MLK Day of Service at Conference House Park

When and Where

When: January 19, 2026
Timeline: 9:00 am — 2:00 pm

Location: Conference House Park, Staten Island, New York

🇺🇸 Honoring Dr. King Through Action

Troop 23 proudly continues its tradition of honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. not just in word, but in service. On MLK Day, we will once again step up to make a real impact in our city, giving back to the land, the history, and the people.When and Where

This year’s service project takes us to the scenic and historic Conference House Park in Tottenville, Staten Island — the southernmost point in New York State and one of the borough's best-kept secrets.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday, designated as a National Day of Service to encourage Americans to volunteer in honor of Dr. King’s legacy and strengthen their communities. AmeriCorps has led this national effort for more than 30 years. This is why you have no school that day, there is no extra homework for a purpose, we are expected to use that time to do a good turn.

When and Where

Meet time: Depart OLA at 9:00 AM
On site meet time: 10:00 AM at the Conference House Park Conservancy
Point of contact: Jim, 718 541 4728
Meeting spot: Visitor Center area inside Conference House Park, adult leaders will confirm exact directions and car assignments

🌳 Why Conference House Park?

This hidden gem offers more than just great views of Raritan Bay — it’s a place of deep historical importance and natural beauty. Within its grounds are four historic homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Most notably, the Conference House, built around 1680, hosted an important — though ultimately unsuccessful — peace conference in 1776, during the early days of the American Revolution.

The park also features glacial clay bluffs, maritime forests, and coastal trails. This location connects nature, history, and service in a way that makes it the perfect setting for our MLK Day project.

We may even be lucky enough to get a private tour of the Conference House if time and logistics allow!

🧤 What to Bring

• Work gloves (if you have them)
• Waterproof boots or footwear (the ground may be muddy)
• Dress for the weather – layers recommended
• Troop 23 sweatshirt or Class B gear

💬 Why It Matters

Dr. King once said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.”
This is our chance to live that message — together. Service hours earned during this event will count toward rank advancement and reflect our troop’s commitment to leadership and community impact.

Let’s show up strong and make a difference.

🔗 Related Events

✅ Last Year’s MLK Day of Service

Pizza Lunch

After completing our service work at Conference House Park, we’ll wrap up the day with a well deserved pizza lunch at our usual spot. This shared meal is more than just food, it’s a chance for Scouts and leaders to relax, reflect on the work accomplished, and enjoy each other’s company after a meaningful morning of service. It has become a familiar and welcome tradition at the end of our MLK Day projects.