Recently people have been joining me on my Sunday Walks in Downtown Albany. Typically, I walk in Albany when I'm scheduled as a tour guide on the USS Slater. A slide show and a map are detailed at this blog entry. I plan on walking on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. You can contact me at: dedocent@gmail.com.

More on the USS SLATER (www.ussslater.org).

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

06/25/2011 - USS Slater and Scouting

Over the last year the USS SLATER Professional Staff and Volunteers have expanded our offerings to Scout Groups. These are not hard and fast offerings, but are flexible to meet requirements. At this stage we're willing to try new and different things and we welcome feedback and new ideas.

Recently the SLATER has shifted from a one size fits all approach to overnights and tours, to a flexible menu of age specific tours.

  • Scout participation with events and reunion ceremonies
  • Morning Colors, Flag raising ceremonies
  • Merit Badge - Citizenship in the Nation
  • Merit Badge - American Heritage
  • Urban Hikes from USS SLATER
  • Coordination and Interface with other Albany Organizations (i.e. Visitor Center)
  • Training - Basic Seamanship, Knots, Rope work.

Besides on-board activities, the USS SLATER Professional Staff and volunteers are also offering free out-reach activities at scouting events (Pow-wow, Round Tables, Camporees, Scout Meetings).

This is a blog about the USS SLATER. Follow this link (ussslater.org) for up to date information about a visit to the USS SLATER. You can also contact the USS Slater at this contact link.



American Heritage Merit Badge


There are SLATER Volunteers who are counselors for this Merit Badge. As of June, 2011, some of the specific American Heritage Merit Badge requirements that are relevant to the USS SLATER are:
  • 1. Read the Declaration of Independence..... A few blocks away from the USS SLATER the Declaration of Independence was 1st read to the Citizens of Albany on 7/19/1776.

  • 2.C. With your counselor's approval, interview two veterans of the U.S. military.... There are quite a few veterans who volunteer on the USS SLATER. These interviews can be arranged.

  • 4.A. Explain what is meant by the National Register of Historic Places. .... The USS SLATER is on the National Register of Historic Places. Within a short walk there are at least a dozen other sites that are also listed on the National Register. During 2011 we are actively applying for status as a National Landmark.

  • 4.B. Research an event of historical importance that took place in or near your area. If possible, visit the place. Tell your counselor about the event and how it affected local history. Describe how the area looked then and what it now looks like. .... Albany is a top tier historic city. There are scores of historic events that took place within a short distance of the USS SLATER's mooring site. Henry Hudson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt all visited downtown Albany.

  • 4.D. Take an active part in a program about an event or person in American history. Report to your counselor about the program, the part you took, and the subject. .... During the year the SLATER hosts ceremonies and veteran reunion events. SLATER staff can arrange active scout participation at these events.

  • 4.E. Visit a historic trail or walk in your area. After your visit, share with your counselor what you have learned. Discuss the importance of this location and explain why you think it might qualify for National Register listing. .... As noted Albany is rich in historic significance. SLATER Volunteers also give guides walks of downtown Albany.

  • 5.A. Watch two motion pictures (with the approval and permission of your counselor and parent) that are set in some period of American history. .... The SLATER has several WWII Era movies in our library that can be aired during overnight visits. We can also provide a list of movies that are relevant to the USS SLATER, the US Navy and to Albany.

  • 6. Discuss with your counselor the career opportunities in American heritage. Pick one that interests you and explain how to prepare for this career. .... There are several professionals employed at the USS SLATER. These professionals deal with the Restoration Effort, Educational Effort, Archivists, and Administration.





There are Slater Volunteers who are counselors for this Merit Badge. As of June, 2011, some of the specific Citizenship in the Nation Merit Badge requirements that are relevant to the USS Slater are:
  • 2.a. Visit a place that is listed as a National Historic Landmark or that is on the National Register of Historic Places...... The USS SLATER is on the National Register of Historic Places. Within a short walk there are at least a dozen other sites that are also listed on the National Register. During 2011 we are actively applying for status as a National Landmark.

  • 2.b. Tour your state capitol building or the U.S. Capitol. .... The NY State Capital is within walking distance of the USS SLATER. Guided tours of the NY State Capital are available during the week.

No comments: