History and Tradition Abound on Troop 542 Trip to Williamsburg and US Naval Academy
By Troop 542 Historian
On the last weekend of March, our troop took a bus trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. On Friday evening, a large group of Scouts and Scouters gathered at the church, then boarded either a chartered bus or the church bus for the six-hour ride to Williamsburg. After arriving at the hotel, we got our room keys and went to bed.
The next morning, the troop sampled the tasty breakfast offerings at the hotel before taking the short ride to Colonial Williamsburg. Patrols then used their own free time to explore the historical site. Patrols visited places including the silversmith, gunsmith, bakery, where many sampled freshly baked gingerbread cookies, and the armory. The weather was clear, sunny and warm, so the patrols enjoyed their brown bag lunches outside while sitting on benches near the historic Capitol building.
Afterward, the troop went on a guided tour of the Presbyterian meetinghouse, the Capitol, the goal (jail) cells, and the courthouse. Along the way, Scouts completed requirements to earn the American Cultures merit badge. After the tour ended, the group visited the beautiful Governor’s Palace and gardens before heading off to dinner at a nearby Golden Corral buffet restaurant. Back at the hotel, people were free to swim in the pool or play various board games. Patrols later held patrol meetings to prepare for the next day’s events, before going to sleep.
Sunday morning, scouts ate a complimentary breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a three-hour ride to Annapolis and the Naval Academy. After going through security, we watched a movie and viewed the educational displays at the Visitor Center before meandering through campus on our way to lunch at Dahlgren Hall. There, after a boxed lunch, we met our tour guides for an interesting two-hour walking tour of the Naval Academy. Highlights were many, and included viewing a typical dorm room, and visiting the grand Bancroft Hall, the crypt of legendary Naval hero John Paul Jones, and the Naval Academy sports hall of fame. We then re-boarded our buses and arrived back home in the evening.
Boy Scout Troop 542 meets at Supplee Church every Monday during the school year at 7:30 PM and has fun outdoor activities every month. Check out our web site www.troop542.com or contact Committee Chair Ed Borkowski at asm542@gmail.com if you’re interested. Boys who have finished 5th grade and are not yet 18 are eligible to join.