Is there age restriction for the merit badge workshop?

Yes, the program is typically designed for scouts ages 11-17, but please check with Battleship Cove for specific age groups.

Do I need prior naval experience?

No prior experience is necessary; all activities are guided and suitable for beginners.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Most areas are accessible, but please inform the staff in advance for specific needs.

Food options are available on-site, but participants can also bring packed lunches.

Casual, comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor and ship deck activities.

Can I participate if I only want to tour?

Yes, tours are available without the merit badge activities, but advance booking is recommended.

Land Adventures at Battleship Cove for Scouts

Battleship Cove, located in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a historic maritime site packed with real WWII battleships and naval vessels. It's a fascinating setting that turns a scout merit badge session into an immersive, hands-on experience. The Merit Badge Workshop at Battleship Cove offers scouts a unique opportunity to combine learning with adventure, all within the backdrop of actual naval history. Guided by expert counselors, participants engage in activities covering American Heritage, Citizenship, Safety, and more. Scouts will roll up their sleeves to examine ship machinery, learn about naval communication systems, and explore the significance of their nation's military history, making the workshop as educational as it is exciting. Aside from badge work, the site boasts authentic WWII ships like the USS Massachusetts, the USS Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., and a submarine, creating a natural classroom for leadership and teamwork skills. The complex’s waterfront setting on Mount Hope Bay provides stunning views and a chance to appreciate the coastal environment. Battleship Cove isn’t just a museum—it’s a gateway to understanding American history through interactive, family-friendly activities that stir curiosity. The site regularly hosts special events and overnight programs, making it a standout destination for youth groups seeking meaningful, memorable outdoor education. Whether your scouts are into history, leadership, or marine engineering, this workshop delivers a well-rounded, engaging experience that encourages skill-building while reveling in the maritime environment. As a cornerstone of Massachusetts' outdoor recreation and educational efforts, Battleship Cove turns a typical merit badge into an adventure with deep local roots and national significance. It’s a perfect blend of history and hands-on learning, set against the rugged Atlantic coast, that will inspire any young adventurer to learn more about their country’s maritime story.

About Battleship Cove

Battleship Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a maritime museum and historic naval ship collection anchored by the World War II-era USS Massachusetts. The site preserves and interprets twentieth-century naval history through public exhibits, guided tours, overnight programs, concerts, educational workshops, and special events. Visitors can step aboard multiple historic vessels, explore exhibit spaces, and participate in programs tailored for scouts, homeschool groups, schools, and families.

Battleship Cove offers structured experiences including overnight Nautical Nights, merit badge workshops, themed concerts such as Company Bees performances, commemorative programs like Love Letters From The Front, and seasonal events including the Battleship Boo Bash and Murder Mystery Dinner. The venue also provides group admission options, birthday party packages, on-ship dining events like Battleship Bites & Historic Sights, and facility rentals for private gatherings.

Educational programming emphasizes hands-on learning and historical interpretation; merit badge workshops and scout-focused overnight programs align with youth learning objectives and include counselor-led activities and meals when offered. Public special events use original artifacts, archival materials, and historic ship settings to present authentic World War II–era context and music.

As a museum stewarding original naval vessels and public programs, Battleship Cove operates with museum best practices for conservation and public safety. Its open-daily general admission, clearly described group offerings, and long-standing presence in Fall River make it a recognized destination for maritime history, education, and community events. The site proudly hosts guided tours, educational visits, and public programming year-round, supporting historical preservation and community engagement for residents and visitors alike.