Cub World Castle

For Kansas families and youth organizations seeking an extraordinary outdoor adventure, one that combines the excitement of exploration with a truly unique lodging experience, look no further than Cub World Castle. Nestled within the expansive and highly regarded Theodore Naish Scout Reservation near Edwardsville, Kansas, the Castle isn't just a place to sleep; it's a grand, stone-built gateway to a world of fun, learning, and unforgettable memories. While primarily serving as a vibrant hub for Cub Scouts, fostering their growth and a love for the outdoors, its exceptional facilities make it a prime destination for various youth groups across our state.

The Cub World Castle is designed to ignite the imagination and inspire active participation. Imagine stepping into a large stone structure, complete with turrets and a courtyard, that serves as your base for adventures. As enthusiastic visitors attest, there's "sooooo much to do here," from exhilarating activities like "rock climbing, BB gun range, hiking, whittling, archery, building, learning outdoor skills and lots of activities." This commitment to diverse programming ensures that every moment at the Castle is packed with engagement and opportunities for personal growth. It's a place where children "had a blast," and where parents can confidently send their sons and daughters to gain new skills and create lasting bonds with their peers, all within the beautiful and familiar landscapes of Kansas.

Location and Accessibility

Cub World Castle is located on Camp Naish Rd, Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA. This places it firmly within the renowned Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, a vast property spanning over 900 acres above the Kaw River Valley. Its strategic location in Edwardsville, part of Wyandotte County, makes it incredibly accessible for a significant portion of Kansas residents, particularly those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Lawrence, and Topeka. The drive is typically straightforward, utilizing well-maintained state highways leading directly to the Camp Naish entrance.

Once inside the Scout Reservation, clear signage guides visitors to the Cub World section, and then specifically to the Castle. The internal camp roads are designed to accommodate various vehicles, including buses and vans, ensuring smooth access for groups. This balance of a serene, natural setting with convenient proximity to urban centers makes Cub World Castle an ideal and practical choice for youth organizations, schools, and families seeking an impactful and accessible outdoor education experience within our state.

Services Offered

Cub World Castle, as a central lodging and activity hub within Cub World, offers a robust set of services and facilities tailored for group camping and educational programs:

• Large-Capacity Group Lodging: The Castle is a substantial stone building designed to accommodate large groups, sleeping up to 72 people in 14 individual sleeping rooms. These rooms typically feature bunk beds (some with 8, some with 4), lighting, electrical outlets, windows, and often include a chair or writing desk.
• Activity Rooms: The Castle includes two large activity rooms, perfect for indoor lessons, group games, or evening gatherings. These rooms are equipped with picnic tables, ceiling fans, electrical outlets, and lights.
• Restroom Facilities: A single bathroom stall is located near the entrance to the Castle, providing basic restroom access. It's important to note that these facilities may be winterized and unavailable between October and March. Other shower houses are located throughout the larger Cub World campus.
• Central Courtyard: A large courtyard runs through the center of the Castle, offering a secure and open space for activities, assemblies, or simply gathering.
• Outdoor Turrets: Two turrets on the second story of the Castle provide unique outdoor meeting or picnic spaces, complete with tables and overhead lighting.
• Program Equipment & Facilitation: As part of the Cub World program, the site provides equipment and often staff-led facilitation for a wide array of outdoor and STEM adventure activities.
• Dining Facilities Access: The Frisch's Dining Pavilion, capable of seating nearly any size group, is located near the camp entrance and includes a kitchen area with refrigeration, an ice maker, and serving lines. (Note: Meal services may require separate arrangements or be part of specific summer camp programs).
• Safety and Support Staff: The entire Cub World and Camp Naish are managed by dedicated staff, including a Ranger and health care providers, ensuring a safe and well-supported environment for all campers.

Features / Highlights

Cub World Castle's most compelling features and highlights stem from its unique architectural design and its integration into a comprehensive outdoor education program:

• Immersive Medieval Theme: The "Castle" itself is a major draw, providing an immersive and imaginative environment that transports campers to a medieval setting, complete with the possibility of "juggling and jousting, making heroic shields, forge a knight sword and even be knighted by royalty!"
• Extensive Activity Offerings: Campers at the Castle have access to a vast array of high-quality activities, including:
  • Shooting Sports: Archery ranges, BB gun ranges, and slingshot activities.
  • Climbing & Adventure: A climbing tower and traverse wall for challenging physical activity.
  • Water Activities: Canoeing and fishing on the camp's pond.
  • Outdoor Skills: Opportunities for whittling, learning outdoor survival skills, and building projects.
  • Hiking: Access to diverse hiking trails within the 900+ acre Scout Reservation, including the "Rimrock Trek" high adventure program.
• STEM Integration: The camp actively integrates STEM programs, offering hands-on learning experiences that combine science, technology, engineering, and math with outdoor exploration.
• Designed for Youth Development: Every activity and facility is geared towards fostering character, confidence, and leadership skills in young participants, aligning with the core values of Scouting.
• Large Capacity for Group Bonding: The sheer size of the Castle allows large groups to stay together, promoting strong camaraderie and team-building experiences.
• Scenic Woodland Setting: The surrounding 900 acres of varied terrain, including wooded hillsides, open spaces, and a pond, provide a beautiful natural backdrop for all activities.
• Long-Standing Reputation: Camp Naish, and by extension Cub World, has a long-standing reputation as a premier Scouting destination, with a history of creating "awesome memories" for generations of campers.

Contact Information

Address: Camp Naish Rd, Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA (Cub World Castle is a facility within Theodore Naish Scout Reservation, operated by the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America).

Phone: (816) 358-8750 (This appears to be a general contact number for the Heart of America Council, BSA)

Mobile Phone: +1 816-358-8750 (Likely the same contact number)

For specific information on reserving Cub World Castle or any other facilities at Camp Naish, including current availability, program details, pricing for groups, and any required certifications for adult leaders, it is essential to contact the Heart of America Council directly. Their official website (www.hoac-bsa.org/naish) is the primary resource for booking camp properties and accessing comprehensive details about all programs and facilities within the Theodore Naish Scout Reservation.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Kansas residents, Cub World Castle at Camp Naish is an unparalleled destination for youth groups, schools, and organizations seeking a truly immersive and enriching outdoor experience. Its convenient location in Edwardsville, just a short drive from the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka, and Lawrence, makes it incredibly accessible for local groups, minimizing travel time and maximizing the duration of their adventure. This ease of access is crucial for busy schedules and ensures that a high-quality outdoor program is always within reach for Kansans.

What sets Cub World Castle apart is its unique blend of historical fantasy with practical outdoor education. Sleeping in a "Castle" provides an imaginative hook that excites and engages young campers, making the entire experience feel like an epic quest. Beyond the unique lodging, the sheer volume and quality of activities available – from rock climbing and archery to STEM challenges and outdoor skills – ensure that every participant finds something to love and learn. This diverse programming, combined with the dedicated staff and focus on safety, makes it an ideal environment for building confidence, fostering teamwork, and developing a lifelong appreciation for nature.

The enthusiastic reviews from past campers, highlighting the abundance of activities and the "blast" their children had, are a testament to the Castle's enduring appeal. For any Kansas group leader or parent looking for a memorable, educational, and fun-filled outdoor adventure that will create lasting positive memories, Cub World Castle offers a truly regal and exceptional experience right here in our home state.

Cub World Castle

Camp Naish Rd, Edwardsville, KS 66111, USA