Battleship of New Jersey Overnight Trip

When and Where

When: January 6-7, 2024, 1:30 pm — 2:00 pm
Nights: 1

One of the numerous fun trips that we have planned for the year is the visit and sleepover on the Battleship of New Jersey.  See the following link and description of the ship below.  Relative to USS Slater, it's a stronger, more equipped for battle and more advanced ship.  There are lots of history and stem learning opportunities that we should try to take advantage of.

Management of the ship has stressed the need to submit an accurate headcount as soon as possible.  The ship has a maximum capacity of 50 and they will continue to fill open spots.  Thus, having the maximum participation from T23 scouts and adults is preferable and more fun.  I need you to RSVP and commit by Monday night, 9/18 and hopefully, they can accommodate.  (In addition, there is an opportunity to work on the Radio merit badge.)
 

Official website: https://www.battleshipnewjersey.org/

Plan

Departure 1/6/24, 1:30 PM. This will give us 4 hours to drive (2.5 hrs), accommodate breaks (15 mins), park (10 mins) and walk (15 mins) to the ship.
Destination: Camden Parking Authority Waterfront Garage located at 10 Delaware Ave, Camden, NJ 08103. Cost is $12:50 per car
Boarding: Starts at 5:00 PM Saturday Jan.6 Departure 12:00 PM Jan 7
Uniform: Travel in Class A and chill in Troop 23 Class B.
Showers: None

Battleship New Jersey

Waterfront Garage

Schedule of Events

Saturday Evening
1700 to 1830 - Arrival, compartments and bunks assigned, strike gear in berthing compartment. This allows free time until the Safety Presentation to explore Barber Shop, Brig (Jail), Laundry, Print Shop, etc. Listen for announcements.
1830 to 1900 – Introduction, Safety Presentation Fire Drill and Muster for Colors. Listen for announcement.
1900 to 1945 - Evening chow (chow line as directed by staff).
1945 to 2000 - Get camera, visit the head, assemble on Mess Deck for group tours.
2000 to 2200 - Ship’s Tours with trained Docent Guides – Approximately 1.5 hours.
2200 – Gun Shoot.
2300 - Taps, lights out (red “darkened ship” lights will be on as nightlights).

Sunday Morning
0715 - Reveille, everyone up!
0800 - Morning Colors on the fantail.
0815 – Morning Chow (chow line as directed by staff).
0900 – Self Guide Tour Route.
0900 to 1200 - Merit badge work. Must be scheduled 45 days in advance of your overnight.
1200 – Liberty Call! Campers disembark.

What to Bring

• Sleeping bag or blanket, a sheet and a pillow. Compartments are heated and air conditioned, but variations exist. Be guided by the weather. Bring weather-appropriate sleepwear. The Battleship provides only a mattress.
• Bring only soft carrying bags, as small as possible. No hard framed backpacks, hard luggage, luggage carts or school bag wheelies.
• Flashlight
• Playing cards, small board games, etc.
• Money for souvenirs and snacks

What NOT to Bring

• Alcohol and illegal substances, chewing gum or tobacco, pets, fishing gear.
• Fireworks, firearms, pocket knives and Leatherman-type tools, pliers and screwdrivers.
Anyone caught using tools to remove or deface the Ship’s items will be prosecuted.
• Smoking or vaping below decks is not permitted at any time. Smoking or vaping by adults is permitted only on the elevator platform.
• Audio devices such as a Walkman, CD or MP3 players, or radios.
• Cell phones do not work well below decks. The noise level below decks can be high and everyone needs to be able to hear announcements for safety and organizational purposes, so it is helpful to minimize local noise.
• Air mattresses are prohibited.
• “Roller sneakers” are strictly prohibited as they are a serious safety hazard. Safe, comfortable footwear is strongly encouraged.

"USS New Jersey (BB-62) is the most decorated battleship in Navy history, earning distinction in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, and conflicts in the Middle East. The New Jersey’s history spanned over half the 20th century, from her design in 1938 until 1991. She was launched on the first anniversary of Pearl Harbor, and went on to steam more miles, fight in more battles, and fire more shells in combat than any other battleship in history. In World War II, the New Jersey led the Pacific Fleet under Admirals Spruance and Halsey and fought in the two largest naval battles in history. She was reactivated to fight in the Korean War, and again to fight in the Vietnam War, when she was the world’s only operating battleship. She was reactivated for a third time in the Cold War to halt Soviet expansionism and resolve conflicts in the Middle East. After fighting fascism, communism, and terrorism, she was decommissioned for the final time in February 1991. Today the New Jersey continues her service as a living museum and memorial in Camden, New Jersey, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia where she was built."