Scouting America Pavilion

Welcome to Scouting America Pavilion, a prominent feature of the expansive Gamehaven Scout Camp located just southeast of Rochester, Minnesota. For local Minnesotans, this facility represents far more than just a structure; it's a vibrant hub for youth development, community gatherings, and immersive outdoor experiences. While not a public campground in the traditional sense, the Pavilion and the broader Gamehaven Scout Camp offer exceptional opportunities for various groups, including Cub Scouts, other youth organizations, and even corporate or community retreats, to connect with nature and foster valuable skills.

The Scouting America Pavilion is a testament to the Gamehaven Council's long-standing mission of preparing young people for life by instilling values of the Scout Oath and Law. It serves as a central meeting and activity space within the larger 190-acre camp, which beautifully blends well-developed areas with more rustic wilderness. This versatility allows the camp to cater to a wide range of needs, from formal meetings to adventurous overnight stays. One of the key benefits is its ability to comfortably seat large groups, making it an ideal venue for a variety of gatherings.

Gamehaven Scout Camp, with the Pavilion as a key asset, is dedicated to providing "outdoor fun for everyone." It's a place where young people can explore beyond their everyday boundaries, try new things, build self-confidence, and develop crucial leadership skills. Even if you're not directly involved in a Scouting program, the camp facilities, including the Pavilion, are often available for rent, extending their positive impact to the wider Rochester community. This commitment to outdoor education and community engagement makes Scouting America Pavilion a valuable resource for fostering growth and memorable experiences in Minnesota.

The Scouting America Pavilion is located within the Gamehaven Scout Camp, whose primary address is 5015 Simpson Rd. SE, Rochester, MN 55904. The address provided as WHV9+25, Rochester, MN 55904 is a plus code, indicating a precise geographical location within the larger camp property, confirming its presence within the Gamehaven Scout Camp grounds. This location is conveniently situated approximately 5 miles southeast of downtown Rochester, Minnesota, making it highly accessible for residents of Rochester and the surrounding communities.

For Minnesotans, the camp's proximity to Rochester means that essentials are always within easy reach. As the Gamehaven Council highlights, the camp is "less than a five-minute drive from any major convenience needed." This allows for quick trips to a coffee shop like Caribou or stores like Target if "you forget something," providing a practical blend of serene outdoor immersion and urban convenience. Access to the camp is straightforward, typically involving well-maintained roads leading directly to the property. The Pavilion itself boasts a parking lot directly next to it, capable of accommodating up to 10 vehicles, ensuring easy arrival and departure for events and meetings.

The 190-acre property itself offers diverse terrains, ranging from well-developed areas suitable for Cub Scouts and other groups to more rustic sections ideal for older youth. This internal accessibility ensures that various activities and experiences can be accommodated seamlessly across the camp. Whether arriving for a day-long event at the Pavilion or an overnight camping trip in one of the traditional or rustic campsites, the overall accessibility of Gamehaven Scout Camp makes it a prime location for outdoor and group activities in Southeast Minnesota.

The Scouting America Pavilion, as part of the Gamehaven Scout Camp, offers a versatile range of facilities and services, catering to both Scouting programs and external group rentals. The focus is on providing functional spaces and supporting outdoor activities.

• Meeting and Event Space: The Cub Scout Pavilion is described as the "largest meeting space" at Gamehaven, capable of comfortably seating 50 people at picnic tables. It is available year-round and features wood stove heat for winter use.
• Traditional Campsites: Gamehaven Scout Camp has eight "modern" campsites located near the entrance, each equipped with an in-site latrine, running water (during summer), and picnic tables, suitable for both new and experienced campers.
• Rustic Campsites: For those seeking a more rugged experience, rustic campsites are maintained deeper in the woods.
• Indoor Lodges/Cabins: Various other facilities are available for rent, including lodges and cabins for overnight camping, offering heated and air-conditioned options with amenities like kitchenettes and restrooms (some seasonal).
• Outdoor Activity Areas: The camp provides a wide array of activity areas, including archery ranges, BB gun ranges, a shotgun range, activity fields, and specific areas for snow tubing.
• Equipment Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and geocaching kits are available for rent, facilitating water-based and exploratory activities.
• Shower Houses and Restrooms: Multiple shower houses and restrooms (including indoor flush toilets and outdoor options) are located throughout the camp, though some are seasonal due to winterization.
• Kitchen Facilities: Some rental facilities, like the Frisch's Dining Pavilion, include kitchen areas with refrigeration, sinks, and serving lines, suitable for large meals or events.
• Utilities: Electricity is available at many sites and facilities, and cell service is generally reliable across the camp.
• On-Site Staff: A Camp Director, Camp Caretaker, and a team of volunteer campsite hosts and committee members ensure safety, hospitality, and property maintenance.

The Scouting America Pavilion, and the broader Gamehaven Scout Camp it belongs to, is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it an attractive and functional destination for various groups in Rochester, Minnesota, and beyond.

• Versatile Meeting Space: The Cub Scout Pavilion stands out as the largest meeting space, ideal for comfortably accommodating up to 50 people at picnic tables. Its year-round availability and wood stove heating make it suitable for events in any season.
• Diverse Camping Options: The camp offers both "modern" traditional campsites with essential amenities (latrine, summer water, picnic tables) and more rustic sites for a deeper wilderness experience, catering to different camping preferences.
• Extensive Outdoor Activities: With dedicated areas for archery, BB guns, shotgun ranges, snow tubing, and rental options for canoes, kayaks, and geocaching, the camp provides a wide array of outdoor adventures.
• Proximity to Rochester: Located just 5 miles southeast of Rochester, the camp offers a convenient escape into nature without sacrificing access to urban amenities like stores and restaurants for forgotten necessities.
• Focus on Youth Development: As a Scouting America facility, the camp inherently emphasizes character building, leadership development, outdoor skills, and community service, providing a structured yet fun environment for young people.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The camp is designed to host Cub Scouts and other groups, indicating a family-friendly atmosphere suitable for all ages, with programs like "Family Adventure Camp" being offered.
• Indoor Facilities for Year-Round Use: Beyond camping, various lodges and cabins with heating, air-conditioning, and kitchenettes allow for comfortable indoor overnight stays or corporate retreats throughout the year.
• Dedicated Staff and Volunteers: The presence of a Camp Director, Caretaker, and numerous volunteer committees (Health and Safety, Property Management, etc.) ensures the camp is well-managed, safe, and hospitable.

For more information on the Scouting America Pavilion and other facilities at Gamehaven Scout Camp, or to inquire about rentals and programs, please use the following contact information:

Gamehaven Scout Camp Address: 5015 Simpson Rd. SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Main Council Office Address: 511 Northern Hills Dr NE, Suite 2, Rochester, MN 55906 (Office hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, closed 1-2pm for lunch)

Camp Director | Brady Geary (for program and camp inquiries):

Phone: (507) 361-5345 (Weekdays)

Phone: (651) 341-0007 (Weekends)

Email: brady.geary@scouting.org

Camp Caretaker | John DeStazio (for property-related questions):

Phone: (507) 261-8307

Email: john.destazio@scouting.org

For facility rentals specifically, it is advisable to visit the Gamehaven Council's website and navigate to their "Facility Rentals" section for detailed information on available spaces, amenities, booking procedures, and contact forms. Given the variety of facilities and programs, direct communication with the relevant contact person is recommended to ensure your specific needs are met.

In conclusion, for Minnesotans, the Scouting America Pavilion at Gamehaven Scout Camp in Rochester offers a versatile and enriching resource for various outdoor and group activities. Its location, just a short drive from the city, provides an ideal balance of natural immersion and convenient access to essential amenities. This makes it particularly suitable for local youth groups, families, and organizations looking for an accessible venue for learning, recreation, and community building right within their home state.

Whether it's a Cub Scout pack enjoying a program in the spacious Pavilion, a group utilizing the traditional campsites, or a company seeking a unique setting for a corporate retreat, Gamehaven Scout Camp provides well-maintained facilities and a dedicated staff committed to a positive experience. The emphasis on outdoor education, skill development, and fostering a sense of community aligns perfectly with Minnesota's love for the outdoors. Choosing Scouting America Pavilion and Gamehaven Scout Camp means investing in a place that not only provides excellent facilities but also actively contributes to preparing young people for life, making it a truly valuable asset for the Rochester community and beyond.

Scouting America Pavilion

WHV9+25, Rochester, MN 55904, USA