100 Clinton St
Camden, NJ 08103
USA
Amazing overnight-er!
49 cubs and their families ventured out to the Battleship New Jersey on a beautiful warm Saturday afternoon. We joined 200 other scouts and their families. Beginning the adventure with a 4D flight simulator ride then moving into their assigned bunks. Those sleeping quarters really give perspective on the minimalist lifestyles of our Navy personnel. After a welcoming introduction by veteran military serviceman, and a very needed safety presentation and fire Drill we gathered for Colors. In true reverent fashion we honored those past and present who fought for our freedom to attend events like this sleepover. We saluted and lowered the flag for the evening. Our boys were at complete attention and gave the required amount of respect and honor. True gentleman every moment. Chow was a tasty chicken fingers, mac and cheese and applesauce, with chocolate chip cookies. Scouts from other troops helped organize and dispense the meal. After dinner we got our cameras and assembled on the Mess Deck for small group tours. There we were each given dog tags with our names already engraved. They really made us feel like we belonged. Experienced military veterans and trained Docent Guides walked us through the many decks of the ship, sharing info and stories that brought the ship to life for us for over 2 hours. From gun rooms, ammo decks and living spaces we heard all the details of how life would be aboard the ship in service. Our boys listened, ask questions and were mindful of all the rules, almost the entire time. The it happened! at 10 pm we all gathered on top decks to experience three rounds of big gun shots. The night was very dark, the ship light by a few party lights and some very loud, sound breaking explosions. A quick snack on the Mess Deck and by then, we were ALL ready to bunk down. 11 pm brought on Taps and lights out (red “darkened ship” lights were on as nightlights)
At 7:15 am Reveille sounded, and everyone was up! By 8 am we were headed topside for Morning Colors on the fantail. The boys listened so well to what was needed from them for the remainder of the day. We headed down to morning Chow where some of our finest 334 cubs assisted in organizing and directing all 250 guests to their warm delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, frosted flakes, oj and milk. From there we were released to roam the ship on the Self Guide Tour Route and head land side at our own pace. We had no injuries, no scouts lost, no fighting but LOTS of laughs and good times. It was educational fun like none other! Our boys were respectable, reverent, helpful, and a pleasure to experience. .