Annual Historic Trip to Washington DC

When and Where

When: April 11-15, 2025, 6:30 pm — 11:59 pm
Nights: 4

Location: Washington, D.C.

Get ready for Troop 23’s next long‑distance adventure!
After exploring Gettysburg National Military Park in 2022 and retracing the Freedom Trail on our Annual Historic Trip to Boston in 2023, we’re turning our compass south for a four‑night journey to Washington, DC and Baltimore. This is one of our “big” trips — far longer than our usual weekend campouts—and it’s packed with history, service, and high‑energy fun.

We’ll "glamp" at Capital KOA, tackle the 7‑mile Baden‑Powell Inaugural Hike to earn the Historic‑Trail medal, dive into Smithsonian museums, scale the rugged Billy Goat Trail, honor heroes at Arlington National Cemetery, and even cheer on the Orioles at Camden Yards. 

From hands‑on service to unforgettable landmarks, this trek blends the best of scouting: challenge, learning, and camaraderie. Lace up, pack your sense of adventure, and join us for a spring break that will make the history books — Troop 23 style!

Note from SM two days before leave

Hope you are as excited as the adult leaders to be heading to DC in two days. 

Weather:  The forecast is looking great but there is a good chance of some rain on Saturday.  That is totally acceptable if the rest of the trip is clear sky with moderate (hoodie) temperatures.  It is safer to always prepare for worse conditions.

Shelter: KOA does not have lean-to's. Preference is for scouts to share tents. Share responsibilities and watch each other.  

Packing:  Use the checklist in your Handbook and don't leave items out.  It is better to be over prepared.  Raingear and groundclothes are important if it rains.  Small backpack is important to carry snacks and hydration for the days event. Writing instrument to complete worksheets. Compass for teaching or fulfilling navigation requirements. Shower gear. 

Patrols: Two provisional patrols will be created and used for the trip. Each will use the patrol method. 

Grubmasters:  There are plenty of opportunities (4 days) for cooking requirements across Second and First Class requirements, and the Cooking Merit Badge.  You would be glad you did.  When doing so, follow the requirements as written.  The plan must be approved by Troop leadership and Adult Leaders for ranking requirements, and additionally by Counselor for Cooking MB requirements. The aforementioned leaders will gladly assist and provide additional guidance.  (All requirements seem daunting when rushed.)  http://www.usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Cooking.pdf 

Other Requirements: Always bring your Handbook and other materials you need (e.g. Worksheets).  

Permission Form:  Please access from Scoutbook.  If not, here is the standard blank form. https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/19-673.pdf 

Class B: Keep your Class A at home, while being updated for rank, position and patrol.  Class B is a must.  This will help us be safe and identifiable. Bring purple, black, green and brown t-shirts, and black and purple sweatshirts.  Many of you've already done so but let SM Wong know if you are missing anything and we will try our best to obtain it.  

Identification:   Bring your school ID - this is a must.  If you are 16 and over, bring your government issued ID if you have one.  It is required to access Arlington.

Meeting Time:  6:30
Departure Time:  7:00
Snacks and Hydration: Bring

Kind of original plan

Friday – Travel & Set‑Up
7:00 PM Departure from OLA (arrive earlier to pack and load)
11:00 PM Arrive at Capital KOA (Meadows site), Millersville MD
Quick gear drop, lights‑out, showers available

Saturday – Baden‑Powell Hike & Sakura Matsuri
Before 7:15 AM Breakfast / KP
7:15 AM Depart for National Capital Marriott Scout Service Center (Metro parking)
8:30 AM Start Baden‑Powell Inaugural Hike
Option: add HOST/Livingston loop for full 10 mi Hiking MB credit
1:00 PM Lunch + Washington Monument reservation (tickets 1:30 PM)
2:45 PM Finish hike → Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival (open 11 AM – 6:30 PM)
6:30 PM Return to KOA, cook dinner, campfire

Sunday – Museum Day
Before 9:15 AM Breakfast / KP
9:15 AM Depart for National Mall
10:30 AM Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (11 AM entry)
1:00 PM Lunch on the Mall
1:15 PM Scouts choose: American History Museum or return to Sakura Matsuri
4:00 PM Optional Ford’s Theatre tour (tickets permitting)
6:30 PM Back to KOA, dinner, campfire

Monday – Billy Goat Trail & Arlington
Before 8:00 AM Breakfast / KP
8:00 AM Depart for Billy Goat Trail (Great Falls)
9:00 AM Hike Sections A & B (challenging, scenic)
2:00 PM Arlington National Cemetery (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, JFK, Arlington House)
6:00 PM Optional quick visit to Smithsonian National Zoo (open till 6 PM)
7:30 PM Dinner, showers, campfire at KOA

Tuesday – Baltimore Day & Ballgame
9:00 AM Break camp & depart
10:00 AM Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
11:30 AM Star‑Spangled Tour or Frederick Douglass Walk
Afternoon options: Historic Ships, B&O Railroad Museum, Poe House
5:30 PM Dinner in Inner Harbor
7:00 PM Orioles vs Guardians at Camden Yards (tickets booked)
11:59 PM Arrive back at OLA, unload, dismissal

Road to Washington D.C., Friday

Start: Meet at OLA and leave around 5 PM
Destination: Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday

We plan to depart Brooklyn as early as possible to make the most of our travel time. Because the drive is long, we’ll schedule several short stops so everyone can rest, stretch, and grab a bite to eat.

Just as we did on our 2024 trip to this area, when we spent a single night there on our way to West Virginia, we’ll stay at the Washington DC / Capitol KOA Holiday again. This time, however, it will serve as our home base for the entire trip, since our main destination is the nation’s capital.

Day 1, Saturday

Our first full day is all about history, service, and culture in downtown DC. We’ll leave KOA at sunrise, park near the National Capital Marriott Scout Service Center, and hit the trail for the Baden‑Powell Inaugural Hike. Covering roughly 7 miles (with an extension to reach the 10‑mile Hiking MB requirement), this route threads past the FDR Memorial, the Smithsonian museums, and the Capitol before finishing near the Washington Monument. Along the way, Scouts will tackle the historic‑trail challenges to earn the Baden‑Powell medal and log service hours.

After a quick lunch and our 1:30 PM Washington Monument reservation, we’ll shift gears to the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival—the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States. Scouts can explore food stalls, martial‑arts demos, and J‑pop performances before we head back to camp.

We’ll wrap up the evening at KOA with dinner, showers, and a campfire to trade stories from a packed opening day.

Baden-Powell Inaugural HIke

This 7.2-mile hike takes most units 4 to 6 hours to complete, and the route takes you from the FDR Memorial on a historic trail by the Smithsonian Museums, behind the Capitol, and follows the path up Pennsylvania Ave. of the Suffrage parade. The Baden-Powell Hike starts at the FDR Memorial, and all challenges lead you to additional stops.

Quick facts:

• Distance: 7.2 miles
• Time: 4 – 6 hours
• Challenge stops: 12 official stations
• Start / Finish: FDR Memorial: U.S. Capitol / Pennsylvania Ave.

How it works

Scouts follow the route in the Baden Powell Hike Challenge guide, pausing at each of the 12 stations to answer history‑focused questions. Answers go on the separate Response Cards sheet; turn them in at the end to qualify for the HOST (The History of Scouting Trail) Historic‑Trail medal.

Bring one printed set per patrol, pens/pencils, and a clipboard for easy writing on the trail.

Official site: https://ncacscouting.org/activities/host-hikes/

Washington Monument

After completing the hike, we’ll regroup for our timed entry to the top of America’s tallest stone structure.

Quick facts

• Ticket time: 1:30 PM (arrive 15 min early for security)
• Height: 555 ft / 169 m
• Elevator ride: ~70 sec to the 500‑ft observation deck
• Visit length: ≈ 45 min–1 hr

What to expect
Scouts clear airport‑style screening, ride the elevator to the observation level, and enjoy 360° views of the Mall, Capitol, White House, and Potomac River. A lower museum level showcases the monument’s history and the 193 memorial stones set into its interior walls.

Tips
Bring your water bottle empty (fill stations inside), leave large packs in the vehicle, and have cameras ready — this is the postcard shot of the trip.

Livingston Loop

To push the day’s mileage past 10 miles for the Hiking Merit Badge, we will tack on a 3‑mile loop drawn from the Colin Livingstone Hike — a 5.9‑mile HOST trail that highlights DC’s civic landmarks.

Quick facts

• Adds: ≈ 3 miles (part of the full 5.9‑mile Colin Livingstone route)
• Extra stops: Supreme Court vista, Library of Congress, Sewall‑Belmont House
• Total for the day: 10 + miles (meets Hiking MB requirement)

We won’t be completing the entire Colin Livingstone Hike, so no medal this time, but the added section uses its Scout‑friendly waypoints to give us a deeper look at the Capitol Hill side of DC.

Official site: https://ncacscouting.org/activities/host-hikes/

Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival

The largest celebration of Japanese culture in the United States turns Pennsylvania Avenue into a vibrant corridor of food, music, and art.

Quick facts

• Hours: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
• Admission: $10 (two‑day wristbands purchased)
• Location: Pennsylvania Ave. NW between 3rd & 7th Streets
• Highlights: 30+ food vendors, three performance stages, anime & J‑pop zone, cultural demos, marketplace

How it works
Patrols enter as a group, then explore with a buddy. Scouts can sample takoyaki, watch kendo exhibitions, try calligraphy, and collect stamps on the festival map for a small prize.

Pro tips
Carry cash for quicker food lines, stay hydrated, and keep an eye on the time — meet‑up for the ride back to KOA.

Official site: https://sakuramatsuri.org/

Day 2, Sunday

After Saturday’s high‑energy hike and festival, Sunday is designed as a “lighter” day so everyone can recharge while still soaking up some world‑class sights. We’ll sleep in a bit, depart KOA around 9:15 AM, and head to the National Mall for a museum double‑header.

Our morning begins at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (11 AM entry). From the Wright Flyer to Apollo moon gear, Scouts can explore the milestones of flight and space exploration at their own pace.

Following lunch on the Mall, the troop will split:

• Option A: Dive into the National Museum of American History to see everything from the Star‑Spangled Banner to cutting‑edge tech exhibits.
• Option B: Return to the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival for more cultural performances and food stalls.

Those interested can cap the afternoon with an optional Ford’s Theatre visit around 4 PM (tickets permitting).

We’ll regroup at KOA for dinner, hot showers, and a relaxed campfire—swapping stories from a day that’s educational, low‑key, and a perfect breather before Monday’s Billy Goat Trail challenge.

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

This is the most‑visited museum on the Mall—and our first stop on Sunday. Timed entry is set for 11 AM, giving us front‑row access to the Wright Flyer, Apollo 11 command module Columbia, and eight brand‑new galleries that trace the story of flight and space exploration.

Quick facts

• Location: 600 Independence Ave SW (between 4th & 7th Streets)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, daily except Dec 25
• Admission: Free, but timed‑entry passes are required (hourly slots 10 AM – 4 PM)
• Visit length: ≈ 2 hrs (self‑guided)

What to expect
Airport‑style screening, a 70‑second elevator ride to the mezzanine overlook, hands‑on STEM stations, and plenty of “wow” moments—perfect for Aviation, Space Exploration, or STEM Nova requirements.

Tips
Arrive 15 min early, travel light (large backpacks must be checked), refill water bottles inside, and hit the gift shop on the way out—patches and mission pins go fast.

Official site: https://airandspace.si.edu/visit/museum-dc

National Museum of American History

After lunch, Scouts can head here for a deep dive into the nation’s past—from the Star‑Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry to the first ladies’ gowns and vintage transportation exhibits. Admission is free and no tickets are needed, so patrols can pop in and explore at their own pace.

Quick facts

• Location: 1300 Constitution Ave NW (between 12th & 14th Streets)
• Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM, daily except Dec 25
• Admission: Free, open entry (no timed passes)
• Visit length: 1–2 hrs, depending on exhibit interest

Highlights

• Star‑Spangled Banner (flag that inspired the national anthem)
• Transportation Hall—locomotives, autos, and Route 66 neon
• Invention & Innovation galleries—telegraph to smartphones
• “America on the Move”—full‑size 1926 Southern Railway locomotive

Tips
Grab a map at the entrance (three full floors), use the lockers for daypacks, and don’t miss the lower‑level cafeteria if you need a snack break.

Official site: https://americanhistory.si.edu/visit

Day 3, Monday

Monday puts the “adventure” back in our schedule with a morning on the rugged Billy Goat Trail followed by an afternoon of reflection at Arlington National Cemetery. We’ll leave KOA right after breakfast and reach Great Falls in time to hit Sections A and B of the trail. The loop is just under five miles, but its rock scrambles, narrow ledges, and sweeping Potomac River views make it one of the most challenging—and rewarding—hikes in the Mid‑Atlantic. Scouts will test their balance, teamwork, and Leave No Trace skills while logging miles toward the Hiking MB or personal fitness goals.

After a trail‑lunch and quick cool‑down, we’ll drive into Virginia to spend the afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery. Highlights include the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the eternal flame at President Kennedy’s gravesite, and panoramic views from Arlington House. This visit offers a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice, giving Scouts a chance to reflect on the day’s theme of challenge and commitment.

If time and energy allow, we may cap the day with a brief stop at the free‑admission Smithsonian National Zoo before heading back to KOA. We’ll finish the evening with dinner, hot showers, and a relaxed campfire—sharing highs, lows, and lessons from a day that blends physical adventure with meaningful history.

Billy Goat Trail (Custom Route)

Just a short drive from KOA, the Billy Goat Trail is the D.C. area’s signature rock scramble, with steep ledges, hand‑over‑hand climbs, and sweeping views of Mather Gorge. For our visit, we’ve designed a custom 8‑mile route that takes you through Section A, the accessible parts of Section B (According to the official source, Section B will be closed during our visit), and a detour on the return, while skipping Section C.

Quick facts

• Total Route Distance: ≈ 8 miles
• Route Details: Starts in Section A, moves into the accessible portion of Section B + towpath detour and then return back. 
• Difficulty: Challenging; expect rock scrambles and narrow ledges
• Trailhead: Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD
• Estimated Time on Trail: 4–5 hours, including photo stops and a trail‑lunch

What to Expect
We’ll scramble up 50‑ft cliffs, hop boulders along the Potomac, and enjoy panoramic views of Mather Gorge. Our custom route provides an extended hike that combines the rigor of Section A with a smoother, scenic detour, offering a well‐balanced challenge.

Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, pack at least 2 L of water, and stay close to your buddy at all times. Also, plan for a relaxed trail‑lunch break to fully appreciate the views.

Official site: https://www.nps.gov/places/billy-goat-trail-section-a-trailhead.htm

Useful information:

• https://www.hikingupward.com/omh/billygoattrail/
• https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/billy-goat-trail-a/
• https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/billy-goat-trail-b/
• https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/billy-goat-trail-c/

Arlington National Cemetery

After the hike we’ll shift gears for an afternoon of reflection at America’s most hallowed ground.

Quick facts

• Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
• Key sites: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Changing of the Guard every 30 min), JFK Eternal Flame, Arlington House overlook
• Tour option: Narrated tram loop, 45 min, $15–20

What to expect
A solemn walk through marble headstones, quiet time at the Tomb, and panoramic views of Washington from the hilltop mansion once owned by the Lee family.

Tips
Pack light—security screening at the Welcome Center. Speak softly, remove hats during ceremonies, and encourage Scouts to note one meaningful observation for the evening campfire.

Official site: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/visit
Useful information: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/arlington-cemetery-self-guided-walking-tour/

Arlington National Cemetery (Custom Route)

Below is a half‑day walking loop (≈ 3 mi, 2 ½–3 h including stops) that starts and ends at the Arlington National Cemetery Welcome Center / Parking Garage. It strings together the cemetery’s most iconic, photograph‑ready sites while following the normal one‑way pedestrian flow and respecting all restricted areas.

Gear & conduct checklist for Scouts

• Full field uniform
• Water bottle, hat, sunblock – there is little shade on the hills
• No food, no loud voices, remove hats at gravesites, walk, and never run

Turn‑by‑turn route

Smithsonian National Zoo

If time and energy allow on the way back to camp, we’ll swing by the free‑admission National Zoo—now home to two brand‑new giant pandas, Bao Li and Qing Bao.

Quick facts

• Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM (last entry 5 PM)
• Admission: Free, but entry passes must be reserved in advance
• Highlights: Asia Trail (pandas!), Elephant Trails, Amazonia, daily keeper talks

What to expect
Self‑guided wandering through 160 acres of exhibits; plenty of shade and snack kiosks for a late‑afternoon recharge.

Tips
Reserve passes the night before, bring a refillable bottle (water stations throughout), and set a firm meet‑up time so we can get back to KOA for dinner and campfire.

Official site: https://nationalzoo.si.edu/visit

Day 4, Tuesday

Our final day is dedicated to breaking camp, and go north to Baltimore for a full dose of star‑spangled history and classic ballpark energy. We’ll break camp early, leave KOA around 8:15 AM, and roll into Fort McHenry by 9 AM—the birthplace of “The Star‑Spangled Banner.” Scouts will walk the ramparts, join the flag‑raising ceremony, and follow the Star‑Spangled Tour to see where the War of 1812 defense inspired our national anthem.

After lunch on the Inner Harbor, the afternoon is a choose‑your‑own‑history adventure. Patrols can explore the Historic Ships fleet, dive into railroading lore at the B&O Railroad Museum, trace civil‑rights footsteps on the Frederick Douglass Walk, or channel their inner sleuth at the Edgar Allan Poe House. Each stop offers a different angle on American heritage—and a chance to knock out merit‑badge requirements in American Heritage, Railroading, or Citizenship.

We’ll cap the day with America’s pastime: Orioles vs. Guardians at Camden Yards (7:00 PM first pitch, tickets in hand). After nine innings of big‑league action, we’ll head back to OLA to arrive around 11:59 PM. 

At OLA we will unload gear, do a final head‑count, and send everyone home for a well‑earned rest, closing the book on Troop 23’s 2025 DC & Baltimore adventure.

Orioles vs. Guardians at Camden Yards

Baseball under the lights at one of MLB’s most iconic ballparks is the perfect capstone to our Baltimore day.

Quick facts

• Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
• First pitch: 7:05 PM ET
• Ballpark: Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W Camden St, Baltimore MD 21201
• Opponent: Cleveland Guardians
• Group tickets: Already purchased—sit together in the upper deck (great skyline view).
• Game length: ≈ 3 hrs; expect return to KOA around 10:30 PM.

What to expect
A classic brick‑and‑steel stadium, retro charm, and plenty of crowd energy. Scouts can hunt for ballpark snacks (don’t miss the Boog’s BBQ stand), snap photos of the B&O Warehouse backdrop, and keep score for the Sports merit badge.

Tips

• Bag policy: Only clear bags (12″ × 6″ × 12″) or small clutches allowed—leave big daypacks in the car.
• Bring a refillable water bottle (empty on entry), a hat, and maybe a glove for foul balls.
• Cashless concessions — have a card or mobile pay ready.

Official Orioles info & ticket FAQ: https://www.mlb.com/orioles/ballpark