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Valley Forge National Historical Park kids marching in a join the continental army junior ranger program
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Join the Continental Army

Children ages 6-12 are invited to "enlist" in the Continental Army. Participants will be mustered-in to the Continental Army by receiving enlistment papers and copies of Continental currency. Attendees are encouraged to return for future programs, as the topics covered will be different each time. Those who participated in the first programs will help to teach and train newcomers, just as Washington's veteran soldiers would have done, and will be promoted as the program continues.

No reservations necessary. Program takes place the 1st Saturday of each month, January-April, at 11AM, and on Presidents Day, Monday, February 20th at 11AM. Meet at the Visitor Center.

 
Soldier

Saturday, January 7
"Drill, drill, drill: Discipline is Key!" Part I
New recruits and returning soldiers enlist in the Continental Army to fight for the freedom of America. They will learn how to drill and march like a proper soldier. To practice their skills they will march as a company to Muhlenberg Brigade Hut area. Soldiers who return for all training sessions will be promoted.

Saturday, February 4
"Drill, drill, drill: Discipline is Key!" Part II
Recruits will review and advance in their drilling and marching skills. Following the training, soldiers will assemble in the Education Center for a hands on craft activity.

Monday, February 20
"Take Notice!"
All soldiers will be inspected by Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington. 

Saturday, March 3
"Open Order and Skirmishing"
The recruits have now advanced to the next level of training, where they will skirmish, using rifle and light infantry tactics in wooded and concealed positions.

Saturday, April 7
"Teamwork on the Big Guns"
The final program this year will feature big artillery used in the Revolutionary War. The recruits will divide into gun crews of five, where they will learn the importance of each gun position when working with the bronze cannon.

* In case of bad weather, we will use the Theater for the training segments.

For questions or more information, contact: Bill Troppman, 610-783-1075

 
continental soldier demonstrating cahrge bayonet

Photos of the Musket Drill (15 Photos)

Photos of von Steuben's musket drill for Junior Rangers to use as reference

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Reconstructed Soldier Cabin at Valley Forge NHP

Did You Know?
Valley Forge NHP commemorates one of the most defining events in our nation’s history: the encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge in 1777-78. General George Washington’s troops embodied triumph over adversity. Their commitment was a turning point in the American Revolution.
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Last Updated: January 09, 2012 at 08:06 MST