On March 13, Troop 688 members traveled to Gettysburg National Military Park and completed three of the segments of the Gettysburg Historic Trails Program.

5:30 in the AM.  Or as we in the military like to say:  Oh-Dark-Thirty! 

At Christ Church, 14 Scouts and 7 Scouters gathered together for their overnight trip to the Gettysburg National Military Park.  The weather was not cooperating, and a steady drizzle fell on the group as they prepared to depart. Since the trailer was loaded the night before, a quick roll call was taken, Scouts were dispatched to their rides, and we were on our way by 5:45 AM --- If not a record setting time, at least it was close!

The troop arrived at the Park Visitor Center by 8:00, and had time for a brief exploration of the Center and its well stocked store.  The introductory film "A New Birth of Freedom" started the day's immersion in the history of the battle and the park.  After the film, it was off to the "Gettysburg Cyclorama", the dramatic 1884 painting that depicts "Pickett's Charge".  The program as well as the Visitor Center have been updated recently, and are quite impressive.  A tour of the Civil war museum at the center (where scouts marveled at the weight that the soldier carried on his back) and we were ready to go.

The York-Adams Area Council, BSA maintains the Gettysburg Historic Trails Program, and Troop 688 members wanted to complete at least three of the possible five segments of the program on this trip, and we succeeded, in spite of torrential rain and wind.  We completed the Visitor Center segment as well as the" Johnny Reb" and "Historic Gettysburg" hiking segments.  The hiking segments take scouts on walking tours of the battlefield and downtown Gettysburg, visiting places and seeing sights not normally seen by the average visitor.  Scouts were asked to visualize themselves in the shoes of the participants of the Battle while standing on the very spot where significant action took place.

After the "walk-in-the-park" day, the Troop assembled back at the Visitor Center and traveled to the Artillery Ridge campground.  After a quick inspection of the area (approximately 2" of standing water and mud the adult leaders decided to cut the visit short.  We set up the "white elephant" tent, broke out the patrol cookware and ate dinner in the rain and drizzle.  Scouts dined on chili, popcorn and cool-whip cookies while Mr. Ryan made his famous 30-minute meat pie.  A quick clean-up, police call, and we were on our way home, arriving back at the church at about 10:30 pm.

In spite of the inclement weather and the shortened trip, Scouts were impressed by the park and the history it preserves.  

Special thanks to the Scouters who assisted in the driving and hiking portions of the trip.  Without their able assistance and help, the trip could not have taken place.  I will be ordering patches for all the Scouts who completed this exercise.