The Little Rock Sleeps 250 Every Weekend
As I spoke to John I inquired about what groups were already on board and what groups he was still expecting. He told me that he was still expecting the 33rd Scout from Saint Catherines, (Ontario). It was not long after that when I spotted the troop coming down the walkway marching towards the ship. They all had their night bags and all of the equipment needed to make it through a two-day stay on the Little Rock.
It's not often that I look out at these ships and think about them one way or another. That is until now. I guess I never knew how important these ships are to the younger kids and the older ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corp) groups. If the Little Rock welcomes on average 250 guests to our waterfront every weekend, then that's pretty neat. It's another thing to think about when walking by any of these ships. To learn more about the overnight programs, please visit The Buffalo Naval Park online.
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Prodigal-Son
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.
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platt4
Does Collins collect and then keep a bed tax on these kids?
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heathersmiles
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.
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WIGS
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.
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RisingDamp666
Good heavens! I hope they have room service.
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RaChaCha
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.
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al-alo
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.
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MJWorthington
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.
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UrbanMatt2000
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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