Classic move: New York Scout camp hosting drive-in movies this summer

Explore the sandy streets of Tatooine, outrun a Tyrannosaurus rex on Isla Nublar and snag an ancient artifact from a booby-trapped temple — all without leaving the comfort and safety of your car.

This summer, the William H. Pouch Scout Camp on Staten Island, N.Y., is becoming a drive-in movie theater, giving families a safe way to enjoy a Saturday night out.

On 10 consecutive Saturdays this summer, the camp will show a mix of classic blockbusters and newer family favorites.

Fittingly, four of the 10 films on the summer slate were directed by Distinguished Eagle Scout Steven Spielberg: Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. (For more on the Scouting connection in Jaws, read this.)

During the coronavirus pandemic, drive-in movie theaters are having something of a moment. Their outdoor setting lets families enjoy a night away from home while maintaining the physical distancing necessary to slow the spread of the virus.

“There is nothing better than a drive-in, and it is the perfect entertainment platform for the current environment,” says Ethan Draddy, Scout Executive of the BSA’s Greater New York Councils. “We’re thrilled that Pouch Scout Camp is able to provide our community with a fun, family-friendly, outside activity that enables people to remain socially distant.”

Finding a backup plan

The drive-in theater gives the Pouch Scout Camp a way to continue welcoming families even after it made the difficult decision to cancel its day camp program at Pouch this summer. The day camp experience has moved online — like other camps across the country — and Pouch itself remains open for day use by Scouting families who want to go hiking.

And then there’s the drive-in theater, which is sure to attract both current and future Scouting families.

This isn’t the first time Pouch Scout Camp has had a brush with Hollywood. The camp was used as a filming location for the FX television show The Americans and the 2012 movie The Bourne Legacy.

Sun down, lights up

The drive-in show starts at 9 p.m. every Saturday night, beginning June 27 and continuing through Aug. 29, 2020.

The camp can accommodate up to 100 cars each Saturday. For $40 per vehicle, visitors get admission, four snacks and four beverages. Orders are placed online, and food will be delivered directly to the car.

Families can relax in comfort as they tune to the designated radio frequency and listen to the movie’s audio through their car speakers.

The movie lineup

Here’s what’s playing on the big screen this summer:

• June 27: Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope (1977, PG)
• July 4: Jaws (1975, PG)
• July 11: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981, PG)
• July 18: The Fly (1958, not rated)
• July 25: Jurassic Park (1993, PG-13)
• Aug. 1: Young Frankenstein (1974, PG)
• Aug. 8: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982, PG)
• Aug. 15: Coco (2017, PG)
• Aug. 22: The Princess Bride (1987, PG)
• Aug. 29: Up (2009, PG)

How to purchase tickets

If you live near Staten Island and want to check out a drive-in movie at Pouch Scout Camp, go here to purchase tickets.

A note about insurance

Many local councils, during these challenging times, are hosting families and groups that are outside of Scouting.

When considering hosting and conducting these types of events, GLIP (General Liability Insurance Program) may not provide general liability insurance coverage. GLIP provides insurance coverage for official Scout activities.

If considering these types of events, the local council should consider a separate general liability insurance policy. The Greater New York Councils has separate insurance coverage for the events they are conducting that are not considered an official Scout activity.