A local group of scouts recently had the chance to enjoy some “big city life” as Troop 92 of Bellwood visited Philadelphia in its annual Urban Adventure.
“It’s just a chance to get some of the kids out to see what it’s like in a big city,” said Scoutmaster Patrick Flynn. “We really live in an isolated area and many of the boys don’t understand a lot about diversity. Little adventures like this are really good for the kids to get out and see what else is there.”
Flynn, who once lived in Philadelphia with his wife Joan, said when on the Urban Adventures, the scouts try to see as much of the city as they can, most notably all the historic sites.
Previous trips included Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and New York City.
“Every year, we all sit down and discuss different cities within driving distance, then decide which we would like to visit,” said Flynn. “Then come the weekend before Presidents’ Day, we’re on our way.”
Ideas tossed around this year included a return trip to New York City, Philadelphia and, Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa.
“That was an idea, but at about $5,000 per scout, it just didn’t fit into our budget,” joked Flynn.
This year, the scouts were blessed with having family in the area. They made a homebase at Grace Cook’s home, which happens to be Joan’s mother.
Traveling by bus and elevated train, the scouts entered the city on two separate days, and while there, visited The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Ben Franklin Institute, The Liberty Bell and the new Constitution Center.
“Amazingly, I think the thing they liked best was the elevated train ride,” said Flynn. “They thought that was the best thing in the world.”
Perhaps a close second to the train ride was the food. Flynn said the scouts ate “real Philly cheesesteaks” and bought soft pretzels from street vendors.
“We really had a great time and I think everyone learned a little something,” said Flynn. “That’s what we wanted to do. They’re already thinking about where to go next year.”
In all, 11 scouts attended the 2004 Urban Adventure, accompanied by seven adults.
