Piercing Arrow Shower House

For those of us in Missouri who appreciate the rustic charm of camping but also value the creature comforts of modern life, the presence of clean and functional facilities can make all the difference. In the heart of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation near Osceola, MO, you'll find the Piercing Arrow Shower House. While not a standalone campground in the traditional sense, this facility is a crucial component of the camping experience for the thousands of Scouts and leaders who visit this expansive and historic reservation each summer, and for any visitor who might utilize its services.

The H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, a vast 4,200-acre property, is home to three distinct camps: Lone Star, Sawmill, and Piercing Arrow. The Piercing Arrow Shower House is an integral part of Camp Piercing Arrow, providing essential amenities that enhance the overall outdoor experience. As one reviewer aptly put it, "Four stars because you get a shower at camp!" This simple statement highlights the fundamental value of such a facility – offering a refreshing and much-needed comfort amidst the natural beauty and adventure of a large-scale camping environment. It's about providing a necessary amenity that bridges the gap between rugged outdoorsmanship and basic human needs.

While the review also wryly noted a "lost one star because it’s a shower at camp," this speaks more to the inherent challenges of maintaining perfect conditions in a high-traffic, outdoor setting rather than a significant flaw. The fact remains that having access to proper shower facilities is a significant convenience for anyone spending extended time outdoors. For Missourians participating in programs at Bartle Scout Reservation, or for those supporting events there, understanding the amenities available at the Piercing Arrow Shower House is key to planning a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This article will explore the context of the Piercing Arrow Shower House, its location, the services it offers, and why it's a valuable feature for locals engaging with this unique Missouri outdoor institution.

The Piercing Arrow Shower House is located within the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, specifically within Camp Piercing Arrow, near Osceola, MO 64776, USA. The broader H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is situated in St. Clair County, Missouri.

For Missouri residents, reaching the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation is generally straightforward, though it involves navigating to a rural setting. Osceola is located in west-central Missouri. From Kansas City, the drive is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours southeast. From Springfield, you can expect a journey of about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1.5 hours north. From St. Louis, the drive is longer, typically around 3.5 to 4 hours west.

Access within the vast Bartle Scout Reservation is facilitated by internal roads. While campers are often encouraged to park away from campsite areas (depending on availability) and cars must be moved out of campsites by a certain time during events like Webelos Adventures Weekend, designated facilities like the Piercing Arrow Shower House are typically accessible from various camping areas. The reservation generally has well-maintained roads suitable for vehicles. For specific events or programs at Camp Piercing Arrow, detailed maps and instructions are usually provided by the Heart of America Council, ensuring attendees can easily locate and access key facilities like the shower house. The address for the reservation's headquarters is often cited as 5525 NE Scout Camp Road, Osceola, MO 64776-9000, which serves as the primary entry point to this extensive scout camp.

The Piercing Arrow Shower House, as part of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, provides essential amenities crucial for a comfortable camping experience, particularly for the youth and adult leaders attending programs. Based on available public information, the services typically offered include:

• Shower Facilities: The primary service is providing showers. These are generally equipped with hot water, allowing for a refreshing clean-up after a day of activities in the outdoors. Reviews explicitly mention "hot water," which is a significant comfort.

• Flush Toilets and Urinals: In addition to showers, the shower house facilities include modern flush toilets and urinals, offering a more comfortable and hygienic alternative to traditional pit latrines often found in more rustic camping settings. This is a considerable upgrade for long-term campers.

• Separate Facilities for Different Age Groups/Genders: For major events like the Webelos Adventures Weekend, the shower facilities are thoughtfully separated to accommodate different groups. This includes distinct shower facilities for boys and girls under 18, and separate facilities for adult males and adult females (18 & over), ensuring privacy and appropriateness for all users.

• Running Water/Sinks: While not always explicitly detailed for the shower house itself, general amenities at such facilities typically include sinks with running water for handwashing and other personal hygiene needs.

• Regular Cleaning: Although specific cleaning schedules are not publicly listed, the nature of such a facility in a large, well-managed scout camp implies regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure hygiene, a factor often appreciated by users.

• Accessibility: While details on ADA compliance are not specific to the shower house in the provided data, modern public facilities, especially those serving large groups, often strive for some level of accessibility.

It's important to note that the Piercing Arrow Shower House is not a public campground where individuals can book sites; rather, it's a support facility within the private H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, accessible to those participating in or supporting the scout programs held there.

• Crucial Comfort for Campers: The most significant highlight of the Piercing Arrow Shower House is its very existence as a modern amenity within a large, extensive scout camp. Providing hot showers and flush toilets significantly enhances the comfort level for thousands of Scouts and leaders who spend days, and often weeks, in an outdoor setting.

• Support for Scout Programs: As an integral part of the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, the shower house directly supports the mission of the Heart of America Council BSA by providing essential hygiene facilities for programs like summer camp, Webelos Adventures Weekend, and various merit badge activities. This allows participants to focus on learning and outdoor skills without compromising on basic personal care.

• Segmented Facilities for Privacy: The provision of four separate shower facilities—one each for boys and girls under 18, and one each for 18 & over male and female adults—is a thoughtful feature that ensures privacy, safety, and comfort for all users, adhering to best practices for youth programs.

• Year-Round Operation (for select facilities): While specific to "a pool shower house" in some contexts, the fact that some shower facilities at Bartle Scout Reservation remain operational year-round (e.g., for fall/winter events) is a testament to the dedication to providing amenities beyond the traditional summer camp season, ensuring comfort even in colder weather.

• Part of a Historic and Expansive Reservation: The Piercing Arrow Shower House is situated within the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, which has been a summer home for Scouting and the Tribe of Mic-O-Say since 1930. This historical context adds a layer of significance to the facility, being part of a legacy of outdoor education and personal development.

• Enhances Long-Term Stays: For attendees who spend multiple days or weeks at camp, access to a clean shower house is not just a convenience, but a necessity that contributes to overall well-being and a positive long-term camping experience.

As the Piercing Arrow Shower House is a facility within the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, operated by the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, direct contact information for the shower house itself is not typically provided. Instead, inquiries would be directed to the reservation or the council office.

Address (H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation): 5525 NE Scout Camp Road, Osceola, MO 64776-9000, USA

Phone (Reservation Headquarters - for emergencies only, or program-related inquiries): (417) 646-8115

Heart of America Council Office:

Address: 10210 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131

Office Phone: (816) 942-9333

Toll-Free: (800) 776-1110

For individuals seeking information about programs at Camp Piercing Arrow, registration, or specific details about facilities like the shower house, it is best to consult the official website of the Heart of America Council (hoac-bsa.org) or contact their main office in Kansas City. Specific program guides (like the Webelos Adventures Weekend guide) often contain detailed information about camp facilities, including shower house operations and rules.

For Missouri locals, particularly those involved in Scouting or seeking outdoor experiences within structured programs, the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation, and by extension, its essential facilities like the Piercing Arrow Shower House, are exceptionally suitable and valuable resources. While it's not a public campground for spontaneous individual bookings, its role in providing crucial amenities for organized outdoor education is paramount.

The primary reason for its suitability for locals lies in its direct support of youth development and outdoor recreation for thousands of Missouri Scouts each year. The ability to participate in multi-day or multi-week camping programs, knowing that modern, clean shower and restroom facilities are available, significantly enhances the experience. This comfort factor makes outdoor education more accessible and enjoyable, especially for younger participants or those new to extended camping. The dedication to providing hot water and segregated facilities demonstrates a commitment to the well-being and privacy of all attendees, which is a highly valued aspect for families across our state.

Furthermore, the H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation itself is a significant outdoor institution in Missouri, offering a wide array of activities, from shooting sports and archery to hiking and water-based programs. The Piercing Arrow Shower House is a fundamental part of the infrastructure that makes these extensive programs possible and comfortable. For local leaders, parents, and volunteers, knowing that such a well-equipped facility exists within this renowned camp provides peace of mind and allows them to focus on the educational and adventurous aspects of the Scouting experience. It represents a commitment to providing a high-quality, well-supported outdoor environment for the youth of Missouri, fostering a love for nature and developing essential life skills in a comfortable setting.