On Saturday, March 11, 2017, Troop 22 crossed the Delaware River on a daring daytime raid into Philadelphia…very reminiscent of that other famous crossing of the Delaware River – except this time we went in the opposite direction, and it wasn’t Christmas night, and we didn’t attack any sleeping Hessians (or anyone for that matter). \u00a0But otherwise it was just as heroic an undertaking.<\/p>\n

13 current Boy Scouts of all ranks, 3 registered leaders, 2 parents, 1 grandparent, 1 family friend, and 1 of Troop 22’s most recent Eagle Scouts, accepted the challenge to brave temperatures in the low 20s and wind gusts up to 20 mph to complete a 10 mile hike. \u00a0After assembling at St. Thomas Church and making sure everyone was prepared for the day, we started our journey with a 90 minute car ride down the Garden State Parkway & NJ Turnpike. \u00a0We reassembled just off the campus of Rutgers-Camden and started our journey in earnest.<\/p>\n

Our trek took us across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge into Philadelphia where we quickly made our way over to Independence Hall, but not before making a brief stop to pay our respects at Benjamin Franklin’s grave. \u00a0After a very informative, 30 minute guided tour of Independence Hall we cross the street to check out the Liberty Bell. \u00a0***Note to future Scouts\/Leaders planning on visiting these landmarks – you need to go through security screenings at both locations, so you may want to leave your pocket knives\/multi-tools at home!***<\/p>\n

Our day continued with a 3.5 mile stroll up to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. \u00a0We saw some pretty cool stuff along the way, including the Chinese Friendship Arch, a copy of “The Thinker” outside of the Rodin Museum, and the Washington Monument Fountain. \u00a0Once we arrived at the museum, our Scouts had to take an obligatory run up the famous “Rocky Steps” (see video below). \u00a0After quick break we proceeded down to the Schuylkill River and followed the river trail down to JFK Boulevard so we could make our way back down towards Independence Hall. \u00a0Along the way our we stopped to let our hungry Scouts (and adults) enjoy some of the famous local cuisine at Steve’s Prince of Steaks on S. 16th Street – definitely worth the wait (seeing as it was close to 1:30pm and a mutiny seemed imminent!).<\/p>\n

After lunch we made our way down to the Betsy Ross House, but seeing as she wasn’t home we didn’t really stick around there for too long. \u00a0After a quick rest we made our way back over to the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and re-crossed the Delaware River back into the Garden State. \u00a0A quick jaunt back up the Turnpike\/Parkway and we were finally back in Bloomfield…slightly exhausted but none the worse for the wear.<\/p>\n

Along the way we had Scouts complete requirements for Citizenship in the Nation, and Second Class Rank, plus we had 1 new Scout complete his first 10 mile hike with the Troop! \u00a0Not a bad day indeed. \u00a0And if this\u00a0sounds like an action-packed, fun-filled day, please consider joining us on our next Hike of the Month!<\/p>\n

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