Shippey Camporee Field

For Boy Scouts of America (BSA) units across Missouri, the opportunity to gather in large numbers for events like camporees is a cornerstone of the Scouting experience, fostering camaraderie, competition, and skill development. When such grand-scale events are on the agenda, Shippey Camporee Field, nestled within the expansive Beaumont Scout Reservation in High Ridge, Missouri, emerges as a premier destination. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Shippey Camporee Field, highlighting its purpose, features, and suitability for local BSA units looking to host or attend significant outdoor Scouting events.

It is crucial to understand from the outset that Shippey Camporee Field, like the broader Beaumont Scout Reservation, is a private facility. Its access is exclusively granted to registered BSA units with prior reservations. This dedicated usage ensures that the field and its surrounding infrastructure are perfectly aligned with the needs and safety protocols of large-scale Scouting activities. For Missouri's Scouting leaders, volunteers, and participants, knowing the specifics of such a vital local resource is invaluable for planning impactful and memorable events.

Reviews from actual users affirm its role as a "Camporee field," indicating its suitability for large gatherings and the "great time" experienced by attendees. The mention of "horse puckey" also provides a touch of authentic rustic reality, reminding users that this is indeed an active outdoor environment. We will delve into Shippey Camporee Field's strategic location, the services it supports for its specific user base, and the features that make it an ideal venue for significant Scouting events in the heart of Missouri.

Shippey Camporee Field is located within the extensive Beaumont Scout Reservation, with its address listed as High Ridge, MO 63049, USA. The broader address for Beaumont Scout Reservation is 6480 Beaumont Reservation Dr, High Ridge, MO 63049, USA. This location in Jefferson County places Shippey Field within convenient reach for BSA units originating from various parts of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding Missouri counties.

The accessibility of Beaumont Scout Reservation, and by extension Shippey Camporee Field, is a significant advantage. The reservation is easily accessed directly off Interstate 44 (I-44) at the Beaumont-Antire Road exit (Exit 269). This direct interstate connection simplifies travel logistics for large groups, making it straightforward for vehicles transporting gear and participants from areas like St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, and beyond. Efficient travel is particularly important for major events like conclaves and camporees, where many units converge.

Once inside the 2,400-acre Beaumont Scout Reservation, internal roads and clear signage guide visitors to specific areas, including the various camporee fields. Shippey is identified as one of four large "camporee" fields designed to accommodate numerous units simultaneously. The layout of these fields is structured to manage large gatherings effectively, with guidance provided to ensure vehicles stay along roadways and do not drive directly into the middle of the open fields, thus preserving the ground for camping and activities.

As a key component of the private Beaumont Scout Reservation dedicated to BSA units, Shippey Camporee Field supports a range of services tailored for large-scale outdoor Scouting events. These services are designed to facilitate efficient organization and robust programming for numerous participants. The core services typically include:

• Large-Scale Event Space: Shippey Field is one of the designated "camporee" fields, specifically designed to accommodate numerous Scouting units simultaneously for large events like Spring Conclaves, Fall Camporees, and other council-wide or district-wide gatherings. Its vast open space is ideal for mass camping, opening and closing ceremonies, and large group activities.

• Water Access: Like other major camping areas within Beaumont, Shippey Camporee Field is equipped with water spigots to provide units with access to potable water. It's important to note that water availability may be seasonal, typically during warmer months (April 15 to October 15) when temperatures are consistently above freezing.

• Latrine Facilities: The camporee fields, including Shippey, are provided with outdoor pit toilet facilities to serve the needs of large groups. While basic, these facilities are essential for sanitation during major events. For more developed facilities, some areas of the reservation may offer flushing toilets, which might be a short walk away, depending on the specific location within the large field.

• Designated Camping Zones: Even within a large open field, specific areas or zones may be informally or formally designated for different units, allowing for organized pitching of tents and unit-specific activities.

• Access to Broader Reservation Facilities: Units camping at Shippey Field benefit from access to the vast array of program areas and facilities across the entire 2,400-acre Beaumont Scout Reservation. These can include:

  • Climbing Tower and Challenge Courses
  • Mud Cave Exploration (seasonal, with reservation)
  • Shooting Ranges (Archery, BB Gun, Rifle, Shotgun)
  • Equestrian Programs and Horse Barn
  • Miles of marked hiking trails, including the "Shippey Color Trails" which likely originate or pass near the field.
  • Orienteering courses
  • Central administration buildings, camp offices, and trading posts for supplies and support.

• Camp Management and Event Support: The Greater St. Louis Area Council staff provides oversight and logistical support for major events held at Shippey, assisting unit leaders with planning and execution to ensure a smooth and safe experience.

Shippey Camporee Field, as a core part of the Beaumont Scout Reservation, offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it highly suitable for its intended purpose:

• Vast Open Space: As a designated "Camporee Field," Shippey offers extensive open, flat terrain. This is ideal for accommodating a large number of tents, conducting wide-ranging group activities, parade formations, opening and closing ceremonies, and various Scouting competitions that require significant space.

• Dedicated for Large Scouting Events: The field's primary highlight is its design and purpose for major Scouting events like the "Spring Conclave" and "Fall Camporee." This specialization means the area is equipped to handle the logistics of numerous units, ensuring a focused and immersive environment for large-scale Scouting programs.

• Integration with Horse Programs: The mention of "horse puckey" in a review, while humorous, hints at the field's proximity or use in conjunction with the Nagel Horse Programs area of Beaumont. This suggests potential opportunities for units to integrate equestrian activities into their camporee experience, adding a unique dimension to their outdoor program.

• Access to Extensive Trail Network: Beaumont Scout Reservation is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, including the "Shippey Color Trails (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow)." This strongly suggests that Shippey Camporee Field serves as a gateway or central point for accessing a variety of scenic and challenging hikes, enhancing the outdoor adventure aspect of any camporee.

• Well-Managed Private Facility: As part of the Greater St. Louis Area Council's property, Shippey Field is part of a well-maintained and managed private facility. This provides a secure and controlled environment for youth activities, with staff and resources dedicated to supporting the BSA's mission.

As a private facility operated by the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Shippey Camporee Field does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. Instead, its value is inherent in its role as a dedicated venue for Scouting events.

Access to Shippey Camporee Field is part of the broader program offerings and fee structures set by the Greater St. Louis Area Council for its registered BSA units. Event fees for large gatherings like camporees or conclaves held at Shippey Field are typically communicated directly to unit leaders through council announcements, event guides, and the official registration portal.

For information on upcoming events scheduled at Shippey Camporee Field, applicable registration fees, and reservation procedures, unit leaders should always consult the official website of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America (stlbsa.org). Any early bird registration discounts or special package rates for specific events will be clearly outlined in their official event announcements.

For all inquiries regarding Shippey Camporee Field and reservations for events within the Beaumont Scout Reservation, BSA unit leaders and members should direct their communication to the Greater St. Louis Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.

Address:
Shippey Camporee Field at Beaumont Scout Reservation
6480 Beaumont Reservation Dr
High Ridge, MO 63049, USA

General Contact for Beaumont Scout Reservation (Greater St. Louis Area Council):
While there isn't a direct phone number solely for Shippey Camporee Field, you can contact the main office of the Greater St. Louis Area Council, which manages Beaumont Scout Reservation.

• Greater St. Louis Area Council Main Number: (314) 361-0600

• Beaumont Scout Reservation Direct Line (often for Ranger Station or specific event support): (636) 938-5444

• Email for Camping Department Inquiries: camping@stlbsa.org (as seen in related information for other Beaumont campsites)

It is highly recommended to visit the official Greater St. Louis Area Council's website for the most current contact information, event schedules, and reservation policies.

For Missouri locals, especially those deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America, Shippey Camporee Field at Beaumont Scout Reservation stands as an ideal and highly suitable venue for large-scale outdoor gatherings and events. Its strategic location in High Ridge, with convenient access directly off I-44, minimizes travel burdens for units converging from various parts of the state, ensuring that more time can be dedicated to program activities rather than transit.

The core suitability of Shippey Camporee Field lies in its design as a "camporee field." This vast, open space is specifically engineered to accommodate numerous Scouting units, providing ample room for mass camping, grand ceremonies, and large-group games and competitions. This dedicated purpose ensures that the field is managed to support the unique logistical demands of major Scouting events, from providing essential water and latrine facilities to ensuring overall safety and organization. The explicit mention of it being a "Camporee field" by users underscores its reputation as a go-to location for these significant annual events.

Furthermore, being an integral part of the 2,400-acre Beaumont Scout Reservation means that units utilizing Shippey Field gain access to an unparalleled array of supplementary programs and facilities. From challenging high adventure activities like climbing and caving to specialized shooting sports and an extensive network of hiking trails (including the "Shippey Color Trails" themselves), the opportunities for diverse and enriching Scouting experiences are vast. The presence of horse programs also adds a unique potential dimension to events held here. For any local BSA unit in Missouri planning a major campout, a district or council camporee, or any large-scale outdoor gathering, Shippey Camporee Field offers not just a space, but a fully supported, purpose-built environment designed to create impactful and unforgettable Scouting memories in the heart of Missouri.