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USS Lexington Live Aboard Experience
Cub Scouts Visit the USS Lexington
July 8-9, 28 Cub Scouts and families from local packs 1142, 888, 1454, 565 participated in the USS Lexington “Live aboard” program. The scouts and parents learned about the famous WWII aircraft carrier from tours and many volunteer ex-crewmen. The boys ate their meals in the officers’ dining area and slept aboard the ship in crew bunks.
The experience started with a “mustering-in” where all boys were sworn in as shipmates for the stay. Lots of time was spent exploring and climbing up and down ladders and knocking knees and heads in the close spaces. Much of the ship is open and marked for exploring the workings of an aircraft carrier. The scouts participated in flag lowering ceremonies. Dinner, after-hours guided tours, an IMAX movie and aircraft access followed. The treat of the night was ghost stories told in the dim light of the lower decks.
After a good night’s sleep the “crew” was awakened at 6:45 am and participated in flag raising ceremonies. Breakfast was followed by “mustering-out” and show put on by the campers. After a trip to the souvenir shop all the scouts bid farewell to the USS Lexington and packed their gear and move to the next stop.
A behind the scenes tour of the near-by Texas State Aquarium was the next stop. Our tour guides showed us the workings of a major aquarium. We learned about everything from water to feeding. The scouts then explored the aquarium exhibits. Shark and ray as well as sea urchin and hermit crab “hands-on” were the highlight of the exhibits. The dolphin show and other exhibits made for a full day.
The Cub Scouts had lunch at the aquarium and did final packing for the trip back home. All the boys had a great time and learned a lot. So did some parents too. Both the USS Lexington and Texas State Aquarium are on the edge of Corpus Christi Bay, just across the bridge from downtown Corpus Christi.
This is just one example of the fun trips and activities of the Cub Scouts in the area. Contact The Flaming Area District or Sam Houston Area Council (http://www.samhoustonbsa.org/Home/DistrictSites/Districts/) for more information on becoming a Cub Scout.
Click on thumbnails to see full size image.
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