Summer of Service Kickoff

at

Fort Wetherill

The Summer of Service is a national initiative designed to encourage Scouts to “give back” at a time when a spirit of community service is needed more than ever. The Narragansett Council is excited to kickoff the initiative with a special event at Fort Wetherill in Jamestown, RI.

What: 

The Department of Environmental Management is embarking on an effort to rejuvenate Fort Wetherill State Park in Jamestown, a 61-acre park overlooking the rocky coast of Narragansett Bay. This involves a collaboration between the state and Scouts to improve trails, reduce litter and graffiti, and create an environment that is welcoming to park enthusiasts.

The park is home to Fort Wetherill, a military site that dates back to the American Revolution, when colonists established the Dumpling Rocks Battery on its 100-foot high granite cliffs to prevent British attacks on Newport. At one time it hosted the 1^st Rhode Island Regiment, a fighting force comprised of African Americans, Native Americans and white colonists. The old fort was demolished in 1898 to make way for more modern gun emplacements associated with the Endicott Defense System along the Atlantic coast. Fort Wetherill’s defenses became outdated by WWII, and it was put on the federal government’s list of surplus properties. It was acquired by the State of Rhode Island in 1972 and has become a popular place to view the Tall Ships, scuba dive, walk, picnic, fish, take photos and explore the ruins of this historic site.

Scouts and their families are invited to spend the day at Fort Wetherill to help with special projects included trail maintenance, trail blazing, and trash removal. Scouts will receive a tour and history of the Fort from the RI Department of Environmental Management. 

Participants can also take part in an Introduction to future group volunteer projects, including graffiti remediation and Eagle Scout-type projects such as erosion control, structural trail improvements, trail blazing and production of an audio tour of the park for children.

Food trucks will be on site for lunch!

Scouts should bring face coverings, water, sunscreen, snack, garden gloves, lunch or money for food trucks. Parks will provide protective gloves for trash pick up. 

Who:

This event is open to Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing Scouts, dens, pack, patrols, troops, crews, parents, siblings, families and friends. Participants can take part on their own or with their scout group. All youth require a parent or adult chaperone. Registration is required for this free event.

Why:

Scouts understand that giving back is important to being a good citizen, especially during a time when community service is needed more than ever. Participants will receive a commemorative patch and qualify for the BSA's Summer of Service recognition.

Where: 3 Fort Wetherill Rd, Jamestown, RI 02835 

When: Saturday April 24th, 2021 10:00 AM-2:00 PM