Troop 1 - Mendham, New Jersey
Troop 1 Mendham
 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
Congratulations to the Iceland Crew!
 | 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 was founded by William “Green Bar Bill” Hillcourt in 1935. He was asked by Boy Scouts of America’s founder James West to develop a new way of Scouting in America. Green Bar Bill’s idea was simple. He wanted to teach boys to run their own organization. His ideas are the foundation upon which Scouting in America is built today and it all started right here in Mendham, New Jersey with Troop 1! Troop 1 is committed to staying true to Green Bar Bill’s concept. Troop 1 is the elite youth organization in Mendham offering growth opportunities unlike any others available to boys. The troop is led by the Patrol Leader’s Council, a group of Scouts elected by the boys of the troop. These boys make virtually all decisions about how the troop is run, including what trips the troop will take. There is no other organization that teaches boys such practical application of leadership skills. At Troop 1 we find that Scouts can do extraordinary things when given that opportunity. The trips and events selected by the boys of Troop 1 are something special as well. Troop 1 has hiked the Appalachian Trail from Connecticut to Pennsylvania during its spring and fall backpacking trips. We have canoed the Delaware River, stopping to camp overnight on an island and then canoeing out the next day. We’ve toured Gettysburg with a re-enactor guide marching the troop through the battles from Seminary Hill to the Devil’s Den and ending with a breathless run recreating Pickett’s Charge. We’ve marched with George Washington during Revolutionary War encampments and toured West Point and Annapolis. Our annual deep sea fishing trip is always fun, while our shooting trip gives scouts the chance to test their ability at both rifle marksmanship and shotgun clay pigeon shooting. Troop 1 Scouts can choose to pursue high adventure as well. Each summer Troop 1 offers a high adventure trip for boys who are ready for a bigger challenge. We have hiked the Presidential Range of the White Mountains of New Hampshire, rafted the whitewater rapids of the Hudson River headwaters, explored the Sangre de Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains in New Mexico, strapped on crampons to hike across ice fields in Iceland, and even trekked across the Swiss Alps from Mount Blanc to the Matterhorn! Troop 1 offers boys the chance to build positive character traits, strong leadership skills, and close friendships that will last a lifetime. If you would like to find out more, please click the “contact us” link or stop by at a Troop meeting. We would be happy to answer any questions you have. |
