that allows Scouts who participate to earn merit badges.  

Merit badges are a specific set of skills or knowledge that Scouts must demonstrate to progress in rank. While Merit Badge University was the introduction between Southeast and the BSA, the organizations strengthened their relationship nine years ago when they again partnered to create STEM on Campus, a camp for scouts that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math.  

“STEM on Campus was the first of its kind in the nation and was a partnership between the Council and the University with a focus on STEM merit badges,” said Bruce Skinner, associate vice president of student life at Southeast. 

While most badges can be earned on their own, there are others that require the help of professionals such as the instructors found at Southeast. It’s this opportunity that is perhaps the most beneficial for the Scouts who choose to attend the camp.  

“This is a great chance to earn merit badges that can be difficult to earn like composite materials, chemistry and welding. Those aren’t badges you can earn on your own and Scouts need programs like this where they have access to faculty and professionals who can teach them,” said Skinner.  

Southeast provides access to instructors and materials for the BSA. However, there is another component of the camp that makes it even more unique and helps it stand out among the rest. It’s taking place on a University campus.  

“When people think of a Boy Scout camp, they picture a tent that’s in the woods,” said Skinner. “But scouts attending STEM on Campus stay in the residence halls and have access to Wi-Fi, computer labs, campus dining and the rec center. “It allows us to give a different experience for scouts who are looking for something more than just the traditional camping for their camp over the summer.” 

Skinner says the University takes pride in helping Scouts achieve merit badges but also in helping them to experience life on a college campus.  

“As a University, we are proud of our relationship with Scouting and in particular the work to bring programs like Merit Badge University, and the first of its kind in the nation, STEM on Campus. As a University, we are very appreciative of the St. Louis area Council for recognizing the University with the Cosmos Award and look forward to our continued partnership in bringing STEM programs to the Scouts in our region.”