Troop 1's first Scoutmaster William 'Green Bar Bill' Hillcourt (L) and Lord Robert Baden-Powell (R), at Hillcourt Cottage, Schiff Scout Reservation, on July 15, 1935

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Welcome to Troop 1 Mendham’s website. This is a great location to learn about the history and exciting programs of Troop 1!

Troop 1 Introduction:
Troop 1 was founded by William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt in 1935. He was asked by Boy Scout's of America founder James West to develop a new way of Scouting. His idea was simple: to teach boys to run their own organization. Green Bar Bill's ideas are the foundation upon which Scouting in America is built today, and it all started right here in Mendham, NJ with Troop 1!

Troop 1 is committed to staying true to the boy-led concept, and offers growth opportunities unlike any other Mendham-area youth organization. Led by the Patrol Leader’s Council, a group of Scouts elected by the troop, these boys make virtually all decisions about how the troop is run and what trips to take. There is no other organization that teaches such practical application of leadership skills, and we find that Scouts can do extraordinary things when given the opportunity.

The trips selected by the boys are something special. Troop 1 has:

• Hiked the Appalachian Trail from Connecticut to Pennsylvania on annual spring and fall backpacking trips.
• Toured the US Naval Academy in Annapolis and camped nearby on Wye Island
• Canoed the Delaware River and camped overnight on a nearby island
• Toured Gettysburg with a guide marching the troop through the battles from Seminary Hill to the Devil’s Den, and a reenactment of Pickett’s Charge.
• Witnessed Black Hawk Helicopter demonstrations at the NJ State Police Camporee
• Skied Elk Mountain in Pennsylvania on an annual basis
• ​Camped annually each summer in the Adirondacks (Sabattis Adventure Camp)
• Experienced deep sea fishing trip on its annual trip
• Learned gun safety on an annual shooting trip and tested their ability at rifle marksmanship and shotgun clay pigeon shooting.

Each summer the troop offers a high adventure trip for boys who are ready for a bigger challenge. Troop 1 has:

• Lived for a week on sailing vessels in the Florida Keys (Sea Base High Adventure)
• Backpacked across the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico (Philmont High Adventure)
• Hiked the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire
• Strapped on crampons to hike across ice fields in Iceland
• Trekked across the Swiss Alps from Mount Blanc to the Matterhorn

Emphasizing personal responsibility produces results today, just as it did in Bill Hillcourt’s time. 118 scouts have earned the prestigious Eagle Rank since our founding, completing service projects for our community. We have witnessed the skills and confidence gained in Scouting have an equally impressive impact in school, on the playing field and in the community.

Troop 1 offers boys the chance to build positive character traits, develop strong leadership skills and create friendships that will last a lifetime. If you would like to join or find out more, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions and invite you to our next troop meeting.