The Young Friends

About Us

“Get Down — Get Dirty — Get Active!”

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 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

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.

It’s simple.

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!

The Young Friends meet monthly and welcome your involvement. Click here to review benefits and join online.

Young Friends Activities — 2012 Winter/Spring

Volunteers are needed for the following activities. For more information on the group and how to get involved, email us.

Martin Luther King Day of Service — January 16, 2012

A hands-on day of Park projects to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Work projects begin at 9 am and conclude at 1 pm with light refreshments provided.

Washington Birthday Celebration — February 20, 2010

One of the largest Park events of the year featuring children’s marching and drilling program, hands-on activities plus opportunities to meet and speak with George Washington himself and of course, free birthday cake! Young Friends assist with tri-corner hat-making, creating birthday cards for the General or facilitating other children’s activities during the event.

7th Annual Revolutionary Run — 1.776 km Patriotic Fun Run
April 22, 2012

Help organize the area’s most unique fun run for youth ages 6-12 (and Continental Soldiers!). The Youth Run is a part of the Annual Revolutionary Run — a five mile race with proceeds benefitting the Park. Young Friends and volunteers manage the race course, hand out prizes and certificates, and assist with pre and post-race activities.

2011 Accomplishments

Each year, we participate in 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 $1,500 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.
• Provide a Young Friends voice and leadership as a member of the Board of Directors for The Friends of Valley Forge Park.

Social Events

• Happy hours at historic taverns and pubs, including our annual holiday mixer — past locations have included the General Lafayette Inn and the Pickering Creek Inn.