NPS Graphic / Gregory Purifoy Life in the CampThe Continental Army camped at Valley Forge for 6 months, from December 1777 to June 1778. The army was made up of thousands of soldiers, including African Americans and Indigenous Peoples, and the large muddy campground was also home to many soldiers' wives and children. In the springtime the soldiers began their training for the next year of the war and learned new drills that would help them work better together. 
Activity 1 – Sentry Duty at Valley ForgeA revolution does not always involve fighting. Sometimes, the hardest part about a war is what happens in between the battles. In this activity, you are a soldier on sentry duty. As a sentry, you stand guard and control access to the Continental Army’s winter encampment at Valley Forge. You will meet lots of different people who want to enter. Some are part of the army. Others are civilians who do not serve in the army, but they often help in other ways. Yet, not everyone is as they seem. Some people might be working for the British as a spy! Will you keep the Continental Army safe? Or will you suspect the wrong person and accidentally keep the army from getting the help it needs? How well will you perform your duty when you are cold, tired, and hungry? Receive Your OrdersActivity 2 – Practice Your DrillsLearn some of the drills performed by soldiers at Valley Forge. Soldiers practiced these drills together in order to improve their discipline and teamwork. Will they do the same for you? InstructionsFirst, learn six basic commands by studying the animations below. Then stand up, give yourself plenty of room, and practice each movement. When you're ready, play the video at the end of the actvity and follow along with the soldier. Watch all the way to the end – the soldier will demonstrate a musket firing drill! 
NPS GIF 1. Attention!At this word you must be silent and stand firm and steady, moving neither hand nor foot (except as ordered). Listen carefully to the words of command. 
NPS GIF 2. Shoulder Firelock!Use your imagination or ask to borrow a broom that can stand in for a musket. Make sure you have plenty of room around you and be careful not to hit anything!
NPS GIF 3. To the Right - Face!Lift your toes and turn to the right on your heels, then bring your feet together. 
NPS GIF 4. To the Left - Face!Lift your toes and turn to the left on your heels, then bring your feet together. 
NPS GIF 5. To the Front - March!Step first with your left foot and walk forward with a natural step. 
NPS GIF 6. Halt!When you hear the command, lower your raised foot and bring your feet together.
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Follow along with the commands, then watch the musket-firing demonstration. Next Page →Finished with these activities? Click below to proceed to the next page! Part Three - Keeping History Alive|← Back to BeginningClick below to go back to the Virtual Junior Ranger program welcome page and Table of Contents. Welcome to the Valley Forge Virtual Junior Ranger Program |
Last updated: December 16, 2022