On April 29th, 30th, and May 1st Troop 75, Kings Park went
on its annual Troop Trip. This year we decided to go to Williamsburg, VA.
We also visited Yorktown and Jamestown.
On Friday morning Troop 75 left for this trip. On the way, we stopped at the
United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, where we had lunch. We spent
about an hour checking out the visitor center before touring the campus. We
then drove to the Coast Guard training center in Yorktown, near the Yorktown
Battlefield, where we set up camp. After that we went to get a late dinner at
Hardee's. All the Scouts loved it, and the adults enjoyed having it once again
since it is not on Long Island any more. When we got back it was getting dark
so we decided to start a game of glow stick Capture the Flag.
The next morning we had breakfast in the base cafeteria. We then walked around
on a small trail through remains of Yorktown Village. We then got a tour
of one of their 41' search and rescue boats in dock. This was a special
invitation and a very special opportunity for the scouts to be on one of these
boats. After that we went to the Yorktown Battlefield visitor center. There,
we got a tour outside where a ranger explained how the battle was fought and the
techniques used in the battle. She also showed us the cannons and mortars
used. Next we went to Colonial Williamsburg where we went on a tour of the
historic town. The tour guide, Minsey, showed us a silversmith shop, jail
cells, stocks, gun magazine, the Capitol, and told us the story of Blackbeard.
At the Capital we saw a courtroom where we got to sit in the jury box. We also
saw a map of the colonies that showed Smithtown. He also taught us a game
called Trap Ball. All the Scouts, and some of the adults, enjoyed playing.
After that we went back the base for a huge dinner followed by a nice swim in
the indoor pool. Some scouts completed their swimming requirements and others
raced and sat in the sauna.
The next morning we took down camp in torrential rain. Then we ate breakfast.
After that we did a driving tour of Jamestown Island in the light rain where
Scouts read the informational signs through the windows. Then we went into the
visitor center. Luckily the rain stopped, and we walked through the
archeological area and saw remains of the old town. Before we left we saw an
old glass works and then saw a newer running glass works. Here we got to watch
artisans blow glass. After Jamestown we left for home. On the trip home we
drove along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Everybody thought that having a
big store in the middle was so cool. With terrible traffic and a couple of meal
stops, we got home just after midnight.
Everyone had so much fun on this trip, especially the great food at the Coast
Guard base. We would certainly choose to go back again.
- Richard L., Troop Scribe