Troop 23 Hikes the Gettysburg Battlefield
Submitted by Dan Bernier
Boy Scout Troop 23 experienced an inspiring 4-day trip to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania over the Memorial Day Weekend. Ten Scouts and 7 adult leaders hiked the Gettysburg Heritage Trail, qualifying for a trail patch and medal. The Scouts not only learned about the famous Civil War battle that occurred there in 1863, but also about its effect on the Union and Confederate armies, the course of the war, and the town of Gettysburg itself.
After viewing an informative film in the Gettysburg Visitor Center and viewing the incredible Cyclorama painting of the battle, Troop 23 hiked around the battlefield, visiting many monuments and learning about crucial actions during the 3-day battle . They also got to speak with Civil War reenactors and experience the light and sound show at the Gettysburg Heritage Center. Most inspiring was a walk through the Soldiers’ National Cemetery, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his historic Gettysburg Address.
Thanks to fundraising and donations, the scouts and leaders were able to eat in local restaurants to allow more time at the historic sites. And the long ride home was made more enjoyable with a stop at the gigantic Cabelas store in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, where the Scouts saw exhibits of wildlife and used the indoor shooting arcade.
Boy Scout Troop 23, sponsored by St. Genevieve’s Church of Elizabeth, welcomes any boys who are at least 11 years old or graduated from the fifth grade to join them on upcoming camping trips and hikes, a week-long summer camp in July, and the Jersey 360 Jamboree at the Sussex Fairgrounds in October. Contact Scoutmaster Dan Bernier at 908-451-1948 or webfoottroop@gmail.comfor more details.
