My son (a cub scout) and I stayed overnight on the Little Rock about a month ago. It was my first time, and I was not looking forward to it (don't tell my son!).
But I have to tell you, it was AWESOME. Senior Chief John Branning does an outstanding job herding that many kids - we had good meals, fun things to do, and I even got a couple hours sleep. Plus he has docents come in and give tours of the ship - very dedicated group, and they're doing a great job.
My niece and I spent two overnights on the Little Rock last year and it was quite an experience. It is probably a little less suited for the females than the males but we made due as best we could. The officers on board were amazing, the tours were interesting, and I believe that everyone aboard had a great time. It was nice to have a safe co-ed place for kids to share, most of the scout programs are gender specific which means that the boys usually have a lot more opportunities for fun and excitement while the girls are stuck with horseback riding and crafts. It is good to see boys and girls in the picture above, we need more co-ed programs that provide girls with the same challenges and opportunities as the boys.
I was down by the naval park and commercial slip on the weekend and saw a bunch of kids like these. I didn't realize they slept on the USS Little Rock. neato. oh and btw, it is Saint Catharines, not Catherines.
I believe the Naval & Servicemen's Park also has underwater accommodations. A friend of mine from Erie told me that when she was in grade school her Girl Scout troop spent the night in the Croaker (the Park's submarine). Although she enjoyed it, she told me it definitely wasn't for the claustrophobic.
i recently read an interesting perspective on naval parks like these from former sailors. some said that the very proud ships are diminished by this sort of use. the vessels served in conflict where men died and were injured and should be memorials, not a playground.
im not too sure how common this sort of feeling is. and id love to hear opinions from current and former servicemen and women.
The same has also been said about Lafeyette Sq memorial and the concerts. There are always those that prefer a quiet reverence and there are those that prefer an active one.
It's not like the boat has been turned into a strip club. Children are there having a great time while learning about the ship's history and those that served on it.
I am of the stance that past lives can be celebrate through current lives. I hope I am one day remembered in that way.
Great story, queenseyes! We've been following the development at the park, but I had no idea the ships were used that much.
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