An overnight adventure awaits you when you stay the night aboard USS Lexington, a mighty, record-setting World War II aircraft carrier-turned museum located on Corpus Christi Bay. You’ll hear stories from the ship’s illustrious past—covering topics like kamikaze and torpedo attacks, the manpower it takes to navigate an aircraft carrier, and being named the “Blue Ghost” by Tokyo Rose herself. The chapters of this living history lesson unfold over 11 different levels within the ship, giving curious minds a hands-on experience that reflects on the sacrifices made by a heroic generation, builds camaraderie, inspires love of learning, and is just plain fun!
The Camp LEX one night stay is an ideal program for young scouts, homeschoolers, and adventure seekers of all ages. The overnight itinerary serves as a lesson plan and includes all five tour routes of the ship, stories of historical events from her past, a scavenger hunt, a film in the 3D MEGA Theater, LEX ghost stories, two trips through the chow line, bunking in original crew quarters, an unforgettable patriotic flag ceremony, and so much more!
| Saturday |
| 1200-1500 Arrival & Check-In |
| 1600 Film—”Aircraft Carrier: Guardian of the Seas” |
| 1645 Quarters |
| 1700 Dinner |
| 1800 Patriotic Flag Ceremony |
| 1830 Self-Guided Tours/Scavenger Hunt |
| 2130 Ghost Stories |
| 2245 Tattoo |
| 2300 Taps (Lights Out) |
| Sunday |
| 0645 Reveille |
| 0800 Breakfast |
| 0845 Morning Colors, Final Quarters, Patches Awarded |
| 0900 Departures |
Participants must be at least 5 years of age.
Cost of the program is $75.00 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 costs: Ship’s Store and The Mess Deck Cafe (9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), Flight Simulator ($5.00 per person), vending machines, and a coin-operated game room.
The check-in briefing is an important part of your group’s overnight experience. Therefore, you are requested to drive in a caravan to have all of your vehicles arrive at the same time.
Vehicles are not permitted on the pier. Campers are expected to carry sleeping bags and other gear on board. The Camp Lex 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.
Each overnight camper must bring a pillow, sleeping bag, toiletries, towel and flashlight. Hand sanitizer and insect repellent are also advisable.
Wristbands will be issued upon arrival and must be worn at all times on board LEX.
Lockers are available in berthing compartments. Each camper should bring a lock to secure his or her valuables and personal belongings.
• 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 are 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 game room.
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.