SUNBURY — SUNBURY — About 25 members of Turbotville Boy Scout Troop 622 hiked for nine hours Saturday to commemorate a trek taken by settlers following the 1779 Battle of Fort Freeland.
Though wet and tired as they neared the end of the 20-mile hike from Fort Freeland near McEwensville to Fort Augusta in Sunbury, several troop members said the trip brought history alive for them.
“I loved it,” said Luke Truckenmiller, 16, of Watsontown, who donned a colonial costume.
The idea for the hike came from Randy Watts, a member of the Warrior Run-Fort Freeland Heritage Society and descendent of James Watts, one of the first to be killed during the battle 230 years ago.
“My vision was to try and talk a group into hiking the same trail of the women and children” who fled to Fort Augusta during the battle.
Troop leader Albert Mabus said the hike fit in well with the troop’s recent history education, including a visit earlier this year to Valley Forge to learn about the Revolutionary War.
After a night of camping out at the Fort Freeland site, troop members set out at about 7:30 a.m. Saturday for the nine hour hike that took them past local landmarks, including Fort Boone in Milton.
“After this, I think they understand a whole lot better,” Mabus said.
For 11-year-old David Lugo, of Watsontown, the hike was an enjoyable way to get outside and exercise.
Marathon runner Kevin Kilgus, of Turbotville, decided to join his son, troop member Ryan, 13, who at first scoffed at a 20-mile hike.
“I wanted to be a part of it,” the elder Kilgus said, as his son rested nearby. “It’s an inspiration for kids and a wonderful way to bring history to life.”
It’s also a nice way for the troop to prepare for Heritage Days, which will be held in Watsontown Oct. 2 and 3, Mabus said.
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Boy Scouts hit the road in Northumberland County
Troop hikes 20 miles between historic forts
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