Valley Forge Pilgrimage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
2009 emblems
|
|||
| Owner | Cradle of Liberty Council | ||
| Date | February 22, 1913 | ||
|
|
|||
The Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment is the oldest yearly scouting event in the world. It first happened on February 22, 1913. This date was George Washington's 181st birthday. The event has taken place every year since then. The Cradle of Liberty Council hosts this special gathering. It honors the soldiers of the Continental Army. These brave soldiers faced a very harsh winter in 1777-78 at Valley Forge. Each year, over 2,000 people come to brave the cold winter weather. They participate in this event in the Delaware Valley.
Contents
History of the Event
The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) was quite new when this event began. It was only three years old but was growing fast across the country. About 300 Scouts from Philadelphia and nearby Delaware and Montgomery Counties joined the first pilgrimage.
Usually, between 125 and 275 Scouts and leaders attended. This was true until the Great Depression started. The event continued every year, even during the Depression and World War II. During these tough times, it was held on a smaller scale. In the early years, Scouts traveled to Valley Forge by train and on foot. They would arrive at the Valley Forge Train Station.
An Episcopal priest named Rev. Dr. W. Herbert Burk organized the event. He was from Norristown. Dr. Burk also helped build the Washington Memorial Chapel at Valley Forge. He stayed involved in planning the yearly pilgrimage for 20 more years. The word "pilgrimage" was chosen for a reason. Every troop would line up with their flags. They would then march to the chapel for a memorial service. This service honored George Washington.
The first official overnight camp, called the Valley Forge Encampment, happened in 1948. Before that, many unofficial campouts took place there. The area was mostly rural and quiet back then. Famous guests like General John Pershing and Daniel Carter Beard have attended. The largest crowd was in 1932. This pilgrimage celebrated Washington's 200th birthday. About 9,000 Boy Scouts from Pennsylvania and nearby states came. Also, 10,000 adults and children were there.
What Happens at the Event
The event has two main parts. First, there is the Encampment. Scouts camp from Friday to Sunday during the Presidents' Day weekend. Second, there is the Pilgrimage. This part takes place all day Saturday. During the Pilgrimage, participants explore the Valley Forge NHP. They listen to volunteer guides from the National Park Service. These guides explain how the Continental soldiers lived. Replicas of the original huts show what daily life was like. Conditions during that winter were very bad. The guides also share stories of how over 2,000 soldiers died. They died from diseases like typhus, dysentery, typhoid, and pneumonia.
Yearly Themes
Each year, the Valley Forge Pilgrimage and Encampment has a special theme. These themes often honor important people or events from the American Revolution. For example, the patches given out each year show images related to the theme.
- In 1969, the theme featured the Valley Forge Memorial Arch.
- In 1977, the patch showed Washington kneeling in prayer.
- In 1998, Martha Washington was honored on the Pilgrimage Patch.
- In 2012, the event celebrated its 100th anniversary. The theme honored George Washington and Dr. W. Herbert Burk, a founder of the event.
- In 2015, the theme honored the common soldier.
Valley Forge Historical Trail
The Valley Forge Historical Trail is a 9-mile hiking path. It goes through the Valley Forge National Park. Hikers gain about 833 feet in elevation on this trail. The hike begins and ends at the Valley Forge Visitor's Center. To hike this trail, you need a map and compass. You also need to know how to use them for orienteering. There is not much access to water along the trail. However, you can get water about halfway at the train station restrooms. It is always a good idea to bring your own water.
The Cradle of Liberty Boy Scout of America Council created this trail. They worked with the National Park Service. This hike offers a fun activity for all ages. It also teaches about the park's history. Scouts can earn a special medal for finishing the trail.
See also
- Scouting in Pennsylvania
