Amusement parks

[t4eagle137]

I've checked the Guide to Safe Scouting and didn't find anything in there but I wanted to check with some other experienced scouters.

 

During our yearly planning meeting some of the boys brought up the idea of vising a local amusement park (Cedar Point). As things are getting closer to needing a date and an immediate plan I wondered if there's a BSA rule about taking scouts to an amusement park with a a majority of rides being roller coasters.

 

Cedar Point has an impeccable safety record so that isn't an issue, but I just wanted to see if there was anything from the BSA preventing this.

 

Thanks!

[Pack212Scouter]

Amusement Parks are one of many things not included in the G2SS. When not listed, follow common sense. Mine would tell me that it is the same as using a commercial facility for climbing, swimming, etc. If it is commercial, and not listed specifically as forbidden, then I would say it's ok.

[ccjj]

Michigan's Adventure in Muskegon (which is owned by Cedar Fair who owns Cedar Point) has a special "Scouting Outing" each year with discounted prices for Scout groups. We have gone for several years with no problems.

 

ccjj

[scoutldr]

As with any outing, be sure to get parental permission slips just to cover the bases.

[SSScout]

Wear Scout clothes. Hats

 

Oh... And Money. Bring money.

[t4eagle137]

Thanks guys, I just wanted to be sure before I got too far into the planning process.

[dg98adams]

Our Troop went to Kings Island over Halloween.

 

Only thing I heard back was there was not enough "diverse" scouts in attendance.

 

Apparently a couple Scouts found out they did not like the big coasters or the spookier haunted houses (after 1 ride or 1 house)....it became a drag on the small group because that is what they were there for.

 

We did not have as many Scouts from the Troop go like we thought, so the Patrols broke into groups of 3-4 with a mix of ages. To stay with the buddy system, a Scout that wanted to ride/spook had to wait with the Scout that did not. This wasn't really fair to either one.

 

So if you take a group, make sure the scouts have a buddy with the same interests/desire to ride the rides and discuss what they are able to do while waiting on the rest of the group to ride a ride if they decide not to. Buddy system!

[t4eagle137]

Definitely. I'm not one much for roller coasters either but I do enjoy being there with friends and having a good time.

 

 

[rkfrance]

You definitely want to bring a lot of money. Personal recommendations - bring your own food and drink. You'll pay several $ each for any food or drink items inside the park. Or plan on leaving the park to eat. But, Sandusky in the summer is a guessing game on where you can get food without waiting. Also check the website for group discounts. Do you want to go to just the park or Soak City also? There are joint packages, two days, etc.

 

I'm sure being close, you've been here before or know someone who has. The biggest area of concern is always the weather. NO REFUNDS when it rains.

 

Yeah, it's in my backyard.

 

Rob

[t4eagle137]

Thanks Rob, I was planning on bringing lunch for sure and I contacted Cedar Point to ask about the group discount and have that sorted out.

 

As for the weather...well that's something we'll have to gamble with.

[ASM915]

t4,

If you decide to go with two day passes, check out East Harbor State Park. It's just across the bay from the Point. Might be a good place to camp the night before and the night inbetween the two days.