Camp Naish Rifle Range

Hello, fellow Kansans! Are you interested in developing precision skills, engaging in a structured outdoor activity, or participating in a program that emphasizes safety and discipline in a unique setting? Then we invite you to learn about the Camp Naish Rifle Range, a key feature of the sprawling Theodore Naish Scout Reservation located right here in Edwardsville/Kansas City, Kansas. While traditionally serving the robust programs of the Boy Scouts of America, this facility offers a glimpse into a specialized aspect of outdoor recreation and skill-building that is a valuable local asset.

Camp Naish itself is a significant landmark for outdoor education and adventure in our state, and its Rifle Range is a testament to the diverse activities available within its expansive grounds. It represents a commitment to teaching responsible firearm use and fostering marksmanship in a controlled and supervised environment. For many Kansans, especially those involved in youth organizations or interested in shooting sports, understanding the capabilities and focus of such a facility is crucial.

In this article, we will provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview of the Camp Naish Rifle Range. We'll delve into its location within the broader Camp Naish property, discuss the types of services and programs it typically supports, and highlight its key features that make it a notable resource. Based on available public data and general information about the camp, our aim is to give you a comprehensive picture of what this specific facility offers, helping you appreciate its role in outdoor skill development in Kansas.

The Camp Naish Rifle Range is situated within the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, a large and historic property spanning over 1,100 acres in Edwardsville, Kansas. The address for the main camp is 1100 Martinek Lane, Bonner Springs, KS 66111, USA. While the provided address references Kansas City, KS 66111, it's important to understand that the camp's vast footprint encompasses areas that bridge these localities, with Bonner Springs often used for the primary mailing address.

This expansive natural setting, characterized by rolling hills and dense oak/hickory forests, provides an ideal backdrop for a shooting range, offering a sense of seclusion and safety away from urban noise. Historical records indicate that a rifle range has been a part of Camp Naish since at least 1935, demonstrating its long-standing role in the camp's programming. During early periods, campers in the newly developed Central Camp would even hike to the South Camp to utilize the rifle range and other facilities, highlighting its integral but sometimes distinct location within the large reservation.

Access to Camp Naish is generally straightforward via major highways, located approximately 30 minutes west of Kansas City and five miles from the junction of I-435 and K-32. Once within the camp, internal roads lead to various program areas, including the rifle range. For participants, this means a dedicated facility within a secure and managed environment, ensuring a focused and safe experience for shooting sports activities.

The Camp Naish Rifle Range, as part of a premier Scout reservation, offers specialized services primarily focused on shooting sports and marksmanship education. These services are typically delivered under strict supervision and adhere to established safety protocols.

• Structured Shooting Programs: The range facilitates structured programs for various shooting disciplines, including rifle and potentially BB gun shooting, especially for youth participants. These programs often align with merit badge requirements for Scouting or similar youth development objectives.
• Certified Staff and Instruction: Use of the rifle range typically requires certified staff to oversee activities and provide instruction. This ensures safety, proper technique, and adherence to all regulations.
• Covered Firing Line: Many modern ranges, including those at Scout camps, feature covered shooting areas. This protects participants from inclement weather, allowing activities to continue even during rain or strong sun.
• Equipment and Targets: The range provides necessary equipment (e.g., rifles, ammunition) and a variety of targets designed to challenge different skill levels, from beginners to more experienced shooters.
• Safety Briefings and Protocols: Comprehensive safety briefings and strict adherence to range rules are paramount. Participants are educated on firearm safety, range etiquette, and proper handling before engaging in any shooting activity.
• Facility Rental for Groups (Potential): While primarily for Scouting programs, some larger camp facilities may offer their specialized ranges for rental by other approved, organized non-profit or for-profit groups, provided they can supply their own certified staff. Specific arrangements would need to be made with the Heart of America Council.

• Dedicated Marksmanship Facility: The Camp Naish Rifle Range is a dedicated facility specifically designed for shooting sports, providing a focused environment for learning and practicing marksmanship skills.
• Safe and Supervised Environment: With certified staff and adherence to strict safety protocols, the range offers a highly controlled and secure setting for firearm activities, which is a major highlight for parents and program organizers.
• Educational Focus: Beyond just shooting, the range often serves as a key component of educational programs, teaching discipline, focus, responsibility, and the principles of safe firearm handling.
• All-Weather Access: As noted for similar facilities, the rifle range at Camp Naish likely includes a roof over the shooting areas, ensuring that activities can proceed regardless of rain or intense sun, maximizing usability.
• Variety of Targets and Distances: To cater to different skill levels, the range is expected to offer a variety of targets and distances, providing challenges for both beginners and more advanced shooters.
• Part of a Larger Outdoor Adventure Hub: Being situated within the expansive Theodore Naish Scout Reservation means participants at the rifle range also have access to the wider camp's amenities, including camping areas, hiking trails, and other program facilities like the Climbing Tower and Archery Range.
• Historical Significance: The rifle range has been a part of Camp Naish for nearly a century, contributing to its rich history and tradition as a prominent outdoor education center in Kansas.

For direct inquiries regarding the Camp Naish Rifle Range, including its availability for programs, specific safety guidelines, or booking information for organized groups, it is essential to contact the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America, which operates the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation.

Address: 1100 Martinek Lane, Bonner Springs, KS 66111 (While the prompt provides Kansas City, KS 66111, the primary address for the camp is in Bonner Springs, which is the official listing by the Heart of America Council).

General contact information for the Heart of America Council, BSA:

Phone: (816) 569-4930

Specific contact for Naish Reservation (often managed by a dedicated Reservation Director or Ranger):

Naish Reservation Direct Line: (913) 422-1035

It is highly recommended to reach out to the Heart of America Council directly via phone or their official website. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on range usage, program schedules, any necessary certifications for staff if you are bringing your own group, and reservation procedures.

For Kansans, the Camp Naish Rifle Range represents a specialized and highly suitable facility for developing marksmanship skills and participating in structured shooting sports, all within a safe and educational outdoor environment. While its primary function supports the robust programs of the Boy Scouts of America, its very existence as a well-maintained range within a major outdoor reservation makes it a valuable asset for the wider community.

Its suitability for locals stems from several key aspects. Firstly, it offers a controlled and supervised setting for activities that require precision and discipline, which is vital for safe firearm handling and skill development. For youth programs in Kansas, it provides an invaluable opportunity to learn respect for firearms and develop marksmanship in a structured, positive environment. Secondly, being part of the vast Camp Naish property means it’s located within a beautiful natural setting, allowing participants to enjoy the outdoors while focusing on their activity. This provides a refreshing change from indoor ranges.

Furthermore, for those interested in scouting or youth development, the range offers an integral component of a comprehensive outdoor education curriculum. It fosters concentration, self-control, and the satisfaction of mastering a new skill. While direct public access for individual use might be limited, its availability for organized groups, and its role in a highly regarded institution like the Heart of America Council, ensures its continued contribution to outdoor recreation and skill-building for Kansans. The Camp Naish Rifle Range is more than just a shooting range; it's a place where discipline, safety, and outdoor adventure converge for the benefit of our local community.

Camp Naish Rifle Range

Kansas City, KS 66111, USA