Scouts get a taste for the outdoors at Theodore Naish Scout Reservation

We propose a toast to the s’more, that melty mashup of marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker. At Theodore Naish Scout Reservation’s Bear Camp, the act of roasting marshmallows over a campfire helps third-graders feel more comfortable during what is, for many, their first time spending the night at a real Scout camp. Throughout June and July, Bears and their accompanying adults stay at Cub World for two days and one night of fun.

You’ll find Camp Naish on 900 acres about 30 minutes west of Kansas City. Cub World, on the north end of camp, offers a castle made of stone, a simulated mine, a nature area, and a pirate-themed water park. During their time at Bear Camp, boys and girls bounce from area to area, trying as many activities as they can.

“Their attention span isn’t that of a 15- or 16-year-old,” says Todd Martin, Bear Camp staff member. “You’ve got to change topics rapidly. You’ve got to do short little activities so that they’re always on the go.”

Camp Naish isn’t just for Cub Scouts. Naish’s summer camp gives Scouts a chance to use the skills they’ve been practicing in their troops all year. Scouts can choose from more than 40 merit badges; spend some free time hiking, swimming or climbing; impress the judges during the dessert cook-off; and paddle it out in the cardboard kayak race. On Tuesday, the Naish Heritage Night Hike allows Scouts to explore the fascinating history of the camp, which is named for Theodore Naish, a civil engineer who died in the May 7, 1915, sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat.

Visit hoac-bsa.org/naish to plan your pack or troop’s Naish adventure. 


Scouting Magazine’s Cool Camps Series

Not all Scout camps are created equal. Sure, each offers a terrific program to entertain and challenge Scouts, but every Scout camp has unique program elements that make it special. Scouting magazine has scoured the country to find some of the coolest Scout camps around. Check out the full list, and be sure to leave a comment if you’ve visited one of these Cool Camps.


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