As part of the national park system, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and scouting naturally go together. Here, your troop can earn badges as they learn about St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, the abolition of slavery, and more.
Register your troop for a variety of free programs and workshops offered by Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and led by National Park Service rangers. For reservations, call (877) 982-1410.
Troop leaders can make reservations for the programs below year-round with at least 30 days’ notice. Approximately 50 minutes in length, each program highlights a different, age-appropriate theme. A minimum of six scouts is required, with a maximum of 30 scouts. If possible, we will place groups with less than six scouts with another group.
At the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse, Boy Scouts can learn about history through a variety of age-appropriate topics, such as:
These Boy Scout programs include activity guides for leaders and will help Boy Scouts fulfill requirements for arrow points, achievements and badges.
Girl Scouts can learn about history through a variety of age-appropriate topics, including:
These Girl Scout programs include activity guides for leaders and can help Girl Scouts fulfill requirements for earning badges.
Scouts investigate the judicial system and reenact trials in historic courtrooms at the Old Courthouse. Maximum capacity is 60 scouts.
2018 workshops: 9:00am–1:00pm
Wednesday, June 6, 2018 | Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Scouts travel from St. Louis, Missouri to Springfield, Illinois via Amtrak. Staff members from Jefferson National Expansion Memorial will accompany your group. Please note this workshop requires a fee. Maximum capacity is 25 scouts.
2018 workshops: 6:00am–3:00pm
Saturday, March 3, 2018 | Tuesday, June 5, 2018 | Wednesday, June 13, 2018 | Thursday, August 2, 2018 | Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Explore the history of St. Louis at the Old Courthouse and learn about the important role this river city played in the development of our nation. Afterward, take a cruise on the Mississippi River aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch and experience the river firsthand. Please note that this workshop requires a fee. Maximum capacity is 25 scouts.
2018 workshops: 9:00am–1:00pm
Thursday, June 7, 2018 | Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Scouts learn the arts of debating and compromising during this workshop held at the Old Courthouse. Maximum capacity is 25 scouts.
2018 workshops: 9:00am–2:30pm
Monday, June 11, 2018 | Monday, August 6, 2018
Scouts can improve their abilities to connect with people by learning the skills of public speaking. They’ll even get the opportunity to “perform” at the Old Courthouse. Maximum capacity is 25 scouts.
2018 workshops:
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 | Tuesday, August 7, 2018
A Jefferson National Expansion Memorial patch may be purchased upon completion of a park scout program. Please find more details about scouting activities, including admission to other attractions on the Gateway Arch grounds, at the resources below. For additional group activities, visit our Educators section.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of all ages can participate in educational and/or volunteer service projects at national park sites. Scouts can explore the national parks and learn more about protecting our natural and cultural resources. Through this program, scouts can earn participation certificates and/or patches. For more information, call Jefferson National Expansion Memorial at (314) 655-1635 or visit the National Park Service website.
Unless otherwise noted, scout programs and workshops are free. The Gateway Arch will waive the $3 national park entrance fee for bona fide educational groups. Contact the Call Center at (877) 982-1410 to make your group reservations for educational programs and activities at the Arch grounds. Please Note: Due to space availability, we cannot accept email or voicemail reservations for scout programs or workshops.
Find more group information here or fill out the Group Inquiry Form below, and a sales agent will contact you.
You are invited to use the following educational resources to enrich your group’s learning experience.
Guidebooks for pre- and post-visit lessons and activities, trial guides, scripts, and more are available for download here.
If you cannot travel to the Gateway Arch for a visit, bring “hands-on” history to your troop meeting. Find a list of trunk topics and information on reserving a trunk here. Trunks are available for a period of two weeks. Call (314) 655-1635 to inquire about pricing or to reserve.
Each year the education department hosts educator workshops. The education department can also help schools develop and facilitate workshops for their teachers. View a list of topics or to learn more, please call (314) 655-1635.
Troop leaders may borrow DVDs related to westward expansion and the Gateway Arch for off-site use. Find a list of available titles here. Call (314) 655-1635 to reserve.