Valley Forge Revolutionary War Historic Trip

When and Where

When: November 15-17, 2025 , 4:00 am — 1:00 am
Nights: 2

Location: Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania

Get ready for one of the most meaningful and history-rich trips of the scouting year!

In November 2025, our troop is planning a journey to Valley Forge, the iconic site where General George Washington and the Continental Army endured a brutal winter and emerged stronger in the fight for American independence.

While full details on programming are still being finalized, the trip is expected to include:

• Exploration of Valley Forge National Historical Park
• Interactive exhibits and educational programming
• Outdoor activities rooted in historical reenactment
• Opportunities to reflect on perseverance, teamwork, and civic responsibility

We also plan to weave in Scout-centered activities such as rank advancement opportunities, merit badge tie-ins, and patrol-based teamwork challenges to make the most of this historical setting.

This isn’t just another camping trip — it’s a step back into history. From standing at Washington’s headquarters to hiking through snow-dusted fields, from campfire camaraderie to legendary Philadelphia cheesesteaks on the ride home — Valley Forge 2025 will be one to remember.

Be part of this journey through courage, endurance, and Scout spirit. Sign up, pack your gear, and get ready to walk in the footsteps of history.

Plan

Friday – Departure & Camp Setup
6:30 PM – Depart from OLA.
We’ll travel approximately 2.5 hours to Phoenixville, PA, and set up camp at the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company. The site provides easy access to the park and offers indoor restrooms and nearby shelter options. After arrival, we’ll pitch tents, settle in, and have a light evening snack before turning in early.

Saturday – Historic Trail Hike & Exploration
8:00 AM – Breakfast at camp.
9:00 AM – Depart for Valley Forge National Historical Park (about 15 minutes away).
9:30 AM – Begin the 9-mile Valley Forge Historic Trail Hike, retracing the footsteps of Washington’s soldiers during the winter of 1777–1778.

Scouts will visit key landmarks including:

• Washington’s Headquarters (Isaac Potts House)
• Artillery Park
• National Memorial Arch
• Muhlenberg Brigade Huts (reconstructed soldier cabins)
• Wayne’s Woods & Redoubt Trail overlooks

Along the hike, scouts will complete the official Valley Forge Historic Trail Award requirements, filling in their trail books and engaging with educational exhibits. The trail combines history, endurance, and reflection—perfect for both rank advancement and merit badge credit (counts as a qualifying 10-mile hike for the Hiking MB).

We’ll pause for lunch on the trail, with warm drinks and a chance to rest among the log huts that echo centuries of perseverance.

2:30 PM – Wrap up the hike at the Visitor Center. This is a special stop for our troop—we were last here during our Historic Washington DC Trip, when we first explored the Valley Forge Visitor Center exhibits. This time, we’ll complete the experience by walking the full trail and standing where history was made.

4:00 PM – Return to camp. Scouts will prepare dinner and enjoy a well-earned meal followed by a campfire program, featuring reflections on courage, endurance, and teamwork—just like Washington’s soldiers.

Sunday – Return via Philadelphia (optional stop)
After breakfast and campsite cleanup, we’ll start our drive back toward Brooklyn. On the way, we plan to make a brief stop in Philadelphia, the birthplace of American independence.

We last visited Philadelphia several years ago during our early Troop history trips—this time, we might revisit a few classic landmarks or simply explore the city’s incredible food scene. Expect “authentic” cheesesteaks, hoagies, and maybe even a stop at Reading Terminal Market for something truly unforgettable.

Estimated arrival at OLA: between 5:30 and 6:00 PM (depending on traffic).

What to Bring

Uniforms

• Class A for travel and museum portions
• Class B and warm layers for the hike

Clothing

• Expect cold weather (mid-40s daytime, near-freezing nights)
• Bring a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and layered clothing
• Sturdy hiking boots or shoes for uneven terrain
• Rain gear, as November weather can change quickly

Gear

• Sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures
• Sleeping pad
• Headlamp or flashlight with new batteries
• Backpack for the hike
• Personal mess kit and utensils
• Water bottle (1L minimum, refillable)
• Notebook and pen/pencil for trail log entries

Optional

• Camera or phone for photos (allowed without flash)
• Scout Handbook and Hiking Merit Badge materials
• Small amount of spending money for souvenirs

Campsite – Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company

For this trip, Troop 23 will camp at the Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company, located at 630 Valley Park Road, Phoenixville, PA, just a short 10–15 minute drive from Valley Forge National Historical Park. The site is frequently used by visiting Scout troops exploring the historic area and offers a convenient and authentic outdoor experience within minutes of the park’s trailheads and visitor center.

The campground features primitive-style sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for patrol cooking and evening campfires. Restroom facilities are available for both male and female campers, and potable water can be accessed at the restroom building and near the parking area (weather permitting during colder months). Firewood is sometimes available on-site in limited quantities, but bringing a small supplemental supply is recommended.

This location provides a balance of accessibility and rustic atmosphere — a comfortable base for a historic weekend while maintaining the traditional spirit of Scouting. The Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Company grounds sit close enough to the national park to make logistics easy while offering enough separation from the main visitor areas for a quiet night under the stars.

Message from the Camp Coordinator:

“Troop 23 has been assigned to Site #2 for the weekend.
Upon arrival at the fire company, please proceed up the hill from the lower parking lot — a dirt road leads to the camping area parking lot, where you may park just past the campfire circle. Site numbers are clearly marked.

There are designated Scout bathrooms, located in the building to the right as you drive up the road. Please use only these facilities.

The pavilion area is off limits during the rental season. However, in the event of a hard cover alert, it may be used if there is no current rental.”

Valley Forge Historic Trail

The Valley Forge Historic Trail is one of Scouting America’s most meaningful historic hikes, combining physical challenge with a deep dive into Revolutionary War history. Created by the Cradle of Liberty Council, the trail takes Scouts through key sites where George Washington and the Continental Army camped, trained, and endured the harsh winter of 1777–1778.

Along the route, Scouts learn about leadership, perseverance, and the sacrifices made for freedom. The hike begins at the Visitor Center and winds through forests, fields, and reconstructed encampments before circling back near the Schuylkill River.

By completing the hike and the accompanying workbook, participants earn the Valley Forge Historic Trail Medal and Patch — symbols of endurance and commitment to the ideals of Scouting and the nation itself.

Awards and Advancements

Scouts will have the opportunity to earn:

• Valley Forge Historic Trail Award (medal and patch)
• National Park Service Junior Ranger Certificate and Patch (optional)
• Hiking Merit Badge 10-mile hike requirement credit
• Rank advancement opportunities related to map reading, navigation, and outdoor ethics

Please review Hiking Merit Badge requirements in advance and bring your workbook if you plan to count this toward completion.

Historical Context

During the winter of 1777–1778, George Washington’s Continental Army camped at Valley Forge — roughly 12,000 soldiers facing hunger, disease, and cold. Yet out of those hardships came unity, resilience, and a stronger, better-trained army that would later triumph in the Revolutionary War.

Today, the park preserves original encampment sites, Washington’s headquarters, and miles of restored trails. For Scouts, Valley Forge represents the ultimate symbol of perseverance and the enduring spirit of service. Walking this trail is not just an outdoor challenge — it’s a journey through one of the most defining moments in American history.

Additional Notes

Weather Contingency:
The trip proceeds rain or shine. In case of severe weather, adjustments may be made to the hiking portion, but camping and program activities will continue as scheduled.

Behavior and Conduct:
Scouts are expected to uphold the Scout Oath and Law at all times, represent Troop 23 with pride, and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Goals

Valley Forge Historic Trail Award

To earn the Valley Forge Historic Trail Award, Scouts must complete a trail questionnaire, answering questions about key historical sites (no essay this time!). Successful completion of the hike and workbook qualifies participants for the official Valley Forge Historic Trail Medal and Patch, awarded through the Cradle of Liberty Council.

National Historic Trails Award

Participation in this trip also counts toward the National Historic Trails Award, which recognizes Scouts who not only hike historic routes but also engage in meaningful service or educational activities that preserve or interpret the trail. To qualify, a Scout (or troop) must plan and take part in a historic trail hike, learn about its national significance, and complete a related service project or public awareness effort approved by the unit leader and council.

Hiking Merit Badge

4. Take four 10-mile hikes and one 20-mile hike, each on a different day, and each of continuous miles. Prepare a written hike plan before each hike and share it with your merit badge counselor or a designee for approval before starting the hike. Include map routes, a clothing and equipment list, and a list of items for a trail lunch. You may stop for as many short rest periods as needed, as well as one meal, during each hike, but not for an extended period such as overnight.*

* The required hikes for this badge may be used in fulfilling hiking requirements for rank advancement. However, these hikes cannot be used to fulfill requirements of other merit badges.