Ranger-led Programs

Valley Forge National Historical Park offers a variety of ranger-led educational programs, both free and fee-based. Programs are designed for grades third through eighth, but may be adapted for the upper grades. All programs have been designed to link classroom learning with experiences in the park. Check out our curriculum materials page for unique in-class ideas.

Programs are available weekdays from October through May.  Please fill out our reservation sheet*and submit it at least one month in advance of your request date.

*To send in your reservation sheet please do the following: download the MS Word file and enter your information. Save the file on your computer and attach the file in an email back to VAFO_education@nps.gov or fax it to 610-783-1038.

Riding Through History
This 2- hour program is designed to give students a hands-on history lesson by getting them out into the park to see for themselves what the winter encampment was like for General Washington and the soldiers of the Continental Army. Park rangers get on your bus and take you on a guided tour of Valley Forge, featuring stops at Washington's Headquarters, the Commander-In-Cheif's guard huts and the Grand Parade ground.

This program is offered Monday-Friday mornings; tours begin at 10:00 a.m.
(fee charged maximum of $150/group per day, maximum 2 buses)

Soldier Life
This one and-a-half hour program gives the students the opportunity to learn about what life was like for the average soldier at Valley Forge. Through hands-on activities, students discover who the men and women of the Continental Army were, and why they joined the army. This program also emphasizes the accomplishments of the army at Valley Forge; accomplishments which enabled them to eventually win our independence.

Program is offered Monday-Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m.This program is outdoors so please dress accordingly! A minimum of 15 students is required to make a reservation: maximum of 45 students. (no fee)

Home School Day
Do you have home school students who would like to have a unique education experience while visiting Valley Forge? Participate in a special program featuring costumed interpreters and park rangers that bring the past to life through hands-on activities.

Home School Days take place on October 22, 2009 and May 13, 2010 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. (reservations required; no fee charged)

Rangers on the Road
Bring Valley Forge to your group/school (max 30 mile radius of the Park). Park rangers are available to visit your group and present a one hour program about Valley Forge. Topics available include Soldier Life, George Washington as a Leader, the Philadelphia Military Campaign of 1777 and Stories in the Rocks- the geology of the park.

Please call the reservation number for further information. (fee charged; $60.00-$80.00 per program, depending on time and distance traveled)