Overnight Camping

Live Aboard LEX

About the Program

An adventure awaits your group when they camp overnight on USS Lexington. They’ll hear stories from the ship’s illustrious past – covering topics like kamikaze attacks, the manpower it takes to navigate an aircraft carrier, and being named the “Blue Ghost” by Tokyo Rose herself. The chapters of this history lesson unfold over 11 different levels within the ship, giving their curious minds a hands-on experience that reflects on the sacrifices made by that patriotic generation, builds camaraderie, inspires love of learning and is just plain fun!

One Night Program

The overnight stay is an ideal program for scouts, homeschoolers, and adventure seekers of all ages. The itinerary serves as a lesson plan and includes tours of the ship, stories of historical events from her past, a scavenger hunt, a movie in the 3D MEGA Theater, LEX ghost stories, two trips through the chow line, bunking in original crew quarters, an unforgettable flag ceremony and so much more!

Two Night Program

LEX also offers two-night programs. There is enough free time on the second day to visit some of the area’s other great attractions like the Texas State Aquarium (right next door), the Art Museum of South Texas, water parks or spend the day at Padre Island National Seashore, which is about 30 minutes from the ship.

We are very flexible with two-night itineraries and will work with your group to make your stay the very best.

1200-1500 Arrival & Check-In
1600 3D MEGA Movie
1645 Quarters
1700 Supper
1800 Patriotic Flag Ceremony
1830 Self-Guided Tours/Scavenger Hunt
2130 Ghost Stories
2245 Tattoo
2300 Taps (lights out)
(Subject to change)

0645 Reveille
0800 Breakfast
0845 Morning Colors, Final Quarters, Patches Awarded
0900 Departures
(Subject to change)

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Book your Group

Make a Reservation

Fill out the Application and submit online with your deposit. In order to process your reservation, we must have both the deposit paid and the reservation form completed. Please understand we cannot make your reservation without both of these items!

Please have a 1st and 2nd choice of dates that you would like to camp aboard LEX. If possible, we will honor your first choice but be prepared to accept your second choice.

Space can be held only with a deposit. We will confirm your reservation date in writing. Because of the popularity of this program, we suggest reservations be made as early as possible. Six months in advance is recommended. Deposit must be received before reservation will be confirmed.

Payment of Fees:
Please exercise great care in establishing the count of your group. The exact number of persons camping and total payment is due sixty (60) days prior to arrival. The number of attendees may not decrease after the sixty-day guarantee and absolutely no refunds will be made after that date. At no time will LEX accept refund requests from individual group members, regardless of arrival date – all contact is through the group leader.

Price

$ 55

per night

Each attendee is $55 per night. No tentative reservations will be accepted and a deposit of $100.00 per group, per night, is required to confirm your group’s reservation. In the event of group cancellation, the deposit is not refundable but may be credited to future reservations if done sixty (60) days prior to original arrival date.

Please contact the Live Aboard office for groups of 100 or more.

For More Information or Help Booking Your Group:

Protocol

Arrival Time

The check-in briefing is an important part of your camping experience. Therefore, you are requested to drive in a caravan to have all your vehicles arrive simultaneously. If you must make an exception or if car trouble delays arrival time, please call the Live Aboard Program Coordinator at 361-946-4442 or 1-800-LADY-LEX, ext. 321.

Check-In

Vehicles are not permitted on the pier. Campers are expected to carry sleeping bags and other gear on board. The LIVE ABOARD program is conducted in a fun, spirited but military manner. Falling in, stowing your gear and following orders are all part of this unique and memorable experience.

Equipment Needed

Each overnight camper must bring a pillow, sleeping bag, toiletries, towel and flashlight. Hand sanitizer and insect repellent are also advisable.

Group I.D.

Wristbands will be issued upon arrival and must be worn at all times on board LEX.

Lockers

Lockers are available in berthing compartments. Each camper should bring a lock to secure his or her valuables and personal belongings.

Meals

Dinner and breakfast are provided for overnight stays.
Dietary restrictions MUST be specified before arrival for accommodation.
NO food is allowed in the berthing areas. Please do not bring food items of any kind with you. If your dietary needs require special food you may bring it in an ice chest and we will make arrangements to store it outside of the berthing area.
Vending machines are available for snacks in the lounge.

Packing Tips

• All gear must be carried down one or two steep stairways (ladders), so please pack light/do not overpack. We recommend duffle bags or backpacks, NOT suitcases.
• Close-toed shoes highly recommended.
• Male and female berthing areas are separate. Parents if you are visiting with opposite sex children you will need to pack separate bags.
• There are a few electrical outlets in berthing areas and more are available in the lounge and gameroom.

Simultaneous Events Notice

Due to other activities that take place on board LEX, it is possible that a banquet, dinner/dance, cocktails or other function may take place during your visit. Your group would be asked to stay clear of the event area.

Sleeping Areas

All campers are assigned specific berthing compartments and must respect the privacy of other campers. Restroom facilities (heads) include showers. Most berthing compartments are climate controlled; however, when all such areas have been filled, campers may be assigned areas having ventilation only. Groups will be required to share berthing areas to accommodate males and females separately. In addition, LEX can hold more than one group at a time and groups may participate in activities together. Please contact the Live Aboard Office if this presents a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Age

Participants must be at least 5 years of age.

Deposit

A deposit of $100.00 per night deposit is required to confirm your group’s reservation. No tentative reservations will be accepted. In the event of group cancellation, deposit is not refundable but may be credited, on a one-time basis only, to a future reservation date if cancellation is made at least sixty (60) days prior to original arrival date.

Leader/Camper Ratio

One leader is required for every 5 campers.

Payment of Fees

The exact number of persons camping and total payment is due sixty (60) days prior to arrival. Please exercise great care in establishing the count of your group. The number of attendees may not decrease after the sixty-day guarantee and absolutely no refunds will be made after that date. At no time will LEX accept refund requests from individual group members, regardless of arrival date – all contact is through the group leader.

What Does It Cost?

Cost of the program is $55.00 a night per person. This cost includes overnight stay in crew quarters, two meals (dinner and breakfast), self-guided tour of LEX, planned activities on board and admission to the 3D MEGA Theater. Also available at additional cost: The Mess Deck (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), Flight Simulator ($5.00 per person) and a coin operated game room.

Who Can Participate?

Program Availability – The program is available to all organized youth groups: Church, School, YMCA/YWCA, BSA, GSA, etc. Each group must have a minimum of 15 persons. Unless a total minimum of 30 persons (youth and leaders) from all groups has reservations for any one-day, LEX reserves the right to cancel reservations at any time.