A Seaport Sampler | All ages and scouts | $85 per person

The Seaport Sampler program offers a glimpse into life in a coastal town in the 1800s. Taking a nighttime tour of the Museum grounds, participants will discover what life was like in a seaport town, and learn about some of the seaside professions of the past.  The tour is followed up with a hands-on activity, where participants will get to create their very own sailor’s craft, just like the sailors of the past would have at sea.  After breakfast the next day participants can climb the rigging of our historic vessel the Joseph Conrad (weather permitting) before ending their visit with self-guided exploration. 

Sample Schedule 

Day one

• 5:45pm: Arrival time in South entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00-6:30pm: Move gear to sleeping location, orientation and fire drill

• 6:30-8:30pm: Evening activities related to the selected theme

• 8:30-9:00pm: Free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m.- Lights Out

Day two

• 8:00-9:00am Breakfast (provided)

• 9:00-10:30am: Rigging climb (weather permitting) or hands-on activity

• 10:30—11:30am: Self-guided exploration

• 11:30am: Adjourn

GIRL SCOUTS

1) Be a Space Scientist for Girl Scouts | Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors | $85 per person

Join us for some fun with the sky! The evening in our Treworgy Planetarium and Campbell Classroom will include a planetarium show and plenty of hands-on activities that meet partial requirements for Brownie’s “Science Adventurer” badge, and Junior’s “Space Science Investigator” badge. After breakfast the next day scouts can climb the rigging of the historic vessel Joseph Conrad (weather permitting) and participate in a guided tour of the Museum. 

Sample schedule for Be a Space Scientist

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. evening activities related to the selected theme

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–10:30 a.m. rigging climb (weather permitting) or hands-on activity

• 10:30–11:30 a.m. tour of the Museum

• 11:30 a.m. adjourn

 2) Night Owl Badge for Girl Scouts | Cadettes | $85 per person

Complete your Night Owl badge in a unique setting by spending the night at Mystic Seaport Museum! 

Sample Schedule for Night Owl Badge

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. Set up tents and have dinner on Village Green (dinner provided by Scouts; options include ordering pizza for delivery from town or grilling hot dogs and hamburgers they bring—grill is provided).

  • OR if sleeping on the Joseph Conrad this time period will be used to move onto the vessel, have an orientation and fire drill, and eat dinner that Scouts provide.

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. Scouts will see a Planetarium show (learn five fun facts about the stars and planets), have an after-dark tour of the Museum, and explore the night sky with a telescope (weather permitting).

• 8:30-11:30 p.m. Night time “power down” party (think of games and activities you can do without power!)

• 11:45 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–11:30 a.m. Enjoy constellation story time and craft activity. For step 3 of this badge your troop can interview our overnight staff about running an overnight camp or overnight scout programs. 

• 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Adjourn and enjoy self-guided exploration of the Museum. Lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own).

BOY SCOUTS

1) Out of This World for Cub Scouts | ages 7–10 | $85 per person

There are five sections to the “Out of This World” award, and our workshop completes all except for the first section.

• Section 1: Read or watch one hour of books/programs about space.

  • Scouts are encouraged to complete Section 1 prior to attending a workshop at the Museum. We will then aid scouts in completing Sections 2-5.

• Section 2: Option A

  • Demonstrate how to focus a simple telescope or binoculars.

  • Draw a diagram of the solar system.

  • Draw and label five constellations.

• Section 3: Part B

  • Explain how “revolution” or “orbit” compares with “rotation.”

  • Choose three planets to investigate, and compare them to Earth.

• Section 3: Part F

  • Investigate and make models or diagrams of solar and lunar eclipses.

• Section 4: Part A

  • Visit a place where space science is being done (the Museum’s Planetarium!).

• Section 5: Tell your counselor what you have learned about space exploration while working on this award.

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. activities related to the “Out of this World” Nova Award

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–10:30 a.m. rigging climb (weather permitting) or hands-on activity

• 10:30–11:30 a.m. tour of the Museum

• 11:30 a.m. adjourn

On the first evening Scouts participate in activities related to the “Out of this World” Nova Award.  After breakfast the next day scouts can climb the rigging of the historic vessel Joseph Conrad (weather permitting) and participate in a guided tour of the Museum. Following the workshop, the troop is responsible for obtaining and distributing the Awards.

2) Astronomer’s Challenge for Boy Scouts | ages 10 and up | $85 per person

This program for Boy Scouts incorporates activities at the Treworgy Planetarium into an overnight experience at the Museum. Over the course of one overnight session (evening and morning), Boy Scouts can satisfy all of the requirements for an Astronomy Merit Badge. Treworgy Planetarium staff are certified by the Boy Scouts of America to serve as Merit Badge Counselors for all astronomy-related merits. On the first evening, Scouts enjoy a planetarium show, and either stargazing with telescopes if weather permits or a sailor’s craft and other activities related to the Astronomy Merit Badge. After breakfast the next day scouts can climb the rigging of the Joseph Conrad (weather permitting) and participate in a guided tour of the Museum. 

Sample Schedule for Astronomer’s Challenge

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. evening activities related to the selected theme

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–10:30 a.m. rigging climb (weather permitting) or hands-on activity

• 10:30–11:30 a.m. tour of the Museum

• 11:30 a.m. adjourn

ALL SCOUTS

1) Mighty Mariners | Ages 8 and older | $85 per person

During this program Scouts learn about sailing past and present as they try their hand at sailing on the Mystic River. *Please note this program has a capacity of 25 people. 

Sample schedule for Mighty Mariner program (sailing included):

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. climb the rigging of the Joseph Conrad (weather permitting), knot-tying and rope skills 

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. sailing on 9-foot Dyer Dhow sailboats

• 12:00 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration

GIRL SCOUTS

1) Paddle Boat Challenge Badge for Girls Scouts | Juniors | $85 per person

Come earn your mechanical engineering badge in a unique setting by spending the night at Mystic Seaport Museum! Scouts have the option of sleeping in tents on the Village Green or onboard a historic tall ship. This badge can also be done as a daytime-only workshop.

Sample Schedule for Paddle Boat Challenge Badge

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. tour of the Museum with a focus on boats and how they work

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Design and build a rubber band boat. Share your results with the group and think of ways to improve the design. If time and weather conditions allow, get out on the River in a paddle boat.     

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration of the museum

2) Eco Explorer Badge for Girl Scouts | Seniors

Earn your Eco Explorer Badge in a unique setting by spending the night at Mystic Seaport Museum! This badge can also be done as a daytime-only workshop. Scouts have two options for this program:

• Option 1 | $85 per person: Scouts will investigate the Mystic River and its environmental issues and get out on the water at Mystic Seaport Museum. Scouts will share what they learned through a poster or social media post. Scouts should talk to a traveler or research an eco-activist and visit a location to explore biodiversity (badge steps 1 and 2) on their own before coming to Mystic Seaport Museum.

• Option 2 | $105 per person: Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium have teamed up to offer a joint program! Scouts will earn their Eco Explorer Badge by investigating the Mystic River at Mystic Seaport Museum and learning about the River’s environmental issues through engagement with a conservationist at Mystic Aquarium’s Research Center. Scouts will then share what they learned through a poster or social media post.

Sample schedule for Eco Explorer Badge for Girl Scouts

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Scouts will participate in a tour of the Museum with a focus on the river and our waterfront, learn about salinity, temperature, and density, and discuss environmental issues relating to water.  

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time and back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Scouts will learn about marine science topics including the ocean food chain and water quality.  Activities (weather permitting) will include a plankton tow and analysis under microscopes, data collection, weather observations, and river chemistry tests. Scouts will discuss what they learned and share their experiences on social media and/or by making a poster or other public presentation. 

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. adjourn, lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own)

• 1:00 p.m. Scouts doing option 2 will head to the Mystic Aquarium to speak with a conservationist.

3) Water Badge and Ultimate Recreation Challenge Badge for Girl Scouts | Ambassadors

Ambassadors working on their Water Badge or Ultimate Recreation Challenge Badge should reach out to us to see how they can use our Sailing Center, schooner Brilliant, or other vessels to complete the on-water requirements! Parts of the badge requirements can be obtained by taking one of our Homeschool or Afterschool Sailing classes or during any of our summer sailing camps (including our CIT program). Contact the Sailing Center at 860-572-5369 for more information.

BOY SCOUTS

1) Small Boat Sailing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts | $85 per person

Earn your Sailing Merit Badge at Mystic Seaport Museum on our fleet of traditional Dyer Dhow sailboats. This merit badge can also be obtained by taking one of our Homeschool or Afterschool Sailing classes or during any of our summer sailing camps (including the Counselor-in-Training program). Scouts are also encouraged to reach out to work on badge requirements independently with our instructors. BSA Swim Test can be held off our Sailing Center docks May 1–October 31.

Sample schedule for Small Boat Sailing program for Boy Scouts

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Scouts will tour the Museum with a focus on types of sailing vessels and learn about cordage with a special tour of our historic ropewalk.  Scouts will practice knots and other components of marlinespike seamanship, learn about boating safety, rules of the road, how weather affects small sailboats,  and review first aid topics and required gear and clothing for different weather.

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time and back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.  Scouts will learn how to find and read the wind, parts of a boat, rigging and safety inspection, points of sail, tacking, jibing, getting out of irons, and safety position. Scouts will get underway and demonstrate what they have learned, including what to do after running aground, and learn how to dock and secure a boat. If needed, Scouts can complete their swim test as well.   

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own)

• 1:00-2:30 p.m. Scouts will review the morning lesson and get underway to demonstrate any skill not observed in the morning. Scouts will also use this time to conduct a capsize drill at or near the dock, and end their program to discuss how to secure a boat and all equipment and learn year round boat maintenance. 

• 2:30 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration of the Museum.

2) Motorboating Merit Badge for Boy Scouts | $85 per person

Learn about powerboats, small marine outboard engine operation, and coastal navigation. We will cover safety and regulations, rules of the road, charting and navigation tools, operating underway, vessel and crew preparation, float plans, maneuvering, docking and line handling, basic engine maintenance and troubleshooting, and more. The class is taught on a 20’ center console by a USCG licensed captain. This merit badge can also be obtained by taking one of our Homeschool or Afterschool Powerboating classes or in our Counselor-in-Training program for our summer sailing camps. Scouts are also encouraged to reach out to work on badge requirements independently with our instructors. BSA Swim Test can be held off the Sailing Center docks May 1–October 31. Groups of 6 students or less are preferred but we can modify the schedule for larger groups if needed. At this time scouts have to obtain their state safe boating certificate independently, preferably before completing the badge requirements.  

Sample schedule for Motorboating for Boy Scouts

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Scouts will participate in a tour of the Museum, learn rope skills and knot-tying, and learn about motorboating concepts such as right of way, navigation markers, lights and sound signals.

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Scouts will review required topics for badge such as lifejackets, engine types, anchor types, fueling safety, winterization, float plans, weather and hazards, and participate in a swim test if needed.

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own)

• 1:00–2:30 p.m. Scouts will demonstrate proper boat handling procedures and skills such as how to board the boat, complete a safety check, get underway, navigate a 1-mile course demonstrating right-of-way knowledge and navigation markers, set the anchor, raise and stow the anchor, dock and secure boat, and disembark and secure gear.

• 2:30 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration of the Museum

3) Oceanography Merit Badge for Boy Scouts | $85 per person

Join us at the Museum’s Sailing Center to learn about the Mystic River ecosystem while earning your Oceanography Merit Badge. Scouts have two options for this program: 

• Option 1 | $85 per person: Scouts will learn about the Mystic River ecosystem and get out on the water at the Museum. Each scout should prepare ahead of time a five-minute presentation on “Why Oceanography is Important” or “Career Opportunities in Oceanography” to present to the group after lunch on Day 2.

• Option 2 | $105 per person: Mystic Seaport Museum and Mystic Aquarium have teamed up to provide an exciting joint program! Scouts will learn about the Mystic River ecosystem, get out on the water, and then tour the Mystic Aquarium to earn their Oceanography Merit Badge. 

Sample schedule for Oceanography merit badge

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Scouts will participate in a tour of the Museum with a focus on the Mystic River and our waterfront, and learn about salinity, temperature, and density. Scouts will review the water cycle, learn how ocean currents affect weather and climate, and analyze drawings of underwater topography.

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Scouts will learn about marine science topics including the ocean food chain and water quality.  Activities (weather permitting) will include a plankton tow and analysis under microscopes, data collection, weather observations, and river chemistry tests. Reflecting on their activities, scouts will discuss how marine scientists investigate the ocean.   

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own)

• 1:00 p.m. Scouts doing Option 1 will prepare and deliver a five-minute presentation on “Why Oceanography is Important” or “Career Opportunities in Oceanography”.  Scouts doing Option 2 will visit Mystic Aquarium and write a 500-word report about their visit. 

4) Rowing Merit Badge for Boy Scouts | $85 per person

Earn your Rowing Merit Badge at Mystic Seaport Museum on our fleet of traditional fixed seat row boats.  

This merit badge can also be obtained by taking one of our Homeschool or Afterschool Sailing classes. Scouts are also encouraged to reach out to work on badge requirements independently with our instructors. BSA Swim Test can be held off the sailing center docks May 1-October 31.

Sample schedule for Rowing Merit Badge

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Scouts will participate in a tour of the Museum with a focus on the river and our waterfront, learn about knots, water safety, and review first aid topics such as hazards, safety afloat policy, and lifejackets.  

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time, back to sleeping location

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Scouts will participate in a rowing lesson on our Dyer Dhows and complete the requirements of the badge including rowing a distance, turning, backwater rowing, picking up a passenger, switching roles, sculling, and returning to the dock.  Scouts can also complete their swim test if needed.

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own)

• 1:00–2:30 p.m. Scouts will learn how to swamp a Dyer Dhow, right it, get back in, and keep rowing. Scouts will also row twenty yards to a swimmer in the water and tow them to shore. Reflecting on their activities, scouts will discuss competitive rowing, building materials, different types of oarlocks, effects of weather on rowing, and the health benefits of rowing.

• 2:30 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration of the Museum

Cabin Camper Badge for Girl Scouts | Brownies and Juniors | $85 per person

Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts can earn their Camper Merit Badge in a unique setting by spending the night at Mystic Seaport Museum! Scouts have the option of sleeping in tents on our Village Green or onboard a historic tall ship. Our staff is available to help scouts plan and prepare for the trip per badge requirements. For the camp meal scouts can bring their own “no cook meal” for dinner and/or we can have the girls do open-hearth cooking as the “food they’ve never tried before” option. For step #4 for the Juniors, “Try a new activity” in the sample schedule below is sailing. Depending on weather or interest of the girls we can also do the “Be a scientist” option, make our own journals and make scientific observations of the Mystic River.

Sample schedule for Camper Merit Badge

Day 1

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in South Entrance parking lot (across from the big red tugboat)

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to sleeping location, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. tour of the Museum, and sailor knots and lanyard activity (Brownies)

• 6:30–8:30 p.m. open-hearth cooking (Juniors)

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. free time (Brownies)

• 8:30–9:00 p.m. flashlight tag (Juniors)

• 9:00 p.m. lights out

Day 2

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–11:00 a.m. Life in a Seaport Town tour with open-hearth cooking as one of the stops (Brownies)

• 9:00–11:00 a.m. sailing and knot-tying (Juniors)

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Games on the Green as a group (Brownies)

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. compass navigation challenge activity (Juniors)    

• 12:00–1:00 p.m. adjourn, self-guided exploration of the Museum. Lunch on own (at Museum restaurant or bring own).

Star Lore | All ages and scouts | $85 per person

Enjoy a night under the stars as educators from Mystic Seaport Museum walk you through the star stories of different cultures from around the world. Then join us to create your own star lore in the Campbell Classroom.

Sample Schedule

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in the North Entrance parking Lot

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to Treworgy Planetarium, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–7:30 p.m. Planetarium show about star lore in different cultures

• 7:30–8:00 p.m. snack

• 8:00–9:00 p.m. evening craft activities

• 9:00–9:30 p.m. get ready for bed

• 9:30 p.m. sleep under the “stars”

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast (provided)

• 9:00–10:00 a.m. morning craft activities

• 10:00 a.m. adjourn

Navigating with the Stars | All scouts ages 10 and above | $85 per person

Ever wonder how sailors crossed oceans before GPS? Now is your chance to not only find out, but also learn some of those skills! Join Mystic Seaport Museum educators in the Treworgy Planetarium as we learn how to find latitude and longitude, why speed and direction are important, and how to read a chart.

Sample Schedule

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in the North Entrance parking lot

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to Treworgy Planetarium, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–7:30 p.m. Planetarium show about navigation

• 7:30–8:00 p.m. snack

• 8:00–9:00 p.m. sextant activity

• 9:00–9:30 p.m. get ready for bed

• 9:30 p.m. sleep under the “stars”

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast

• 9:00–10:00 a.m. navigation activities

• 10:00 a.m. adjourn

Slumber Party Under the Stars | All ages and scouts | $85 per person

Looking for a unique getaway? Why not try “camping out” at the Museum’s Treworgy Planetarium? Immerse yourself in a full-dome program before relaxing with friends and family. Then fall asleep under the “stars”.

Sample Schedule

Day one

• 5:45 p.m. arrival in the North Entrance parking lot

• 6:00–6:30 p.m. move gear to Treworgy Planetarium, orientation, and fire drill

• 6:30–7:30 p.m. Planetarium show

• 7:30–8:00 p.m. snack

• 8:00–9:00 p.m. stories under the stars

• 9:00–9:30 p.m. get ready for bed

• 9:30 p.m. sleep under the “stars”

Day two

• 8:00–9:00 a.m. breakfast

• 9:00–10:00 a.m. morning craft activities

• 10:00 a.m. adjourn