Night watch is an optional part of the ELP and it’s a lot of fun! Surrounded by the coastal night and sounds, students can imagine what it must have been like at the settlement in the “old days.” This quiet period often becomes a time of reflection. Students are encouraged to bring their own journal to write during night watch. Parent Leads must sleep in the same area as their assigned Activity Group so they can get the group to watch duty quickly and quietly.
Lanterns – Each Activity Group will have one battery-powered lantern (for inside the buildings) plus a candle lantern (for outside the buildings only).
Night Watch Duties –
- Keep the fire going – a small fire is all that is necessary
- Keep the teapot filled with water
- Write in night watch log
- Walk the perimeter of the fort as a group
- To pass the time, quietly play checkers, staves, cards or your class games
- Clean up your mess when your watch is over. Secure food from raccoons and mice. Keep all outside doors closed
- Wake the next group as quietly and quickly as possible
- Notify the teacher in case of problems
Night Watch Reminders –
- Each participant will be accompanied by a parent lead during all nighttime activities
- At no time should students wander off alone
- KEEP VOICES AND NOISE TO A MINIMUM! NO BELL RINGING!
- Block the bathroom doors with a piece of wood to prevent them from slamming
- Each person gets one hot drink and a cookie or two (as provided by the Cooks)
- Students should not play with candles
- The First Aid Kit will be kept in the kitchen area. Emergency phone is in ELP Instructors office
Night Watch Game Bag –
Night Watch Schedule and Sleeping Arrangement – Night watch is important for the safety of the fort and the group. The following schedule is for an all-group night watch. The sleeping arrangements described work well for waking one watch group while not disturbing others. The Explorers Activity Group will start fires for breakfast and coffee before their watch ends. The following is a suggested Night Watch schedule for classes with all six Activity Groups. Options for classes with fewer Activity Groups: stretch the length of each watch a bit, have a Teacher night watch shift, have the whole class do one night watch shift together.
- 1st watch 9 PM - 11 PM Cooks - Sleep in front of Kuskov House
- 2nd watch 11 PM - 12:30 AM Artisans - Sleep in back of Kuskov House
- 3rd watch 12:30 AM - 2 AM Clerks - Sleep in Chapel front vestibule
- 4th watch 2 AM - 3:30 AM Farmers & Gatherers Sleep in Chapel main sanctuary
- 5th watch 3:30 AM - 5 AM Hunters Sleep in the 8-sided Blockhouse
- 6t watch 5 AM - 7 AM Explorers Sleep in the 7-sided Blockhouse