Central Camp Shower House and Pool, Edwardsville, KS

For anyone in Kansas looking to enjoy the great outdoors with the added comfort of modern conveniences, the "Central Camp Shower House and Pool" in Edwardsville, KS, represents a vital amenity within a larger, well-known outdoor facility. While the name itself points to specific structures, it is important to understand that these facilities are integral parts of the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, affectionately known as Camp Naish. This extensive outdoor camp, primarily operated by the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, is a cornerstone for youth development and outdoor education in the region.

The Shower House and Pool at Central Camp are more than just places to clean up and cool down; they are key components that significantly enhance the overall camping experience, particularly during the warm Kansas summers. For local users, especially families and youth groups considering summer camps or outdoor programs, the availability of well-maintained and comfortable facilities like these can make a world of difference. This article will provide an in-depth look at the Central Camp Shower House and Pool, exploring its role within Camp Naish and why it's a valued feature for visitors from across Kansas.

The Central Camp Shower House and Pool are located within the vast Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, situated between Edwardsville and Bonner Springs, Kansas. The provided address, Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA, correctly places it within the geographical area of this expansive camp. Camp Naish spans over 850 acres, with its primary entrance and central facilities, including the pool and shower house, being highly accessible.

Its strategic location on Kansas State Highway 32 makes it easily reachable by car from various parts of the Kansas City metropolitan area. Whether you're traveling from downtown Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, or other communities within the Heart of America Council's service area, the drive to Camp Naish is relatively short and direct, typically around 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City. Clear signage along K-32 guides visitors to the camp's entrance at 121st Street, and then to the central camp parking lot, where the shower house and pool are conveniently located near other key facilities like the dining hall and nature lodge.

The facilities themselves are part of the larger "Central Camp" area, which serves as a hub for many of the camp's activities and programs. This central placement ensures that campers, particularly those staying in nearby camping areas or participating in daily programs, have easy access to these essential amenities. The design of the camp facilities, including the pool and shower house, was undertaken by BNIM in 2005, with a focus on integrating them into the natural environment while providing functional and aesthetically pleasing structures. This thoughtful planning contributes to the overall accessibility and enjoyment of the facilities for all who visit Camp Naish.

The Central Camp Shower House and Pool at Camp Naish offer essential services that significantly enhance the comfort and experience of campers, particularly during summer programs. These services are meticulously maintained to support a high volume of users. Key services include:

Large 6,500 Square Foot Swimming Pool: This substantial pool provides ample space for recreational swimming, aquatic merit badge activities, and crucial BSA swim tests. The pool is designed to accommodate numerous campers simultaneously, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to cool off and enjoy the water.
Dedicated Shower Facilities: The shower house provides individual stalls for privacy, equipped with plumbing for showers and toilets. This allows campers to maintain personal hygiene comfortably after a day of outdoor activities. One review specifically mentioned "push-button showers" where "water comes out very fast and sometimes quite hot," indicating a functional and often warm water supply.
Restroom Facilities: Integrated within the pool building, these facilities offer convenient and clean restrooms for campers using the pool or those in the central camp area.
Lifeguard Supervision: During operational hours, especially for organized camp programs, the pool is supervised by certified lifeguards to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Cleanliness and Maintenance: As part of a premier Scout camp, these facilities are regularly cleaned and maintained by camp staff to ensure a hygienic and pleasant environment for all users. This includes daily cleaning routines and necessary upkeep.
Accessibility: While not explicitly detailed, modern camp facilities often consider accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities, to ensure a broad range of participation.
Support for Programs: The pool facility directly supports various merit badge programs, such as Swimming and Lifesaving, by providing the necessary environment and equipment.

The goal of these services is to provide a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable experience that complements the ruggedness of outdoor camping, allowing participants to fully engage in the camp's programs.

The Central Camp Shower House and Pool are standout features at Camp Naish, offering significant benefits to its visitors. These highlights contribute directly to a more comfortable and enjoyable camping experience:

Warm and Inviting Pool Water: A key highlight, as noted in a customer review, is that the "Pool is nice and warm during the day." This ensures a more pleasant swimming experience, especially for younger campers or during cooler periods of the day, making it a truly inviting amenity.
Modern Design and Construction: Designed by BNIM in 2005, the pool facility and shower house were constructed with durable, low-cost materials. The design emphasizes natural ventilation and minimizes energy consumption, aligning with resource efficiency principles and ensuring the facilities are modern and functional.
Large Capacity: The 6,500 square foot pool is sizable, capable of accommodating a large number of campers simultaneously, which is crucial for a busy summer camp. This prevents overcrowding and allows for multiple groups to utilize the facility effectively.
Essential Comfort: The shower house provides a much-needed comfort element in a rustic camping environment. Having access to warm, running water for showers significantly improves personal hygiene and overall well-being after active days outdoors.
Integration into Central Camp: The facilities are strategically located within the "Central Camp" area, making them easily accessible from various campsites and program areas. This central placement enhances convenience for all participants.
Support for BSA Programs: Beyond recreation, the pool is a crucial asset for numerous Boy Scouts of America programs, including swimming lessons, merit badge requirements, and swim tests, directly contributing to skill development and advancement.
Enhanced Camp Usage: The addition of these modern facilities has reportedly led to a "significant increase in overall camp usage within the District," indicating their value and appeal to a broader audience.
Overall Improvement to Camp Experience: The presence and quality of the shower house and pool elevate the overall experience at Camp Naish, balancing traditional outdoor activities with comfortable amenities that attract and retain campers.

These features collectively make the Central Camp Shower House and Pool a highly valued part of the Camp Naish experience for all who visit.

As the Central Camp Shower House and Pool are integral facilities within the larger Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, any "promotions" or special offers are typically tied to the overall camp programming and fee structures of the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America. These are generally not commercial promotions but rather part of the camp's operational model to encourage participation.

Examples of how financial aspects and special considerations might be handled, though not strictly "promotions," include:

Seasonal Camp Fees: Fees for summer camp programs, which include access to the pool and shower facilities, are published annually by the Heart of America Council. These fees can vary based on the duration of the camp (e.g., Cub Scout Day Camp, Junior Camp, Middle School Camp, High School Camp) and registration deadlines (e.g., early bird discounts vs. regular fees).
Group Rates/Leader Discounts: For Scout units, there are often structured fees per youth and per leader, with incentives like reduced or complimentary leader fees based on the number of participating scouts, encouraging adult supervision and involvement.
Fundraising Opportunities: The Council actively encourages and supports fundraising efforts by troops and packs to help individual scouts cover their camp fees, indirectly making the camp and its amenities more accessible.
Reservation System: While not a promotion, the organized online reservation system ensures fair access to camp facilities and programs, allowing units to plan their visits well in advance.

For the most accurate and current information regarding camp fees, registration deadlines, and any specific cost-saving opportunities related to attending programs at Camp Naish (which would include access to the Central Camp Shower House and Pool), prospective campers and leaders should consult the official Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America website (hoac-bsa.org) or the latest edition of their Camp Naish Leaders Guide. Direct communication with the camp administration or Council staff is always recommended for specific inquiries.

For inquiries related to the Central Camp Shower House and Pool, it is best to contact the administration of the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation (Camp Naish), as these facilities are part of the larger camp complex.

While the specific address provided is for the "Maintenance Building" within Edwardsville, KS, for general information, reservations, or details about camp facilities including the pool and shower house, you should reach out to the main camp office:

Main Camp Naish Address: 1100 Martinek Lane, Bonner Springs, KS 66111, USA (This is the widely recognized mailing and physical address for the overall Theodore Naish Scout Reservation.)

Main Camp Naish Phone: (913) 422-1035

Additional contact information may be available through the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America website (hoac-bsa.org), which provides comprehensive details about all their camps, programs, and contact points for specific departments or staff members. When calling, specifying that you are inquiring about the facilities within "Central Camp" will help staff direct your questions appropriately.

The Central Camp Shower House and Pool at Camp Naish are exceptionally suitable for locals in the Kansas City region, primarily due to their significant role in enhancing the outdoor and youth camping experience. For families and youth organizations seeking enriching summer programs or year-round outdoor activities, these facilities provide a crucial level of comfort and convenience that sets Camp Naish apart.

The positive review highlighting the "nice and warm" pool water underscores the attention to detail in providing a pleasant experience. In the Kansas summer heat, a well-maintained, comfortable pool is not just a luxury but a necessity for recreation and relief. The availability of clean, plumbed shower facilities also ensures that campers can maintain hygiene and feel refreshed, making longer stays more appealing and sustainable.

Furthermore, as part of the extensive Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, these amenities support a wide array of educational and recreational programs for youth, fostering skills, leadership, and a love for the outdoors. The commitment to maintaining modern, efficient facilities like the shower house and pool demonstrates a dedication to providing a high-quality environment. For Kansas residents, especially those with children involved in scouting or looking for structured outdoor activities with essential comforts, the Central Camp Shower House and Pool at Camp Naish represent a valuable and accessible resource for memorable outdoor adventures right in their backyard.