Troop 1916 was well represented at the Gettysburg outing with 25 Scouts, 16 Scouters and 10 Guests from Pack 1537. We started the day early, 8am, and left almost on time at 8:40am. The day started much earlier for Mr. Salt and Mr. Forrer who had to change the tire on the trailer before we departed. The drive to Gettysburg was not long, about 1 hour and 20 minutes. When we arrived we set up camp and had lunch. The Round Top camp ground was a little wet and icy, but our scouts persevered, showing the cubs along the way how to organize their tents and belongings. While we had to share the camp ground with RV’s, many gave a thumbs up for the clean, warm bathrooms.
After lunch, we left for Gettysburg in 9 vehicles and picked up a Battlefield Guide for each of the cars. Each vehicle was given a unique 2 hour tour of Gettysburg stopping at various sites and monuments along the way. While the weather was cold and windy, the day was sunny and perfect for the tour. The boys especially liked ascending the tower overlooking Gettysburg and climbing the rocks at Little Round Top. The guides shared with us the fact that many Boy Scout Troops come to Gettysburg between April and October--camping on the Battlefield and hiking the park—something we may want to consider for another year.
We returned to the camp ground so grubmasters could start dinner while other scouts built fires and helped ready the charcoal. The food was especially good with the grubmasters serving mini-pizzas, stew, ravioli and pizza pockets. The Cubs were very impressed with the meal and their parents grateful for the roaring fire. Scouts cleaned up and then everyone then gathered around the campfires to stay warm before heading off the their tents. Scouts who listened to Mr. Salt’s advise on what to bring to best weather the cold—slept well. Those who didn’t double up on the sleeping bags were a bit uncomfortable when temperatures dropped to 28F.
Sunday morning brought breakfast with lots of hot chocolate and bacon. Grubmasters once again fed their patrols with hearty meals. Scouts broke down the camp and departed for Mclean just before 10am. Thank you to all the parents who brought 7-passenger vehicles to facilitate the Gettysburg tour. Also, thanks to the grubmaster’s parents who provided guidance for their scouts as they shopped, packed, cooked and served meals for the troop.