Naish History: Graydon Ford Camp Theodore Naish Staff

The stories behind the many memorials at camp.

From: Jody Tucker
Date: April 26, 2001

Responding to Ed Hubert's request for info about the Nature Lodge, I found the following in the original dedication program from July 14, 1965.

Eagle Scout Graydon Ford was an Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 46 and a junion in the School of Engineering at the University of Kansas. Grady first became associated with Troop 46 in 1954 and was registered continuously with the troop or the related Explorer Post as a member or an adult leader until the time of his death.

Grady was very fond and extremely proud of Camp Naish and had served on the staff at summer camp. He was especially interested in the outdoor and nature portions of the Scouting program as evidenced by 14 of his 27 merit badges being related to these activities.

In view of these interests in the outdoor Scouting activities and his affection for Camp Naish, a Nature Museum erected in his memory on this site is most appropriate.

Shortly before the accident Grady's mother had promised she would paint for him an Eagle on a large board. Two years later she kept her promise and the Eagle board now hangs permanently on the building just inside the screened-in porch.

The large colored picture of Grady in his Scout uniform with Rusty, his dog, taken just the night previous to his accident, will be permanently displayed in the building.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Scouts and Scouters of troop 46, Kaw Council, and dear friends who helped us make this possible.

Don and Audra Ford