a overnight package

WELCOME TO THE USS KIDD VETERANS MEMORIAL!
The USS KIDD (DD-661) is the centerpiece exhibit of the Veterans Memorial in the heart of downtown Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. Located on the Mississippi River, the memorial is open from 9:30am to 3pm Monday thru Friday
and 10am to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. The facility is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas
Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The KIDD herself is an excellent example of the famed Fletcher-class destroyers of World War II. She is the only
existing destroyer restored to her original World War II era configuration. The KIDD is a designated National
Historic Landmark and is ranked as one of the most accurate restorations in a fleet of historic vessels that spans
five continents.
Visitors touring her decks see over 50 inner spaces, including the officer’s wardroom, galley, sickbay, radio central,
berthing (sleeping) areas and the ammunition handling rooms. On the main deck, a brass plaque lists the names of
the 38 men killed aboard ship when a kamikaze crashed into the KIDD on April 11, 1945. In the aft crew quarters,
visitors will find a unique museum dedicated to the 175 Fletchers that sailed during World War II, the Korean War
and the Cold War.
The Veterans Memorial provides exhibits and visitor services including a Gift Shop containing a large selection of
Louisiana and military souvenirs. The museum’s exhibits reflect many years of American military history. Dozens
of one-of-a-kind artifacts mark our collection. Some of the highlights include over 40 ship models, a display on the
WAVES, the Louisiana Veterans Hall of Honor, an indoor replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the pilothouse
from the riverboat LOUISIANA and a replica of the gun deck of the 17th century frigate USS CONSTITUTION (aka
“Old Ironsides”).
A section of the museum honoring the American Volunteer Group’s “Flying Tigers” of World War II fame includes a
replica of a P-40E Warhawk fighter plane that starred in Steven Spielberg’s 1941. A restored A-7E Corsair II jet
attack aircraft that flew during the Vietnam War sits atop a 14-foot pedestal at the northern end of the complex and
is dedicated to Louisiana’s Vietnam Veterans.
A life-sized statue of Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune of Marine Corps fame guards the entrance to the
Louisiana Memorial Plaza. The plaza is enclosed by polished granite walls inscribed with the names of over 7,000
Louisiana natives who gave their lives in defense of their country. An eternal flame burns in the center of the
courtyard in memory of these fallen heroes.
USS KIDD Overnight Camping Information
Camping overnight aboard the USS KIDD is both fun and educational! You’ll gain firsthand
experience of close-quarters living and learn about the courage displayed by our service
members as they faced German U-boats and Japanese kamikaze aircraft.
Inside this packet, you will find important information on how to both set up and make your
overnight stay a fun and safe experience for all participants.
Pricing and Reservation Information
A deposit ($150 for standard and $300.00 for exclusive reservations) is due 10 working days from the
date that you make your reservation. This deposit is non-refundable.
Payment of the remaining balance is due 30 days prior to the night of your stay. Acceptable forms of
payment include cash, check, money order or credit card.
NOTE: There will be other groups aboard ship on the night of your stay unless you book an Exclusive Reservation
which requires a minimum of 100 participants.
There are no refunds for groups that arrive with fewer people than were initially booked. Also, please note
that we cannot guarantee available bunk space for any last-minute additions.
Individuals taking the tour only during an overnight camp must still pay the full price of $22.00.
Cancellations: All deposits are non-refundable, though they may be transferred to a new date if the USS KIDD is
given notice 30 day prior to the night of your stay and if the new date requested is available.
Exceptions to the 30-day notice include: 1) ice on the decks 2) the imminent danger due to the arrival of a
hurricane. In these circumstances, your group coordinator will be contacted by the USS KIDD Reservation Staff.
Rainfall is not grounds for cancellation of an Overnight.
Reservations: Overnights are conducted 7 days a week. The most popular nights are Friday’s and Saturday’s.
Group coordinators should call ahead several months in advance. Our busiest season occurs between January and
May. Overnight bookings cannot be made on the following dates: July 3, July 4, Thanksgiving Eve, Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Reservations may be made by calling (225) 342-1942, Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please note:
inquiries for information and/or date availability do not constitute booking an overnight camp.
Checks should be written out to: USS KIDD Veterans Memorial. In the memo section of the check, please
indicate the date of your overnight reservation and the group.
Mail your deposits to: USS KIDD Veterans Memorial
ATTN: Overnight Camp
305 South River Road
Baton Rouge, LA, 70802-6220
Overnight Camp Activities
Camping overnight aboard the USS KIDD is an unforgettable experience!
It is both educational and fun for kids of all ages.
The USS KIDD Veterans Memorial Museum closes at 3:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and
Sunday. Upon your arrival, your tour guide(s) will meet you at the front entrance of the museum. Please plan to
arrive between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m. in order to unload all of your gear, obtain parking and establish an accurate
head count of your group.
Your overnight camping experience is scheduled to begin 7:00 p.m. on the night of your stay and will end promptly
at 8:00 a.m. the following morning.
Once all groups scheduled for an overnight have arrived, you will be shown a short orientation film and your
guide(s) will go over the Safety Rules with you.
You will then walk to the ship and be given the opportunity to settle in and drop off your bags. A fire drill will be
conducted to make you aware of what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.
From there, your guide(s) will take you on an extensive tour where you will learn all about life aboard a World War
II ship and learn about the role that destroyers played in battle. You’ll also learn about Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd and
why the KIDD’s crew became known as “the Pirates of the Pacific.”
After the tour, your group is welcome to eat snacks on the main deck only. Groups may also use this time to explore
the ship on their own and take supervised turns on the 20mm and 40mm guns.
We offer two activities, free of charge, to overnight campers. You can choose either or both of the following: an
exclusive tour of the USS KIDD’s Engine Room, or a “test your knowledge” type scavenger hunt.
Both of these are optional and should be requested at the time of booking.
“Lights Out” is set at midnight to ensure everyone receives a good night’s sleep. “Reveille” is set promptly at 6:30
a.m. so you want to make sure to get some ‘shut eye.’ Groups should be ready to depart the ship at 7:00 a.m., with
their gear in tow, to be escorted back to the museum.
After “Reveille,” groups are free to tour the exhibits in the museum at their own leisure. If coordinators would like
to provide breakfast, they need to ensure that their campers are awake by 7:00 a.m. and can eat and clean-up after
their campers by 8:00 a.m. You can also visit our Gift Shop to look for unique souvenirs.
The ship and museum reopen to the general public at 9:30 a.m. We request that overnight campers and their
coordinators leave the museum so that can be properly prepare for the general public by 8:00 a.m. However, your
group is welcome to return to the ship, explore her in the daylight and take photos when we reopen to the public at
9:30 a.m.
Just remember: the safety rules are still in effect, even in the daytime. You may stay as long as you like for the
remainder of the day until the museum closes.
Packing Tips for your Overnight
Camping Experience
1.
Pack light . . . VERY LIGHT!!!
2. Don’t put any foods, drinks, candy, chewing gum, nor anything edible
(except medicine) in your personal gear.
3. Keep in mind that the more you bring, the more you will have to carry.
4. Please note that ladders aboard a World War II destroyer are 70 degrees in angle and you will have to
move your gear up and down several ladders during your stay.
5. Bring only what can be stored beneath or beside your bunk without creating an obstruction for others to
walk safely because there isn’t much storage space aboard the KIDD.
Suggested Supplies
*** Sleeping Bag *** Blanket *** Extra Blanket (cold weather) *** Personal Toiletries ***
Comfortable Sleep Wear *** Shower Shoes *** Change of Clothes *** Flashlight ***
Shoes *** Personal Medications ***
***
*** Tennis
Sleeping/Bunking Arrangements
There are 5 berthing compartments aboard the USS KIDD with a varied number of
bunks in each space. Your space will be assigned to you upon arrival and will
depend upon the size of each group.
We ensure each group has a separate sleeping compartment.
Groups do not have to be all male or all female. However, we understand that
some organizations require separate bunking for males and females. Any requests for separate accommodations
must be made when making your reservation or your request cannot be guaranteed.
The sleeping compartments are air conditioned and/or heated for the comfort of our guests.
Keep all valuables (cameras, purses, wallets, etc.) with you at all times to deter theft.
Shower facilities are available but you must provide your own soap, towels and washcloths. It is best to shower
prior to bedtime, as time is limited for such activities during the morning.
Birthday Parties
Birthday parties at the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial are unique and lots of fun! While the ship
itself is not an ideal location to host a party, we can ensure a memorable birthday for your child.
We recommend having pizza, cake, ice cream and opening presents in our snack bar area that
seats approximately 30 people and is located on the first floor of the museum. For more
birthday party information, please contact us at: (225) 342-1942.
Food and Beverages
We suggest all groups eat a full meal (dinner) prior to arriving at the USS KIDD for their Overnight stay. Snacks
are permitted but your group will be busy touring and food is only allowed in certain areas.
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES of any kind are allowed aboard ship. There are no exceptions to this rule and
violators will be promptly dismissed from the premises.
Snacks and drinks are allowed aboard the ship but only under the following conditions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
No food or drinks are allowed below decks in the sleeping areas.
Keep all food and drink items in one or two large ice chests for the group not in individual luggage.
All and food and drinks will be consumed only in the designated areas aboard ship.
No glass containers of any kind allowed for safety reasons.
Why so tough on the food rules? There are some guests (ants, bugs, rats, ect…) that we simply DON’T want
aboard ship.
Pizza: Many Overnight Camp groups have pizza delivered and eat it in our Café area prior to
heading to the ship. If you are going to be ordering pizza, please let us know so our tour guides
can accommodate your group. Domino’s Pizza, (225) 383- 3030, is the closest delivery service
available. Please keep in mind that you will have to supply your own plates, napkins and drinks
in order for your group to dine.
Restaurants En Route to the USS KIDD
We have included a list of possible restaurants for you to consider in case you decide to eat out on your way to the
USS KIDD, of if your group would like to pick-up breakfast. Using the map included in this packet, you should be
able to locate any of the eateries listed below. We suggest you call ahead, especially on weekends and if you have a
large group.
Siegen Lane Exit (I-10 from New Orleans)
Chili’s Grill & Bar
Raising Canes
Burger King
McDonalds
Taco Bell
WhataBurger
IHOP
Arbys
(225) 292-0702
(225) 291-4865
(225) 293-1155
(225) 293-9250
(225) 291-0377
(225) 291-1279
(225) 291-5311
(225) 296-5111
Lobdell Hwy in Port Allen (I-10 from Lafayette)
Burger King
McDonald’s
Waffle House
Subway
Krawdaddy’s
(225) 346-0422
(225) 387-9784
(225) 344-6199
(225) 381-0118
(225) 381-9208x
Sherwood Forest Dr. Exit (I-12 from Hammond)
Pizza Hut
McDonalds
Burger King
Taco Bell
Jack-in-the-Box
Subway Sandwiches & Salads
Sonic Drive-In
Piccadilly Cafeteria
(225) 292-1609
(225) 292-7776
(225) 272-1270
(225) 292-5513
(225) 273-1003
(225) 292-0850
(225) 273-6220
(225) 293-4853
Government Street (approaching the KIDD)
Frostop
McDonalds
Shuck’s On The Levee (France St.)
Capital City Grill (Lafayette St.)
Schlitz & Giggles Pizza (3rd St.)
(225) 344-1179
(225) 383-6478
(225) 378-6363
(225) 381-8140
(225) 218-4271
Directions to the USS KIDD
From Lafayette & Port Allen:
Take I-10 East across the Mississippi River Bridge. Take I-110 North to Convention Street exit (left side of
highway). Turn left onto Convention and go straight to the river. Turn left onto River Road. The USS KIDD is
located two (2) blocks south on the right.
From New Orleans:
Take I-10 West to I-110 North. Take the Government Street exit (right side of highway). Turn left at the bottom of
the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River.
From Slidell & Hammond:
Take I-12 West to I-10 West. Follow I-10 West to I-110 North. Take the Government Street exit (right side of
highway). Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River.
From St. Francisville & Natchez:
Follow Highway 61 South to I-110. Take I-110 South to the Government Street exit (left side of highway). Turn
right at the bottom of the ramp and follow Government straight to the Mississippi River.
Tentative Overnight Camping Itinerary
All times are approximate and subject to change due to several factors.
3:30 p.m. (MondayFriday; 4:00 p.m.
Ship & museum close for touring.
(Saturday and
Sunday)
6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Overnight groups arrive at museum. Remember: showing up on time
translates to more time aboard ship.
Orientation & safety briefing.
7:45 - 8:15 p.m.
Move gear to the KIDD, stow food items on Main Deck, get settled into
bunks, and conduct a fire drill.
8:15 - 9:30 p.m.
Guided tour of the USS KIDD.
Free period -- Groups may eat snacks at this time and explore the ship on
their own. At all times, however, we require the use of the Buddy
System. All children must be accompanied by adults.
9:30 p.m. -12:00 a.m.
Optional activities (Scavenger Hunt & Engine Room Tour) conducted at this
time.
If you have an activity that you would like to conduct (i.e. religious
devotional or service, or activities for earning merit badges, etc.), these can
be done at this time, so long as they have been cleared through the
Reservations Department ahead of time for compliance with safety
regulations.
12:00 midnight
12:00 a.m. - 6:30 a.m.
6:30 a.m.
Lights Out. (This time may be moved up if requested)
Sleep period. No hands should be above deck except for bathroom
purposes (adults or children).
Reveille. (Time to wake up)
6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. All hands pack their gear and get ready to depart the ship.
7:00 a.m.
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
All hands depart ship with their gear and return to museum on shore. Gift
shop opens at this time for purchase of souvenirs.
Campers may use this time to tour museum. Overnight camp activities
conclude at 8:00 a.m.
8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. USS KIDD closes until 9:30 a.m. for cleaning and wash down of decks.
9:30 a.m. (MondayFriday)/10:00 a.m.
USS KIDD Veterans Memorial reopens to the public.
(Saturday and
Sunday)
Overnight admission covers any additional self-guided touring through the
9:30 a.m./10:00 a.m. –
close of business at 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and
3:30 p.m./4:00 p.m.
Sunday.
Overnight Camp Safety Rules
We are delighted that you have chosen the USS KIDD for your camping adventure! Please keep in
mind that this ship was built in 1942 before modern day safety practices were in effect. The
ladders are steep, the decks can be slippery and a lot of equipment is literally underfoot. In short,
everyone needs to be attentive to potential hazards while aboard and observe all of the rules.
These rules have been developed over the course of conducting 20 years’ worth of overnight
camps and take everyone’s safety into consideration.
Group Coordinators: Please distribute these rules to your Parents.
Parents: Please go over the following rules with your children:
1. In order to prevent falls/injuries, running is not permitted in the museum nor aboard ship.
2. Vandalism or theft of items from the ship will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
3. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children whether supervised or not.
4. Restricted areas are marked and those restrictions must be observed.
5. When exploring the ship, we strongly recommend the use of the Buddy System.
6. Do not push buttons, turn knobs or throw switches that you see throughout the ship as it may result in
important systems being accidentally shut down (like air conditioning or heating systems).
7. Vertical ladders (straight up and down) are marked and off-limits. Do not climb them.
8. Angled ladders (or stairs) are okay to climb. Make sure shoe laces are tied and use both hands when going
down the stairs. Only one person on the stairs at a time.
9. When handling the 20mm guns aboard ship, pay attention to where you are swinging the mount. People in
your vicinity can be seriously injured if a gun barrel hits them in the head. Do not unlatch anything on the
20mm gun or stick your hands in the gun’s mechanism.
10. When handling the 40mm guns, do not jump off the guns. You will hit your head on the guard rails. Sit down
and slide off of the gun mount. Do not cross over the curved half-piping where the gun tracks.
11. No child should be on a gun without an adult supervising him/her.
12. No one is permitted to climb into either whaleboat.
13. Climbing on the superstructures of the ship (supporting walls, crossbeams, pipes, stanchions, watertight
doors, vertical ladders, etc.) is prohibited.
14. Watch your step & duck your head!
Overnight Camp Safety Rules Continued…
15. Do not lean on railings or netting along the side of the ship or on the
upper decks.
16. Beware of slippery or wet decks. Always keep one hand free to use for support on railings.
17. “Lights Out” is set at midnight to ensure everyone receives a good night’s sleep. This also avoids problems of
noise keeping neighboring groups awake. “Reveille” is set promptly at 6:30 a.m. so you want to make sure to
get some ‘shut eye.’ After “Lights Out,” no one should be out on the Main Deck except to visit the bathroom. All
children/youth should be accompanied by an adult. Note: Our alarm system is active at this time for your
protection and wandering the ship at night will set it off.
18. Personal electronic equipment should be left at home as the ship’s electrical systems were not designed for
modern electronic devices (i.e. radios, CD or MP3 players, hair dryers, curling irons, etc.)
19. Smoking is permitted on the open (uncovered) areas of the Main Deck only.
20. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises (grounds for immediate dismissal).
Penalties
You’ve read the rules, now here are the penalties for breaking them. Drum roll, please!
DEFCON 1 — Warning issued.
DEFCON 2 — 10 minute time-out.
DEFCON 3 — Child put to bed with parent or guardian supervising.
Keep in mind that these rules apply to adults as well. Repeated failure to comply with these safety rules will result
in DEFCON 4 — Removal from the premises.
Parking at the USS KIDD
Parking is available on River Road in front of the USS KIDD where it says “Visitor Parking”, at
the Baton Rouge River Center (parking fee) or the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino (free). Please
unload all children and any heavy items (ice chests, overnight bags, etc…) at the museum’s
front door prior to parking your vehicle. The USS KIDD assumes no liability for losses of or
damage to vehicles parked in front of the museum.
Emergencies
If you need to be reached in the event of an emergency while staying aboard the USS KIDD, our
telephone number is (225) 342-1942. Once the automated system picks up, callers should dial 0
for the Operator in order to reach the personnel aboard ship.
Medical & Health Information
Things to Consider:
Scenario # 1: Mr. Jones invites his son’s friend Mike along for the overnight camp. Mike is not a member of the Cub
Scouts so Mr. Jones doesn’t fill out any permission slips or medical waivers for him. Mike gets hurt and needs to go
to the Emergency Room for treatment. Mike’s medical attention has to be delayed until his parents can be tracked
down and consent to having him treated.
Scenario # 2: Mr. Smith is planning an outing for his youth group. He has collected medical release forms for all of
the kids attending without their parents. For those attending WITH their parents, he has not bothered. On the day
of the trip, Susie’s father gets called into work at the last moment and cannot go. During the trip, Susie gets hurt
and needs medical attention. Mr. Smith has no medical release form because he thought Susie’s dad would be
there.
Scenario # 3: Mrs. Anderson takes her class on a field trip. She has collected medical release forms for all of the
students, however, she forgets the forms at home. One of the students gets hurt on the trip and needs medical
attention. Mrs. Anderson must now track down a parent or guardian to get the student treated.
 The above scenarios have all happened in the past (the names have been changed) while groups visited the USS
KIDD. We highly suggest that all group coordinators to have some type of permission slip or medical release
form on-site for each child participating in a group tour or overnight camping experience with aboard the USS
KIDD in case of emergency.
MEDICAL RELEASE FORM / PERMISSION SLIP
My son/daughter ____________________________________ has my permission to participate in the
Group Tour and/or Overnight Camp aboard the USS KIDD in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the
event of a medical emergency, ____________________________________ has my permission to seek
medical care for my son/daughter.
(______) ________ - __________
Emergency Contact Number
___________________________
Name of Insurance Provider
____________________________________
Signature of Parent or Guardian
______ / ______ / ______
Date Signed
USS KIDD Souvenirs
What better way to remember your stay than to purchase a unique USS KIDD
souvenir? We have several exclusive and military items to choose from in our Gift
Shop (located on the first floor of the museum).
For more information about souvenirs, please contact the Gift Shop: (225) 342-1942,
Ext. 16.