Encampment FAQ
Learn everything you need to know when staying at an overnight encampment at The Buffalo Naval & Military Park.
Program Availability & Restrictions
The spring encampment session runs on Saturdays from April through June. The fall session runs on Saturdays from September through November. Our overnight programming is available to any organized group (scouts, schools, churches, etc.) and to family units on select “Family Friday” dates. Session availability may be determined by the weather.
Youth participants must be between the ages of 6-18. Children under the age of 6 are prohibited.
Cost
The price is $75 per person regardless of age. This price includes dinner and breakfast in the original crew’s Mess Deck, educational activities, and tours. Your overnight stay also grants you in-out privileges to the Naval Park during business hours on Sunday.
Insurance
All organized groups must provide a tour permit or proof of insurance that names the Buffalo Naval Park as an additional insured. Siblings, friends, or other guests are welcome provided they are also covered by the group’s insurance. This does not apply to individual families.
Payment & Refund Policy
A deposit of $20 per person, including both children and adults, is required to secure a date for your group and will be applied towards the total cost. Once your deposit is paid, it is nonrefundable and cannot be applied to the remaining balance. It can, however, be applied to another person if you are able to find someone to take the reserved spot.
Full payment is due 30 days before your overnight date. If we do not receive your payment within the mentioned time frame, your reservation can be cancelled, and your deposit forfeited. The Buffalo Naval Park will not be responsible for gathering or collecting payments from individuals.
After submitting full payment, you can typically add campers to your overnight, but at the sole discretion of the Buffalo Naval & Military Park. While we try to accommodate all campers, there are a limited number of spaces available. We cannot add extra campers after 12pm on the Tuesday before your overnight.
We do not provide refunds within the last 30 days. In the unlikely event the Buffalo Naval & Military Park finds it necessary to cancel an overnight encampment, you will have the option to reschedule for another date or a full refund will be made.
Adult Leader/Camper Ratio
Adult supervision is required for youth participants at all times. A minimum of one (1) adult leader is required for every five (5) youth guests. For youth ages 6 & 7, we require a ratio of one (1) adult for every one (1) youth. Adults must be 21 years of age or older.
Chaperone Responsibilties
The Buffalo Naval & Military Park requires that all children be under the direct supervision of an adult chaperone at all times. The cooperation and support of adults is vital in order to make the experience safe and memorable. As a chaperone, please encourage proper conduct. Failure to comply with posted rules, directions, or special instructions could lead to expulsion of the entire party and forfeiture of the program fees.
Sleeping Areas & Other Facilities
Our overnight guests get the unique opportunity to sleep in our ship’s original enlisted sleeping compartments! This does mean that it will be very much like group camping in one large room. Individual family groups will share a compartment with others, though there is room to spread out.
Each organized group or youth group will likely receive their own ship’s berthing compartment. You may have to share the compartment with another group. Sleeping compartments are generally co-ed, although in special circumstances arrangements may be available to sleep in a separate compartment (if requested in advance and subject to availability).
What to Bring
The berthing compartments are equipped with “racks” with foam mattresses. Each person should bring a pillow, sleeping bag, sheets, toiletries, flashlight, and a jacket. In cold weather, please bring an extra blanket and a warm hat. We recommend that each group brings a first aid kit. Storage space is limited onboard, so pack minimally for your overnight stay.
What Not to Bring
Please do not bring any electronic devices or appliances, including hair dryers, coffee makers, or hot plates. Other items that are prohibited include laser pointers, knives, tools, weapons, firearms and open flame devices including lighters and matches.
Food and drinks items are not allowed with an exception of meals for those with food allergies.
As a safety precaution, we do not recommend wearing heels or flip flops.
Meal Options & Allergies
Dinner and breakfast will be served in the Mess Deck.
Important Information:
- Food options are subject to change.
- If you have dietary restrictions, you will need to bring your own meal options. There is a fridge and microwave available for your convenience.
- While the Mess Deck (eating area) is a nut-free area, and our food is prepared in a nut-free facility, the Geedunk (snack bar) sells items that contain nuts.
Geedunk
The Geedunk (snack bar) will be open from 7:30pm until 9:45pm. A variety of snacks and souvenirs will be available for purchase. We accept cash payments in USD and all credit cards.
Parking
For overnight parking, we recommend using the Cedarland Business Park Lot on Erie Street at the north end of Marine Drive (20 Wilkeson Way). Parking is generally free, although pricing may vary and is not controlled by the Buffalo Naval Park.
Additional parking information for the Buffalo Naval Park can be found here: https://buffalonavalpark.org//visit/parking/
Arrival
Upon arrival, please meet outside the red Hangar Building and wait for encampment staff to provide specific instructions for your group. The group leader reports to the Admissions Desk, receives wristbands, and distributes them to all campers and chaperones. Staff will escort each group aboard ship when all campers are present.
Group ID
Wristbands will be issued upon arrival and must be worn at all times. The wristband gives you in-out privileges during museum hours on the second day.
Safety Drill
All campers and chaperones must participate in a mandatory safety briefing and emergency evacuation drill.
Emergencies
Naval Park staff will be onsite and available in case of emergency.
Handicap Access
We regret that due to the historical nature of the ships, handicap access is extremely limited. For more information, please email [email protected] or call 716-847-1773, ext. 18.