Overnights FAQ

Q: Can anyone sleep over on the Battleship?
A: The Overnight Encampment program is a youth-oriented program open to families and youth groups like Boy and Girl Scouts. Adult groups and individuals without children are not allowed.

Q: What is the minimum group size?
A: A group can be as small as two people, as long as one of those two is a child between the ages of 6 and 17.

Q: How many people can you accommodate at an encampment?
A: Up to 292 people can participate in an encampment.

Q: What is the minimum age for the Encampment program?
A: The minimum age is 6. That is not flexible- no one under 6 can participate in an overnight encampment.

Q: What if there is inclement weather the night of our encampment?
A: The Battleship New Jersey reserves the right to cancel an Overnight Encampment in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, power outages, the encampment fails to meet the 50-person requirement, etc. If severe weather is forecast, we recommend contacting our Overnight Encampment Office at 856-966-1652 x 203. After 1:00 PM the day of your scheduled overnight you can call 609-868-4166. Generally, cancellations would be announced the day before your overnight via a phone call to the person who booked the overnight. That person is your primary contact and all correspondence should go through them.

Q: What time does the ship leave?
A: The ship is permanently berthed on the Camden Waterfront and does not move- with the exception of going up and down with the tides.

Q: Will we really be sleeping in the authentic sailors' bunks?
A: Yes, the encampment takes place in various berthing spaces that were used during the 1980s.

Q: What should we wear for the encampment?
A: Best advice is to dress in layers and be mindful of the weather. Umbrellas are not advisable for the tour route- you will be climbing up ladders that will require both hands being free. If the weather looks like it may rain, bring a waterproof jacket and hat. Also remember it is frequently windy up on deck. Sneakers or rubber-soled flat shoes are best for walking and climbing, and skirts and dresses should be avoided. The inside of the ship is climate controlled, so it's warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Q: What should I bring to an Encampment?
A: Each Camper MUST bring a Sleeping bag or a blanket, a sheet and a pillow.