Gettysburg Heritage Trails Program – Expectations of Scouts

As units visit the Park and National Cemetery, participants will notice numerous cannons and monuments. These cannons and monuments were placed here by battle veterans, family members and the grateful citizens of this country to mark positions and honor the great sacrifices made here. They are irreplaceable historic objects that we are all entrusted to care for.

PLEASE HELP PRESERVE THESE CANNON AND MONUMENTS. DO NOT STAND, CLIMB OR HANG ON THEM OR THE GRAVESTONES. RESPECT THEM.

Scout leaders, we ask you to please closely supervise your Scouts. Running and climbing youngsters frequently fall and injure themselves.

Remembering to Show Respect for Historic Resources

Scouting units in the New Birth of Freedom Council are fortunate to live nearby to the Gettysburg National Military Park and its surrounding attractions, where many important lessons about our country’s history can be learned by today’s Scouts. Judging by the number of patches, trail guides, and trail medals purchased through our office, interest and participation in the Gettysburg Historic Trails program continues to be very high. Scouting groups from throughout the United States travel to Gettysburg to participate in the Historic Trails program.

It is important for Scout leaders to stress the importance of courtesy and respectful behavior by their Scouts in touring on these trails and in the Gettysburg area. The preservation of historic objects and places along the trails is a responsibility shared by all who visit these areas and Scouting groups need to set an example for others with their conduct.

While many Scouting groups conduct themselves with great courtesy and respect when visiting the historic sites in the area, the council has unfortunately recently received complaints from individuals and groups in the Gettysburg area that Scouting groups are not conducting themselves properly while touring in the area. Scout leaders should discuss with their Scouts the historic significance of the events that occurred in Gettysburg and how Scouts should conduct themselves at all times. This is of special importance when touring cemetery areas. Scouts should not stand, climb, hang on or otherwise deface historic objects and gravestones.

In keeping with Scouting’s finest traditions, Scouts should be instructed by their leaders to not be running in these historic areas, avoid yelling and screaming and any other behaviors that would not reflect positively on the Scouting movement. By following Scouting’s principles of courtesy and respect, our Scouts will set a fine example for others while learning about our nation’s historic events that took place in Gettysburg.

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