Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3, Smithville, MO

For families and youth organizations across Missouri, particularly those involved in scouting programs, the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 at Smithville Lake is a name synonymous with outdoor adventure and character development. Located within the scenic Clay County Parks system, this dedicated camp area provides a fantastic setting for young people to connect with nature, build essential skills, and create lasting memories. It’s consistently praised as a "cute and fun place for a Cub Scout campout" and a "great campground location for scouts," underscoring its suitability for youth-focused activities.

Unlike traditional public campgrounds catering to individual families or RVs, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 is specifically designed with the needs of organized youth groups in mind. This specialization means that the facilities and environment are geared towards supporting educational programs, team-building exercises, and supervised outdoor experiences. It’s a place where children can safely explore, learn, and socialize, fostering independence and a love for the outdoors in a structured setting. The sight of "kids on bicycles having fun with their friends" highlights the vibrant, active atmosphere that defines this camp area.

Beyond its primary function as a scout camp, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 benefits from its location within the larger Smithville Lake recreation area. This proximity offers access to a wealth of natural resources and broader park amenities, enhancing the educational and recreational opportunities for visiting groups. From exploring nature trails to learning about local wildlife at the nearby Nature Center, the camp provides a rich environment for comprehensive outdoor learning.

For Missourians, especially those involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, or other youth organizations, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 represents a valuable resource. It’s a dedicated space where young adventurers can thrive, developing skills and appreciating the natural beauty of their home state in a fun, safe, and engaging environment.

Location and Accessibility

Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 is precisely located at 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA. This address places it within the expansive and popular Smithville Lake recreation area, managed by Clay County Parks, in Smithville, Missouri. Smithville is a growing community that offers a blend of small-town charm and convenient access to the larger Kansas City metropolitan area.

The camp's location is highly advantageous for youth groups and scout troops throughout Northwest Missouri and the greater Kansas City region. It offers a relatively short and manageable drive from major population centers, making it an ideal destination for weekend campouts, multi-day programs, or even day-long events. Main roadways, such as US-169, provide direct access to Smithville, and Collins Road is a well-known route within the park, ensuring easy navigation to the specific camp area.

Being situated within the established Smithville Lake complex means that the camp benefits from developed infrastructure, including well-maintained roads leading to the site. While the camp itself provides a secluded, natural environment for youth activities, its proximity to the city of Smithville ensures that essential services—like gas stations, grocery stores, and emergency services—are readily accessible if needed. This balance of natural immersion and convenient access makes Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 a practical and attractive choice for organized youth programs in Missouri.

Furthermore, its location within the park also means easy access to other Smithville Lake attractions, such as the Smithville Lake Nature Center, which is located directly within the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp. This proximity enhances the educational opportunities for visiting groups, allowing them to easily incorporate nature education into their camping experience.

Services Offered

Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3, as a specialized facility designed for youth groups and scouting organizations, offers services tailored to support their unique needs for outdoor education and camping. While not a typical public campground for individual family reservations, it provides essential amenities for group functions.

Designated Group Camping Areas: The primary service is providing dedicated, reservable camp areas specifically for youth groups. These areas are typically spacious enough to accommodate multiple tents and group activities.
Restroom Facilities: The camp is equipped with toilet facilities, crucial for accommodating large numbers of youth. While specific details on the type (e.g., flush toilets, vault toilets) might vary between areas, their presence is confirmed by the nature of a developed group camp.
Potable Water Access: Access to a reliable water source is fundamental for any camp, especially one catering to youth. Potable water is available within the camp area for drinking and general use.
Picnic Areas: Thoughtfully maintained picnic areas with tables are available, providing ideal spots for group meals, crafts, and social interaction, supporting organized group activities.
Campfire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each group site, allowing for safe campfires, cooking, and traditional campfire programs, which are central to the scouting experience.
Proximity to Smithville Lake Nature Center: A significant service is its direct adjacency to the Smithville Lake Nature Center. This provides educational opportunities for groups, offering exhibits, resident animals, and programs designed to foster an interest in nature and the environment. This is a valuable resource for youth education.
Primitive Nature Trails: The Nature Center, within the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp area, offers primitive nature trails for groups to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, contributing to outdoor learning.
Managed by Clay County Parks: Being managed by Clay County Parks ensures a level of oversight, maintenance, and support for the facilities, contributing to a safe and functional environment for youth groups.

It's important for group leaders to directly contact Clay County Parks to confirm specific amenities for Area #3, as facilities can vary slightly between different camp areas within Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp.

Features and Highlights

Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 is characterized by several key features and highlights that make it an outstanding choice for Cub Scout campouts and other youth group outdoor adventures in Missouri. These attributes directly contribute to its reputation as a fun and effective learning environment.

Dedicated Youth Group Focus: The most significant highlight is its specific design and purpose for youth groups. This ensures that the environment, facilities, and rules are all tailored to support the unique needs and safety of children and their leaders, making it an ideal setting for scouting activities.
Prime Location at Smithville Lake: Situated within the picturesque Smithville Lake recreation area, the camp offers access to a beautiful natural landscape, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration and learning. The lake itself offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and water-based educational programs.
Proximity to Smithville Lake Nature Center: A major advantage is the Nature Center being located directly within the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp. This free-admission facility offers "more than 15 live species of animals and numerous exhibits," along with "on-site and off-site nature programs." This provides incredible educational value for young campers, allowing them to learn about Missouri's wildlife and environment in an engaging way.
Spacious and Fun Environment: Reviews describe the camp as a "cute and fun place," highlighting its welcoming atmosphere for children. The ample space likely allows for various group activities, games, and traditional campout experiences, as evidenced by "kids on bicycles having fun with their friends."
Well-Maintained Grounds: While specific details about maintenance for Area #3 are not explicit in reviews, the nature of a well-run youth camp suggests that common areas and facilities are regularly maintained to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.
Opportunity for Outdoor Skill Development: The camp environment inherently supports the development of outdoor skills, teamwork, and leadership among youth. From setting up tents to participating in group activities and exploring nature trails, it provides a practical learning ground.
Community-Focused: As a youth group camp, it fosters a strong sense of community and camaraderie among participants and their leaders, which is a core tenet of scouting and similar organizations.

These features collectively establish Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 as a premier destination for fostering a love of the outdoors and vital life skills in Missouri's youth.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a dedicated youth group camp area managed by Clay County Parks, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 typically does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense, such as discounts or loyalty programs for individual campers. Its pricing structure is usually tied to group reservations and the operational costs of maintaining a specialized youth facility.

However, the inherent "offer" or value proposition of Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 for Missouri youth organizations includes:

Specialized Group Rates: Pricing is generally set for groups, which can often be more cost-effective per participant than individual camping rates, especially when considering the dedicated facilities available for large gatherings.
Access to Free Nature Center Programs: The significant benefit of having the Smithville Lake Nature Center located directly within the camp area is the availability of free educational programs and exhibits. This adds immense value to any youth campout without additional cost for participants.
Structured Environment: The camp provides a safe and organized environment specifically designed for youth, reducing logistical challenges for group leaders and ensuring a quality experience that supports educational and developmental objectives. This built-in structure is a valuable service.
Community Resource: For local scouting councils and youth organizations, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 serves as an established and reliable resource for their annual programming, offering consistent facilities and support for their events.

Any specific details regarding reservation fees, availability, or potential benefits for large or recurring group bookings would need to be obtained directly from Clay County Parks. Their official website or direct phone contact is the best resource for current pricing and reservation policies for this specialized youth group camp.

Contact Information

For organizations or individuals interested in reserving Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3, or for any inquiries regarding its facilities and programming, direct contact with Clay County Parks and Recreation, which manages the Smithville Lake area, is essential. There is no separate contact number solely for Area #3, as all bookings and information are handled centrally by the park system.

Here is the primary contact information:

Address: 17980 Collins Rd, Smithville, MO 64089, USA (This is the general address for the Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp area within Smithville Lake.)

Phone: (816) 407-3400 (This is the main phone number for Clay County Parks and Recreation, which oversees the Smithville Lake facilities, including the youth group camp areas.)

Mobile Phone: +1 816-407-3400 (Same number, for direct dialing and convenience.)

For detailed information on availability, reservation procedures, specific amenities for Area #3, and any rules or guidelines pertinent to youth groups, it is highly recommended to visit the official Clay County, MO Parks and Recreation website. This online resource typically provides comprehensive details, including reservation calendars, facility descriptions, and contact forms for specific inquiries. Calling ahead, especially for group reservations, is always advisable to ensure availability and proper planning.

Conclusion: Why Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 is Suitable for Locals

For Missourians, particularly those engaged with scouting troops, school groups, or other youth organizations, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 at Smithville Lake is an exceptionally suitable and invaluable resource. Its design and purpose perfectly align with the goals of fostering outdoor education, character development, and community building among young people.

Firstly, its location within the easily accessible Smithville Lake complex means that a quality outdoor experience is never far from home for residents of the Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding communities. This convenience significantly reduces logistical burdens for group leaders and allows for more frequent and accessible outdoor programs, making it a go-to destination for local youth activities.

Secondly, the camp's specialized focus on youth groups ensures that the facilities and environment are ideally suited for children. The presence of dedicated camping areas, basic amenities, and most importantly, the adjacent Smithville Lake Nature Center, provides a safe, educational, and fun setting. This direct access to exhibits, live animals, and nature programs offers a unique opportunity for young Missourians to learn about their natural environment in an engaging, hands-on manner, fulfilling crucial educational objectives for youth organizations.

Furthermore, the camp's reputation as a "cute and fun place" and a "great campground location for scouts" underscores its success in creating positive experiences. It’s a place where children can freely explore, build friendships, develop independence, and learn essential outdoor skills in a supervised and supportive environment. For local leaders, knowing they have a reliable, well-regarded facility designed for their specific needs makes Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 an indispensable part of their programming.

In essence, Kelsey Short Youth Group Camp Area #3 is suitable for Missouri locals because it is a purpose-built haven for youth development, offering a blend of accessible natural beauty, educational opportunities, and a fun, structured environment that is deeply valued by scouting and other youth organizations across the state.