Big battles may be fought with APCs and battleships, but when small West Virginia town goes back through time and space to land in Thuringia, Germany in 1631, there are bigger battles to fight. Ones the military might struggle with. The kind meant for octogenarians, parents, and teens. Whether their goal is preserving the past, ensuring the future, or making the world a better place, these volunteers aren't going to accept "it can't be done" as the answer.

Some of their goals may sound simple — teaching hand washing for Pete's sake! — but the missions of the Red Cross and Scouts have never been more important, and their tools more in need of evolving, to win the hearts and minds of the new world that surrounds them than in the 1630s.

No matter what the tool or the fight, Grantvillers are ready for battle and the world better "Be Prepared" for Stayin' Alive West Virginia style!

Published: 1/6/2026