Fort Ticonderoga has announced a new overnight program for Boy Scout Troops.
“Imagine your troop being able to garrison Fort Ticonderoga overnight,” said the Fort’s director of education, Rich Strum. “Give your scouts an experience they’ll never forget — a rare chance to spend the night at Fort Ticonderoga.”
A limited number of slots are available in September and October for scouts interested in spending the night in the historic barracks of the Fort.
Scouts will arrive in mid-afternoon and are immediately thrust into the life of a soldeer at Ticonderoga in 1775. They’ll participate in the “Planting the Tree of Liberty” program and then have some time to explore the Fort and Museum before closing time.
“Once the visitors are gone and the Fort is secured for the night,” said Director of Interpretation Stuart Lilie, “scouts will establish their overnight camp, gather firewood and learn how to start a fire with flint and steel.” They will assist with the preparation of the evening meal while learning about 18th century cooking. After cleanup, fort staff will lead scouts on an evening hike over this historic landscape before they settle in for the night.
In the morning, scouts again help with starting the fire and fixing breakfast before packing up. Once the site opens for visitors, scouts can explore the fort, museum, and King’s Garden on their own before departing.
Scouts have the option of setting up their own tents on the historic grounds or, if numbering 16 or fewer scouts and adults, spending the night in the Soldiers’ Barracks. This experience is limited to 30 or fewer scouts and adults. A flat fee includes admission and special program fees as well as the evening and morning meals prepared over a camp fire.
For additional information, visit www.fort-ticonderoga.org.
