The Young Friends

About Us

The Young Friends of Valley Forge Park is a hands-on group of young professionals, ages 21–40, committed to promoting the well-being of Valley Forge National Historical Park. We conduct a number of social events, educational programs, conservation efforts and fundraisers throughout the year. Our goal is to create new and inspiring ways to discover the history and beauty of our Park.

Our Mission

Besides creating a fun environment to socialize with like-minded people, the Young Friends think that it is important to keep Valley Forge National Historical Park beautiful for ourselves and our community. We work to help others enjoy the Park and show the many ways that our public lands and its rich history can inform and inspire our daily lives.

Get Active

For only $20 a year, you can “get active” as a Young Friend and support the Park. As a member, you’ll be enrolled in our Get Active program. Each time you attend a Young Friends gathering or volunteer day, you’ll earn points towards special incentives and Valley Forge gear. The more you participate, the greater the rewards!

Get Involved

Show your local, state and national representatives how important the Park is to you and our community. Get involved in the Young Friends and help make a difference in the ways that visitors enjoy, preserve and protect Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Join Us! Click here to review benefits and join online.

The Young Friends meet monthly and welcome your involvement.

Give Back

Most importantly, your time and effort make a difference in helping the Young Friends to create new and inspiring ways to discover the history and beauty of Valley Forge National Historical Park. Volunteers are needed for the following activities. For more information on the group and how to get involved, email us.

Young Friends Activities — Summer 2013

National Trails Day ® Saturday, June 1 8 am – 1 pm Betzwood Park This annual event is a long-standing celebration of America’s magnificent trail systems and its countless supporters and volunteers. Individuals and groups are needed to assist with trail maintenance projects, remove invasive plants along the trail corridor and clean up litter along park trails.

Picnic in the Park Thursday, July 4th 10 am – 3 pm VFNHP Front Lawn Volunteers are needed to assist at this day of family fun, food and history designed to celebrate our nation’s independence at the Park. Help is needed with grilling burgers and dogs, handing out drinks, etc. Two hour shifts are available starting at 10 am. It&rsqho;s a really fun day so bring your friends and family to volunteer plus enjoy the day’s activities.

National Public Lands Day Saturday, September 28 8:30 am – 2 pm VFNHP Lower Parking Lot Join park staff, partners, and your neighbors on this day set aside each year to educate and engage the public in caring for their beloved public lands. Lend a hand on a wide variety of projects for all ages. Young Friends Fundraising BBQ noon – 2 pm 2-hour shifts available As our largest fundraiser, we need your help in preparing a BBQ lunch for the 200 attendees to National Public Lands Day! Arrive early to assist with event set up. Assist in organizing attendees and collecting donations. Distribute food and beverages or lend a hand at the grill.

Young Friends Accomplishments

Each year, we participate in the Martin Luther King Day of Service, National Trails Day, and National Public Lands Day, in January, June and September respectively. Throughout the year, we also get together for seasonal social events, happy hours and monthly meetings to discuss upcoming projects and ideas for the Young Friends and the Park.

Service

• Restoration projects on Martin Luther King Day of Service, National Public Lands Day and National Trails Day
• National Public Lands Day Fundraising BBQ – Held in conjunction with the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to enhance public lands. To date, we have raised over $2,000 for the Park while making friends and getting to know visitors.

Leadership

• Manage the Youth Fun Run from conception to race day, for approximately 70 youth participants in the Annual Revolutionary Run.
• Participate in “First Fridays” in Phoenixville and the Upper Merion Farmers Market to inform local audience about Park activities, make new friends and enroll new members.