Last updated: September 4, 2025
Article
Fall Campfire Programs 2025
NPS Graphic / G. Purifoy
Join a park ranger for an interactive evening by the campfire as we discuss unique stories of Valley Forge and the American Revolution.
When: Selected Saturdays in the fall at 7pm
Where: Conway's Brigade
Program Schedule
Full program descriptions are listed below.
2025 Date |
Program Title |
|---|---|
September 13 |
|
September 20 |
|
September 27 |
The Great Cow Chase! Wayne's Foraging Operations in New Jersey, 1778 |
October 4 |
|
October 11 |
Tales of the Mad Prussian: The Misadventures of Johan von Krafft |
October 18 |
What's Killing the Bats? The Deadly Spread of White-Nose Syndrome |
October 25 |
|
November 1 |
What to Bring: Flashlight, blanket, jacket.
Weather: The program will be canceled for rain, call 610-783-1000, option 1 before 5 PM to check on the status of the program.
Parking & Getting to Conway's Brigade: Accessible from PA Route 23. Park at the General von Steuben Statue parking lot or the Varnum’s Picnic Area parking lot, then walk down the historic trace road to Conway’s Brigade. Lanterns will light the way!
Program Descriptions
The Military Departments That Saved the Revolution
September 13, 2025
An army marches on its stomach. But what happens when they have no shoes, weapons, or clothing? Learn about the different roles that the Military Stores, Commissary, Clothier, and Quartermaster Department played in helping keep the Continental Army on the field to win our independence
The Life and Times of Baron von Steuben
September 20, 2025
Friedrich von Steuben's contributions instilled new measures of duty and professionalism in the American army. But who was he really? Where did he come from? Was he really a fraud, as some people say? Let's unpack von Steuben's life to find out what brought him here and allowed him to play such a large role in American history.
The Great Cow Chase! Wayne's Foraging Operations in New Jersey, 1778
September 27, 2025
At the darkest moment of the Valley Forge encampment, General “Mad” Anthony Wayne led a foraging expedition around Philadelphia, playing a deadly game of cat-and-mouse with British forces in New Jersey while gathering much-needed supplies, including a large herd of cattle. Come to this talk to learn about this “Great Cow Chase,” a tale of daring men on a dangerous mission, spies, hot pursuits, hair-raising escapes...and COWS!
The Night Sky
October 4, 2025
Explore the wonders of the night sky from the folks of the past and the present. Each constellation holds a unique story from mythologies, legends and folklore of the ancient Greeks, Native American tribes, and the people of Valley Forge.
Tales of the Mad Prussian: The Misadventures of Johan Von Krafft
October 11, 2025
In 1776 Lt. Johan von Krafft was itching for a war. He quits the Prussian army and proceeds to spend years trying to join the American Revolution, on either side. Join Ranger David Lawrence as he chronicles the travels, obstacles, duels, brawls, and other misadventures of a real-life soldier of fortune, and peek into a life and time very different from our own.
What's Killing the Bats? The Deadly Spread of White-Nose Syndrome
October 18, 2025
In winter 2006, cave explorers in upstate New York found a cavern full of dead and dying bats, their faces covered with a mysterious, white, powdery substance. Soon, bats in other caves began to die, too, and the plague spread across the country with terrifying speed. What is this new disease? And is there any way to stop it?
John Laurens: A Forgotten Patriot
October 25, 2025
John Laurens was one of the brightest minds of his day and well-connected to many influential people. Unlike many of his compatriots, he did not go on to serve in the early government of the United States and today his name is largely forgotten. Learn about his life, motivations, and his legacy and why so few people are familiar with his name.
Rum, the Revolutionary Spirit
November 1, 2025
Often associated with pirates, sailors, and the Caribbean, rum was also the liquor of choice in British North America. Join Ranger Adam for a sugary journey on the history of rum in the colonies, and how it played a small but spirited role in the American Revolution.