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U.S. Capitol Tour & Camping Trip


U.S. Capitol Tour & Camping Trip

Purpose & Objectives

This trip is an exciting opportunity to explore our nation’s capitol and also check off some requirements for the Citizenship in the Nation merit badge.

Advancement Opportunities

  • Two nights of camping

  • Requirements toward Cit. in the Nation merit badge

Who Can Participate

All Troop 29 scouts and adults registered with the troop are welcome to join this exciting trip!

Camping Location

We will be car camping at Greenbelt Park Campground and ride the metro into the city on Saturday. The campground is a 3hr 45min drive from Lynchburg. Water and showers are available, but we will need to supply our own firewood.

Planned Activities

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

How Much It Costs

  • Scouts and adults: Bring around $60/person food money for lunch Saturday, dinner Saturday, and lunch Sunday

  • Troop is covering cost of campground reservations

Transportation

  • Depart: Friday, November 13th at 4pm from Food Lion

  • Return: Sunday, November 15th at 2pm to Food Lion

  • Drive Time: 3 hrs 45 min from Lynchburg

  • Drivers: We currently have 4 adults signed up with 15 scouts going, so we may need one additional driver.

Metro Ticket Purchasing

We’ll ride Metrorail from Greenbelt to L’Enfant Plaza and back. Parents, you will need to make sure your scout has their own way to pay. Options below:

Option 1: Contactless debit or credit card (easiest)
Send your scout with a tappable debit or credit card, or a phone with a card in its wallet, and they tap it at the faregate. No sign-up or SmarTrip card is needed. Must have one card per scout, since one card can’t pay for two people. Details: Metro’s new rider guide

Option 2: SmarTrip card on a phone
Add a SmarTrip card to the Apple or Google Wallet on your scout’s phone, or use the SmarTrip app (search “SmarTrip” in your app store). Info: smartrip.com. Load $10 to be safe.

Backup: Buy a SmarTrip card at the station
If neither option works for you, your scout should be able to buy a SmarTrip card from a fare machine at Greenbelt station. Send an extra $10 in small bills ($1s and $5s) or a card. The machines give only limited change, and a new card costs a few dollars on top of the fare.

Packing Information

  • Camping Style: Car camping

  • Scout Meals:

    • Friday dinner: Bring a sandwich to eat on the drive

    • Saturday breakfast: Cereal, bars, fruit provided

    • Saturday lunch: Bring money to purchase lunch

    • Saturday dinner: Bring money to purchase dinner

    • Sunday breakfast: Cereal, bars, fruit provided

    • Sunday lunch: Bring money to purchase lunch

  • Adult Meals:

    • Same as scout meals

  • Tents:

    • Bring your tent as we will be tent camping

  • Trailer:

    • The trailer will not be coming with us, so get any cooking gear you need out of the trailer ahead of time. Mr. Manley will bring a propane stove that can be used to cook on.

  • Water:

    • Water is available at the campground

  • Weather:

    • Expect cold weather and prepare in case of rain. Sunscreen will be important as we will be outdoors for much of Saturday. Check the weather forecast prior to departure and pack accordingly.

  • Safety:

    • Buddy system - We will be doing a lot of group travel in public places, so it will be important to follow the buddy system.

    • Cold weather - Make sure to bring warm layers, hat, gloves, and a warm sleeping bag.

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