Bridgewater Boy Scout Troop Tackles Historic Philadelphia During Spring Tour

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Scouts BSA Troop 154 of Pluckemin embarked on an unforgettable Spring Tour from April 11 to April 13, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of Philadelphia.

The jam-packed weekend featured landmark sites, hands-on learning, and just the right amount of ghostly fun. A total of 22 scouts and four adult leaders participated.

Day 1 began at Pine Hill Scout Reservation in South Jersey, where scouts set up camp before heading to Hammonton Fire Company #1 for a behind-the-scenes tour of the firehouse followed by dinner. The troop returned to camp to rest up for a busy Saturday.

Day 2 kicked off bright and early as the scouts boarded a train to Center City Philadelphia. Their first stop of the day was the Eastern State Penitentiary, once the most expensive prison in the world and former home to Al Capone.

From there, the troop jogged up the iconic Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, then trekked to Reading Terminal Market for lunch.

The afternoon was filled with historical highlights, including a stop at Benjamin Franklin’s final resting place and a self-guided tour of the Museum of the American Revolution — home of George Washington’s headquarters tent.

The day continued at the Independence Seaport Museum where scouts explored the USS Olympia, the oldest steel warship still afloat. A fun-filled dinner and arcade session at Dave & Buster’s rounded out the evening before one final thrill: a ghost tour of Old City’s haunted streets.

Day 3 featured one last dose of education and adventure at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton. Scouts explored exhibits on natural history, Native American culture, and space before heading home.

Troop 154, under the leadership of Scoutmaster Michael Richards, meets Friday evenings during the school year at the Pluckemin Presbyterian Church. For more information or to join, visit t154.org.