The History of Mid-Iowa Council

Like councils across the nation, the story of Mid-Iowa Council is colorful, filled with rich stories, and flavored with incredible people.  

The earliest mention of Scouting in the Central Iowa area appeared in the BSA Report to the Nation in 1911.  Not long after, a group of citizens petitioned the National Council and received a charter for a “First Class” council in 1914; it was called simply the Des Moines Council.

Nearby areas also started local councils and Scouting grew.  The number of Troops and Scouts enlarged dramatically and the boundaries of councils began to expand and even merge.  Camping grounds and camp programs suited just for Scouts began to appear.

The first Camp Mitigwa – Maker of Men - was a temporary camp held just north of Adel, then moved to the Ledges, and finally in 1923 found a permanent home “on the hills above the river” where Scouts have sought and found adventure since.  

The Des Moines Council grew into the Des Moines Area Council then began to merge with its neighbors becoming Tall Corn Council and finally merging once again in 1970 creating what we now know as Mid-Iowa Council.

Since then there have been many changes, plus thousands of boys, and a long line of red-jacketed leaders.  And throughout we have remained faithful to the ideas and ideals that began it all – a dedication to youth, community, and a better future – tied together with an oath of 40 simple words and a set of life directing laws that number just twelve. 

Scouting in Iowa - The Values Endure

A history of the Scouting program in central and southern Iowa.