Fall 2022 Overnight Trip: A Night On an Aircraft Carrier

Nov. 5-6, USS Lexington

Last updated on Sep. 12

Come join us the weekend of November 5-6 at the USS Lexington! Now a museum ship, the Essex-class carrier was commissioned in 1943 and served in World War II with distinction in the Pacific, where she was claimed to have been sunk four times, earning the nickname "The Blue Ghost". She remained in the Navy as a training vessel until 1991. The flight deck houses 20 naval aircraft from across its career.

We'll be sleeping on the ship in the same way sailors did while the ship was in service. Fortunately, the bunks were modernized during the ship's career to be more comfortable than WWII standards. We'll have separate spaces for males and females. We'll have access to restrooms (with showers!) and lockers, but campers should expect to bring a pillow and sleeping bag.

Dinner and breakfast will be provided. Let us know if anyone has a dietary restriction: we can work with you on that, but otherwise bringing food is not allowed.

This event is open to all scouts, parents, and siblings over the age of five.

Click here to make your reservation and pay by September 25.


Required Forms.
Please complete and bring your health form with you.

Youth Protection Training is required of all attending adults. Forward your completion certificate. It may take a few hours to be sent to your email address upon completion.

Annual BSA Medical Release Forms are required for all Scouts attending. Click here to download.

Check-In/Meetup

We will meet outside entrance to the pier at our specified arrival time. Please arrive at the scheduled time so we can all enter together.

 

USS Lexington

2914 N Shoreline Blvd
Chorpus Christi, TX 78402

(361) 888-4873

Plan accordingly: From Austin, this is a minimum 3.5 hour drive.

What to Pack

Everything you bring will need to to be carried across the pier and down at least one flight of very steep steps, so we recommend packing light with a duffel.

  • Sleeping bag and pillow

  • Closed-toed shoes

  • Basic toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc)

  • Class B uniform (pack t-shirt)

  • Flashlight

  • Eye mask (optional)

  • Towel

  • Sunscreen, insect repellant, hand sanitizer (optional)

  • Lock for the provided lockers

What to Leave at Home

  • Items of value (laptop, tablets, etc)

  • Food is not allowed in sleeping areas: contact us if you have any special dietary needs

  • Alcohol

Agenda

Timing is approximate—except for check-in. Don’t be late!

1200-1500: arrival and check-in (exact time for Pack TBA: we will update this page)
1600: Film
1700: Dinner
1800: Flag Ceremony
1830: Self-guided tours
2130: Ghost stories (a crowd favorite)
2300: Lights out
——

0645: Reveille
0800: Breakfast
0845: Morning colors
0900: Departure

Questions?

Email Peter