Camp Tongawood

Are you a Kansas local looking for a unique and engaging outdoor experience that combines the beauty of nature with exciting activities and opportunities for learning? Camp Tongawood, nestled in 80 acres of scenic woodland near Tonganoxie, Kansas, offers just that. While primarily known as a cherished Girl Scout camp, fostering leadership, confidence, and character in young girls for generations, it also provides facilities that can be reserved by other groups, making it a versatile option for anyone seeking an immersive outdoor adventure in our state. It's a place where childhood memories are forged, skills are learned, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors is cultivated.

Camp Tongawood is designed to be more than just a place to sleep; it's an active learning and recreational hub. As highlighted by long-time visitors, it’s a site brimming with "awesome memories" from childhood and a place where new ones continue to be made. While some rustic elements like the "chalet canvases desperately need replacing" and "extreme" mosquito populations near certain areas are noted, the fundamental spirit of fun, exploration, and outdoor adventure remains strong. With a focus on STEM activities, traditional camp crafts, and exciting challenges, Camp Tongawood truly embodies the spirit of Kansas's commitment to outdoor education and recreation.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Tongawood is conveniently located at 18634 Evans Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086, USA. This prime location places it just west of the Kansas Speedway, making it highly accessible for residents across Eastern Kansas, including those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Lawrence, and Topeka. Tonganoxie itself is a charming community in Leavenworth County, providing a peaceful rural setting while remaining within a reasonable driving distance from major urban centers.

Access to Camp Tongawood is straightforward, generally involving well-maintained state and local roads, ensuring a smooth journey for buses, vans, and private vehicles. Its proximity to the Kansas City area means less travel time for many Kansas families and groups, allowing for more time dedicated to activities and enjoyment at the camp. This balance of natural seclusion with practical accessibility makes Camp Tongawood an ideal destination for various group outings, educational programs, and troop camping experiences within our state.

Services Offered

Camp Tongawood, as a dedicated outdoor education and camping facility, offers a variety of services and accommodations tailored for groups and outdoor programs:

• Diverse Camping Accommodations: The camp provides various lodging options, including "Permanent Camping" units with 3-4 canvas-sided structures with roofs, cots, picnic tables, grills, fire pits with wood, and water (except in winter). Specific units like "Adirondacks" (capacity 20) and "Chalets" (capacity 24) offer electricity at their unit shelters.
• Building Camping (Lodge): The Lodge offers indoor camping with modern amenities, including a full kitchen with utensils and cooking supplies, restrooms with showers, a large multipurpose room, a basement bunk room (capacity 24, bunkbeds for up to 16), Wi-Fi, TV with HDMI, central A/C and heat, and an outdoor fire pit with wood.
• Tent Camping: Designated tent camping sites are available from April to November, providing access to a port-a-potty, fire pit with wood, two water buckets, a shovel, a rake, and an ash bucket. Primitive campsites like "Yucca Flats" (capacity 20) near the pond and another primitive site near the traverse wall (capacity 40) offer a more rugged experience.
• Activity Equipment & Facilitation: The camp provides equipment and often staff-led facilitation for a wide array of outdoor and STEM adventure activities.
• Restroom Facilities: Depending on the camping unit, options range from port-a-potties and latrines for permanent/primitive camping to full restrooms with showers in the Lodge.
• Reservation System: Groups and Girl Scout troops can reserve camp properties and schedule adventure activities online, with booking available up to 3 months (for troops) or 6 months (for Service Units) in advance.
• First Aid & CPR Requirements: Groups using the camp are required to have adults certified in First Aid and Child and Adult CPR, ensuring safety protocols are in place.

Features / Highlights

Camp Tongawood is rich with features and highlights that create a dynamic and memorable outdoor experience, particularly for youth groups and those interested in active learning:

• 80 Acres of Scenic Woodland: The camp encompasses a diverse landscape of woods, hills, and a small pond, offering ample opportunities for exploration, discovery, and natural beauty.
• STEM and Outdoor Education Center: Camp Tongawood serves as a dedicated hub for hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities, integrating learning with outdoor adventures.
• Wide Range of Adventure Activities: The camp offers an impressive list of activities, including Archery, Canoeing on the pond, Fishing (pond stocked with sunfish and bass), Nature Hikes, Slingshots, Team Building Activities, Tomahawk Throwing, Traverse Wall Climbing, and Ziplining.
• Diverse Landscape Features: The property is characterized by a long north-to-south ridge, west-facing wooded slopes with rock outcrops, and an open wetland meadow, providing varied settings for unique programming.
• Existing Pond: A small pond on the property is ideal for canoeing and fishing, with multiple fishing docks available.
• Girl Scout Focus: While available to other groups, the camp specializes in providing experiences that align with the Girl Scout mission, focusing on building courage, confidence, and character.
• Permanent Camping Structures: The unique canvas-sided structures ("permatents") with roofs offer a blend of outdoor immersion with a degree of shelter and comfort.
• Future Developments: Master plans for the camp include exciting future elements such as new storm shelters, a redeveloped lodge, an enhanced wetland experience with a new boardwalk, and potentially a new swimming pool and pool house, promising even more amenities.
• Natural Habitats: The camp's varied topography and wetland areas offer opportunities for ecological study and appreciation of natural ecosystems.

Contact Information

Address: 18634 Evans Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086, USA

Phone: (816) 358-8750

Mobile Phone: +1 816-358-8750

For specific information on reservations, availability for non-Girl Scout groups, or details about the various activity programs and their requirements, it is highly recommended to contact the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri council directly using the provided phone numbers or by visiting their official website. Their website (gsksmo.org) is the primary resource for booking camp properties, exploring activity options, and understanding camp policies.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Kansas residents, Camp Tongawood offers a remarkably diverse and engaging outdoor experience right in our own backyard. Its strategic location near Tonganoxie and easily accessible from the Kansas City metro area means that a fulfilling outdoor adventure or educational retreat is never far away. This convenience is paramount for local families and groups seeking quality time in nature without extensive travel, making it an ideal choice for weekend trips, summer camps, or educational outings.

While some older facilities, like the chalet canvases, might show wear and tear, and biting insects can be a challenge (common in any wooded Kansas environment!), the vast array of activities and the camp's dedication to providing enriching outdoor experiences remain its strongest assets. From archery and canoeing on the pond to the excitement of ziplining and the educational opportunities in STEM, Camp Tongawood offers something to spark joy and curiosity in everyone. The focus on adventure activities, combined with diverse camping options from primitive tent sites to comfortable lodges, caters to a wide range of preferences and group sizes.

Camp Tongawood is a fantastic resource for fostering a love for the outdoors, building teamwork, and creating lasting memories. It serves as a vital hub for youth development, but its facilities and programs are adaptable for various organizations and events. For any Kansan group or family seeking a comprehensive outdoor destination that balances natural beauty with structured activities and educational opportunities, Camp Tongawood provides a proven and cherished environment for adventure and growth within our beloved Sunflower State.

Camp Tongawood

18634 Evans Rd, Tonganoxie, KS 66086, USA