STEM Center at Beaumont Scout Reservation

Engaging a new generation in STEM learning

 

The Boy Scouts of America, Greater St. Louis Area Council provides educational and leadership programs that build character, instill values and prepare Scouts for future success. One such program is the STEM initiative which gives Scouts the opportunity to explore STEM-related concepts and learn how STEM knowledge is used in everyday life and the professional world.

The new STEM Center, designed by Hastings+Chivetta, will be located at the Beaumont Scout Reservation which is situated on 2,400 acres of wooded, rolling hills in southwestern St. Louis County, MO. The 4,500 SF facility will provide a space for youth to explore new interests in a variety of program areas, build creativity with hands-on projects and practice collaborative problem solving using the newest available technologies.

Elements in the new Center include a Science Lab focused on chemistry, biology and physics where Scouts can conduct experiments and understand scientific theories. The garage will have welding stations with plasma cutters and a car lift which will help youth develop skills in welding and automotive maintenance. A Woodshop will allow Scouts to work with trained adults on different machines such as a table saw, jointer and lathes to create their own projects. The Design Studio will be a flexible and adaptable classroom space that also incorporates STEM concepts into the visual arts with pottery, sculpture, 3D printing, sewing and more. Scouts will also be able to learn computer-based concepts in the new Center such as coding, cyber-security, video-game design and CAD programming for engineering projects. A welcome area with registration desk, staff offices and lunch room will also be included in the facility along with a comfortable, centralized Collaborative Lounge for gathering, collaborative work and casual learning. An Outdoor Learning Deck can be used to hold an outdoor class, as an outdoor classroom or as an observation deck to the lake below.

The new STEM Center will host workshops, STEM events such as robotic days and STEM activities at camps for Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Venturers. It will also be available for use by outside groups such as area schools for field trips.