2026 Pilgrimage and Encampment

ENCAMPMENT (camping) Weekend - MARCH 6th - 8th 2026

Before wintering at Valley Forge, the Continental Army attacked the British troops in what is now the Germantown and Mount Airy sections of Philadelphia. This action, "The Battle of Germantown, played an important role in the outcome of the Revolutionary War. Although the British won the battle, the Continental Army had finally gone on the offensive and attacked the British. This gave the soldiers and the patriots a renewed confidence that they could win the war." 

After the battle, the Continental Troops retreated into the countryside, including setting up defenses and an encampment in the Militia Hill (Whitemarsh and surrounding Philadelphia suburbs) area. Cannons were set up on high ground in the region, including Militia Hill, where the Encampment would be held. Under the protection of cannon, troops could have camped on the same land where the Pilgrimage would be held at Fort Washington State Park. 

This new location is historically significant as the troops marched along routes from there to the third winter encampment at Valley Forge, where Continental Militias trained to become the army that won the American Revolution. We are excited to bring the P&E to Fort Washington State Park and honor General Washington and his troops.

ENCAMPMENT (includes Pilgrimage) – Troops, Crews, Units/Posts, and Ships are invited to join us for a winter camping weekend to experience the hardships faced by the Continental Army in the winter of 1777-1778. The Encampment is limited to 250 attendees, and you can camp where a canon battery is believed to have been set up. This cold-weather camping will enable you to relive a small portion of what the revolutionary soldiers and their followers lived through.  

Arrival at the Encampment begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, and all units are expected to depart before 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. 

PILGRIMAGE (day-long) - MARCH 7th, 2026

Arrive after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. The program will run from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with a break for you to eat the lunch you need to bring.

All Scouts (Scouts BSA, Cub Scouts, Webelos, Ventures, and Sea Scouts) are invited to join us for hands-on activities during the day that help connect Scouts with life in the 1700s and what it was like to be a Continental soldier during the fight for independence. Unlike in years past, program areas will run 90 minutes, allowing Scouts to have a direct interactive experience. 

Expected program areas to include (actual program areas may be different):

Revolutionary War First aid and surgery
Cooking
Camp set-up and operations
Skirmishing and black powder demonstration
Marching and military bearing
Tracking
Revolutionary War History
Camp Followers
Native Americans in the revolution
Cavalry operations
Museum of the American Revolution activity
Revolutionary War Escape Room
Music of the Revolutionary War
Revolutionary War Game Show

Patrols can prioritize their areas of interest in advance, and schedules will be provided..

Download an event flier, click here