End of Year Family Trip

When and Where

When: June 27-28, 2025 , 12:00 pm — 8:00 pm
Nights: 1

Location: Hersheypark Camping Resort

To cap off our 2024–2025 scouting year, Troop 23 is heading to Hersheypark, Pennsylvania’s (yes, again) legendary family theme park, for an unforgettable experience full of rides, games, water fun, and fellowship. Known for its clean, family-focused atmosphere and iconic Hershey hospitality, this is the perfect reward for our Scouts' hard work throughout the year.
https://www.hersheypark.com/explore-the-park/rides/

What to Expect

• 🎢 Amusement rides for all ages and thrill levels
• 🎯 Classic midway games and attractions
• 🌊 The Boardwalk Water Park, included with admission
• 🍫 Hershey-themed entertainment and shopping
• 🏕️ Overnight tent camping at Hersheypark Camping Resort®
• 🔥 Evening campfire and fellowship
• 🏀 On-site resort amenities like pools, courts, and playgrounds
• 🚐 Free shuttle service between camp and the park
• 🕐 Bonus hours in the park Friday evening and Saturday morning

This is a time for pure fun, celebrating the achievements and growth of our Scouts over the past year while continuing to honor the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and the Patrol Method.

Who Should Come

• Scouts – This trip is designed with you in mind. Don’t miss out!
• Scouters – Your leadership is essential to keep the experience safe and smooth.
• Parents – We need your help, especially with transportation. If you’d like to camp overnight, you must be registered with Scouting America.
• Siblings – Welcome, but priority for transportation goes to Scouts.

Cost

💰 $95 per person, which includes:

• One-day admission to Hersheypark
• Friday night tent camping at the resort
• A Hersheypark meal ticket
• Free shuttle to the park
• Early access hours
• Commemorative patch

Note: This fee does not include other meals, beverages, or transportation costs.

Original Plan

Departure

📅 Friday, June 27

• Depart around 12:00 PM from Brooklyn
• Set up camp and enjoy bonus park access (5–8 PM)
• Relax with resort amenities and Troop campfire time

Main Day

📅 Saturday, June 28

• Park opens at 11:00 AM, but we get in at 10:00 AM
• Pack up camp in the morning
• Depart for Brooklyn by 2:30 PM

Return

🚌 After a full day at the park, we’ll drive home with a planned rest stop at the Valley Forge Encampment Museum, giving Scouts a chance to stretch, snack, and reflect on their adventure.

Meals

• 🍽️ Adult leaders and parents will coordinate meals
• No outside food allowed inside the park, but we’ll use the picnic area outside
• Additional meal costs will be shared closer to the trip

RSVP & Permissions

• 📝 RSVP by Saturday, June 2, 2025 (EOD)
• RSVP whether attending or not, through your Patrol Leader (PL) and Senior Patrol Leader (SPL)
• ⛺ Permission slip required

Hersheypark & Hersheypark Camping Resort

Hersheypark stands out as one of the top family-friendly amusement destinations in the Northeast, boasting more than 70 rides and attractions, including 15 iconic roller coasters such as Candymonium, Storm Runner, and Fahrenheit. Plus, it features the thrilling Breakers Edge Water Coaster and the expansive Boardwalk Water Park—all included with admission 

Featured Attractions & Rider Highlights

• Candymonium: Hersheypark's flagship hyper coaster—the tallest, fastest, and longest coaster at the park, reaching speeds up to 76 mph over 4,636 ft of track in Chocolatetown. 
• Storm Runner: A high-speed hydraulic launch coaster in Pioneer Frontier, accelerating from 0 to 72 mph in two seconds with thrilling inversions. 
• Fahrenheit: Notable for its 97-degree vertical drop and six inversions, offering intense thrills for coaster fans over 54 inches tall.
• Water Rides & Boardwalk: Including Breakers Edge, Whitecap Racer, a lazy river, wave pool, and family slides—perfect for cooling off and fun for all ages.

Outdoor Recreation & Camp Amenities

The Hersheypark Camping Resort nestled in rolling green hills, offers over 300 sites (including tent, RV, and log/deluxe cabins), each with a picnic table and fire ring for evening s’mores sessions.
Resort guests enjoy restroom and shower facilities, a self-service laundry, and a Country Store stocked with essentials, snacks, and Camper gear.

Resort Recreation & Entertainment

During our stay, Scouts and families can take advantage of on-site facilities including basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, multiple playgrounds, indoor game room, and two swimming pools plus kiddie pool (seasonal).
The resort also hosts evening entertainment, like campfire gatherings, movies under the stars, music on the patio, craft activities, and more through the weekend schedule.

Valley Forge Excursion – Rest Stop & Learning Experience

On our return from Hersheypark, Troop 23 will stop at the legendary Valley Forge National Historical Park, the site of the famous Continental Army encampment during the winter of 1777–78 under General George Washington. This historically rich location offers Scouts and families a meaningful moment to reflect on perseverance, resilience, and American history in action. Approximately 12,000 soldiers lived through that harsh winter here, and 1,700 to 2,000 perished — yet the army emerged stronger through training and unity

What to See & Do

• Valley Forge Encampment Museum Exhibit (in the Visitor Center): Interactive, multimedia displays illustrate life during the winter encampment — including life-size models, artifacts like muskets and cookware, tactile elements, and immersive panels about Continental Army challenges and triumphs. Most visitors spend 30–40 minutes, though some explore for up to an hour
• Outdoor Encampment Trail: Visit reconstructed log cabins at the Muhlenberg Brigade, see earthworks and artillery areas, and view memorials such as the National Memorial Arch, the Anthony Wayne statue, and Washington’s restored headquarters (Isaac Potts House)
• Museum Resources: Ranger‑staffed visitor center, film presentations, bookstore/gift shop (Encampment Store), and brochures. The park also offers trolley tours and bike/walking trails across its 3,500 acres, connecting historical landmarks and natural scenery

How It Fits Our Trip

This stop adds an educational and reflective component to our Hersheypark trip, balancing fun and recreation with learning about American history. It’s a perfect complement to our Scout values and service focus, and an opportunity to appreciate the significance of leadership and unity in challenging times.

Logistics & Timing

• After departing Hersheypark on Saturday, June 28, we’ll arrive at Valley Forge Visitor Center mid‑afternoon.
• Allow about 45–60 minutes for museum exhibits and self-guided exploration.
• Restroom breaks and a short stretch here will revitalize everyone before the final leg home.