Forest Park Cub Scout Pack 109 took part in the Abraham Lincoln Pilgrimage to Springfield this past weekend honoring our 16th president. This year’s pilgrimage commemorated the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s death, which occurred just five days after the end of the Civil War.
Pack 109 camped in New Salem, a reconstructed village where Lincoln lived and worked prior to becoming president. Scouts participated in a scavenger hunt, explored the commercial village and learned from interpreters about frontier life in the 1830s.
They also participated in the Pioneer Challenge on the Illinois State Fair Grounds in Springfield. They enjoyed 19th century children’s games, including archery, obstacle courses, tug-o-wars, 3-legged races, hoop rolls, sling shots, BB gun-shooting and fishing.
On the final day of the trip, they joined thousands of other scouts in visiting Lincoln’s Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Scouts were encouraged to dedicate themselves to the principles and virtues held by President Abraham Lincoln.
— Jill Wagner
