East Coast Adventure Tour Summer 2002 . . $300.00 Our exploration of the northwest was one of the most exciting activities of 2002. Our Scouts wanted to visit New York City, since this was the summer after the 911 attack, we wanted to support the city. Troop 33 experienced this adventure tour that included touring historic sites in great cities, ocean beaches, whale watching, and a mountain climb.     We began by touring the great city of Philadelphia. Our first activity was to visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and explore the Old Courthouse to learn about the history of the early United States. Our next stop was the Boardwalk of Atlantic City, New Jersey where we enjoyed dinner.         We enjoyed the hospitality of the Joseph Citta Scout Reservation. We shared a campsite with a troop from New Jersey and enjoyed a great breakfast at their dining hall. Another great place we explored was the Barnegut Lighthouse, with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean and the New Jersey Coast. We spent much of the day at the Atlantic Beach at Shipbottom, New Jersey. For a group of boys from Illinois, it is a real treat to play in the surf of the ocean. We enjoyed a great picnic lunch on the beach. We enjoyed another great summer camp at Camp Pouch on Staten Island. It was such a great base for exploring Manhatten, because we could park and take the FREE Staten Island Ferry to Battery Park each day.       We began and ended each day by passing the Statue of Liberty.       Our New York tour included visiting the Empire State Building, Broadway, Intrepid Museum, and enjoyed a concert by the New York Philharmonic in Central Park. We also visited the 911 Ground Zero site, and visited with Fire Captain xxxx and his rescue dog xxxx. We later visited Engine Company xxxx, one of the first respondents to the 911 attack. Hearing first hand accounts from those who were there was a lesson in living history.       Another highlight of the trip was visiting Gloucester, Massachusetts where we explored the tidal basin, enjoyed fantastic pizza, and the highlight experience of whale watching along the Stellwagon National Marine Sanctuary. We saw finback whales and sei whales during our whale watching adventure. Camping at Monadnock State Park, we visited with Troop 33 of Jaffrey, New Hampshire. The next day we climbed Mount Monadnock, one of the world's most climbed mountains. The views of the surrounding area were fantastic.         Our final stop before heading back to DeKalb, was at Niagara Falls in upstate New York. It was a great way to end a great trip. Troop 33's East Coast Adventure tour will always be remembered for fun, adventure, and excitement, as well as history. Our boys returned with newfound knowledge, and a greater sense of history. It was a memorable experience. E-Mail Cliff Golden [email protected]