Letter from the Director
Welcome to the Pilgrimage and Encampment, our commemoration of the Continental Army’s original encampment here during the Revolutionary War. The Pilgrimage portion provides learning opportunities of that era as well as modern times via a round-robin course. The Leader’s Guide should provide you with all the information needed to have an enjoyable, safe outing. Please review it carefully and share it with your leadership, parents, and youth.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website tells us that Fort Washington State Park and the community of Fort Washington take their name from the temporary fort built here by soldiers of the American Revolution in the fall of 1777. Whitemarsh, as the area was called then, was the scene of the encampment of 12,000 soldiers of General Washington’s army from November 2 until December 11, 1777. Following the unsuccessful battle of Germantown, Washington chose the heights of the Whitemarsh Valley as an easily defendable position. From here, he pondered the possibility of launching an attack against General Howe’s British army in Philadelphia. Although Washington decided against an attack, the British marched out from Philadelphia on December 5 to try to engage the Americans in battle. Because of Washington’s strong position, only local skirmishes took place. After much marching back and forth, Howe led his army back to Philadelphia on December 8. Knowing his poorly clad men needed better quarters, and also to protect the iron forges and foundries in the Schuylkill Valley, Washington left Whitemarsh on December 11, 1777, and marched the Continental Army to Valley Forge.
Our Encampment is both similar to and different from Washington’s encampments. We come fully supplied with modern equipment and plenty of rations. However, we still face the uncertainty of weather conditions – anywhere from very cold to downright warm; and dry, snowing or raining. Day visitors to the Pilgrimage need to take weather conditions into consideration, too. Although you will only be here for the day, improper dress or inadequate food or water can make your day miserable.
Please also study our activity policies and procedures. Some come from our host facility, others are local municipal ordinances as well as the principles of the Scout Oath and Law and are meant to ensure that the Pilgrimage and Encampment operates safely, effectively, and enjoyably for everyone.
If you have any questions concerning the Pilgrimage and Encampment, please do not hesitate to contact us. The P&E Committee is made up of volunteers who are willing to assist you. Thanks, and see you there!
Yours in Scouting,
Barry Kauffman
P&E Director
215-880-5488
