Last updated: May 11, 2026
Article
My Valley Forge Story: David Fultz
I’m hiking Mount Misery Trail on a beautiful fall morning, almost near the top. The leaves have changed colors…lot of hikers today. Families, some chatty regular local hikers and dog walkers(dogs on leash and walkers carrying green bags). I came around a bend in the trail where two hikers were in animated conversation. I stopped and asked if I could help. My usual opening lines were “ Hi guys, how are you doing? Do you need any help? Any directions?” I was wearing my Valley Forge Volunteer hat, jacket and backpack, so they could tell who was asking.
As it turned out, the two hikers had no trouble hiking to the top of Mount Misery, but one was afraid of falling, going down the steep, rocky(lots of loose stones) trail. I led them down another, less steep, trail and then they were on their way.
Further along the trail I noticed a hiker sitting on a log, catching his breath. I stopped and we chatted…making sure he was ok before continuing on his hike.
But I digress…I grew up near Valley Forge…as did many generations of my ancestors. One, I found on the Valley Forge Muster Roll, John Davis, was a Captain in the Continental Army . His family’s house still stands near the Park. Captain Davis took part in training at the Encampment in 1777/1778.
There were many trips to Valley Forge. I attended the Boy Scout Jamboree in the 1950’s, and helped blaze part of the Horse-Shoe Trail.
Volunteer Park Ambassador
After retirement in 2002, while hiking Mount Misery and Mount Joy I saw a notice on one of the Park Kiosks. The Park was looking for volunteers to patrol trails, assist visitors and report on trail conditions. Just the job for an ex-Boy Scout to hike, keep active and help others. Also, considering my ancestry, there would be time to learn more about them and their life in the 18th century.
The Park Volunteer Coordinator Khiet Luong invited me, along with some other applicants, to attend a series of orientation and training sessions. We learned about the Park’s history and the 1777/1778 Valley Forge Encampment, work safety, special events and volunteer jobs. Little did I know that this small group of like-minded people would be my long-term friends. We went on working together on kiosk maintenance, gardening projects and special events. Two of my favorite events are “Home School Day” and “Revolutionary Run”.
What I Learned About Volunteering and Hiking
Sure, there is the beauty of nature, exercise and the challenge. For me it’s also the people you meet and chat with, giving mini history lessons, offering directions, sensing problems with hikers and helping them. Also picking up trash, moving dead branches and reporting trail maintenance issues. On the flip side my official job requires me to remind hikers to stay on the trail and keep their dog on a leash.Volunteer safety is No.1 priority. Checking in with Rangers before and after hiking, avoiding risky situations, reminder to stay hydrated etc. The Volunteer Coordinator is quite clear and insistent on this.
Successful volunteer programs need strong Volunteer support from management. The Valley Forge Volunteer Coordinator, staff and Rangers are all available and participate in regular meetings, training , special events and employee/volunteer luncheons. I always feel part of a TEAM when working at the Park.
Again I digress….whenever I visit another Park, I take my Valley Forge Park learnings and spirit…chatting with other hikers, offering help and giving directions whenever it is needed.