boston

[asm206]

Does anyone knows of a campsite near Boston?

[scoutingagain]

There's the Minuteman Council's Camp Sayre.

 

http://www.bsaboston.org/openrosters/ViewOrgPageLink.asp?LinkKey=22000&orgkey=1917

 

There's Wampatuck State Park

 

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/southeast/womp.htm

 

They also have a separate designated camping area for scout units.

 

And finally, for something a little different you might want to check out the Boston Harbor Islands.

 

http://bostonharborislands.org/

 

Good luck.

 

SA

 

 

 

 

[asm206]

Thanks. We may go up on President day weekend so we will stay at the council camp in a cabin. A few quick questions

 

1 How much time should we allow to do the freedom trail in Boston?

 

2. Is the Plymouth colony and Salmen open? or do they close for the winter?

 

3 Are there any special events going on that weekend?

 

4 Do you have any others pointers or tips

[NeilLup]

You'll have a great time in our council

 

1) It's not a long walk. Maybe 3 miles. Plus time stopping at the various sights.

 

2) I would expect Plymouth and Salem to be open. Both represent at least a half day and driving distance for each is 30-60 minutes from Sayre. Note that Salem is north of Boston and Plymouth is south.

 

3) Nothing special is listed on the council calendar. There may be some special things happening in town that you can find out about as time gets closer

 

4) Make reservations now and get in deposit. The cabins do fill up.

Boston in February can get "brisk" bordering on "chilly." Be sure that your Scouts are ready to handle weather which could, under unusual but not unheard of conditions, be in the 0 degrees to 10 degree range. Temperatures in the 20 degree range would be common. In Boston, public transportation is pretty good. That might be simpler, cheaper and more fun than trying to find a parking place. However, public transporation does not serve Sayre.

 

You'll have fun. We look forward to seeing you.

[Leprechaun]

Not all of Plimouth Plantation is open all year round, I would check before you make plans. There are three BSA camps within 20-25 minutes from the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock. Most if not all the museums are open.

While in Boston the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science are great takes. The Marriot Customhouse has an observation deck that is not necessarily open to the public but scouts have a way of influencing people. Don't forget the "Gahden", Boston speak for the TD Banknorth Garden where the Bruins and the WORLD CHAMPION Celtics play.

Enjoy the trip

[HobcawChaos]

Museum of Science is a definite do. Check out a Duck Tour that goes into the Charles River in addition to around town. Make sure to jump on and of the "T" as the local subway is known. It's safe, color-coded, and easy to use. Plus great fun! Walk to first car to pretend like you're driving. If near Copley Square (on the Green Line) scare the pigeons, check out the cool church, and go to the top of the Hancock Building for a great view of the city. Go over to the Charlestown Navy Yard to see the USS Constitution. You may also add a visit to Fenway Park. Depending on the age of your group, a visit to MIT or Harvard could also be in order. Chinatown is lots of fun and the pizza in the North End - Italian section - can't be beat.

[oldsm]

My troop did the Freedom Trail last spring and loved it. It's good to allow all day for this. That way you can spend time at the various waystations and really learn something about history. Quincy Market is an excellent place to let the scouts have lunch - it's always crowded, but it's great for people-watching. And the variety of foods available is astounding.

 

You'll want to build in time to visit Old Ironsides (that needs about an hour without the muesum), and the the guys will want to climb the tower at Bunker Hill (an obelisk - sort of a mini-Washington Monument). And when you finish that, you have a hike back to the "T" to take mass transit back to your vehicles.

 

Be sure the guys wear sneakers, not hiking boots. All of your travel will be on concrete.

 

Another stop along the route (not actually part of the Freedom Trail, but adjacent to it) is the Holocaust Memorial. It had an unexpectedly profound effect on the boys once the symbolism sank in.

 

The Science Center is great - it needs a day to itself.

 

Good luck with planning. Enjoy!

[oldsm]

My troop did the Freedom Trail last spring and loved it. It's good to allow all day for this. That way you can spend time at the various waystations and really learn something about history. Quincy Market is an excellent place to let the scouts have lunch - it's always crowded, but it's great for people-watching. And the variety of foods available is astounding.

 

You'll want to build in time to visit Old Ironsides (that needs about an hour without the muesum), and the the guys will want to climb the tower at Bunker Hill (an obelisk - sort of a mini-Washington Monument). And when you finish that, you have a hike back to the "T" to take mass transit back to your vehicles.

 

Be sure the guys wear sneakers, not hiking boots. All of your travel will be on concrete.

 

Another stop along the route (not actually part of the Freedom Trail, but adjacent to it) is the Holocaust Memorial. It had an unexpectedly profound effect on the boys once the symbolism sank in.

 

The Science Center is great - it needs a day to itself.

 

Good luck with planning. Enjoy!

[TwoXForr]

What President's Day Weekend,

 

I thought everyone either came to the Cradle of Liberty, Valley Forge Encampment and Prilgrame

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_Forge_Pilgrimage

 

or sat at home wishing they were there.

 

(Just kidding, but I bet it would be warmer in PA than in Boston that weekend.)

[Leprechaun]

I dunno about that Twoxforr, we visited Vally Forge and the Cradle of Liberty Council a couple of years ago for our coooldest camp out ever! We take precations so our water does not freeze up but the second night was so cold our insulated and protected water had iced up. They put on a fantastic event for the President weekend and well worth the trip. Your on our list to visit again.

[from11to46]

You mentioned Salem....if you're going up there check out their tall ship recreation:

 

http://www.salemweb.com/frndship/

 

The Peabody/Essex Museum is fantastic if your scouts are interested in history, if they're literature-fans there's the House of Seven Gables.

 

I believe there's a nice fast ferry that goes between Salem and Boston, which would be another experience and convenient if you're based in Boston.

 

A traditional favorite used to be the viewing deck from the top of the Prudential center or the newer Hancock tower...not sure if they ever reopened those after 2001, unfortunately.

[theysawyoucomin']

A few years ago we took the cubs on a Pack overnight to Sayre and we were treated very well by those folks. The pool was under construction at that time, schedule time for that.

 

We then drove to the "T" station and rode into the city. We saw the Aquarium, which was great.

 

There is a water taxi for a couple of bucks that runs fron near the aquarium to Ironsides, however it may close for winter.

 

A trip to the Constitution is well worth the trip. I think it is closed in Monday and Tuesday. And be ready for "the search" prior to boarding her. The Museum is very good with some "tryits" for kids; sleep in a hammock and walk ropes.

 

The Uss Cassin Young is next door. the National Park service guides were not real jazzed up. Do some research on Cassin Young first. Maybe you have a Navy or Marine vet that can explain what going to sea is like.

 

The tour of Fenway park is great. The 2009 WS Champion Red Sox play there. The tour was $12 when last I took it.

 

Learn all you can about the "T" and charlie passes. The "T" is your friend in Boston.

 

Plymouth, Salem, Battleship Cove and Boston are not co located.

 

Plan,Plan,Plan

 

Ask the boys what they wish to see and build around that.

[Leprechaun]

Are you still coming to Boston? Dress warm it's going to be chilly but dry.