Boy scout troop 1

PARK RIDGE, Illinois

The troops’ first summer camp, 1912

TROOP HISTORY

Troop 1 has been in existence since Scouting in the United States was in its infancy. As the oldest continuously chartered troop in the country, we are very proud of our history.

Our first Scoutmaster, Mr. Charles Morrison Dickenson began work with Scouting in 1910 answering a request by the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge. The program began in 1911, and was officially chartered as Troop 1 on June 22, 1912. Mr. Dickenson’s commitment to the youth of Park Ridge set in motion what has become a long standing source of pride for our community.

Pictured to the right is Troop 1 at Camp Whitehall, Michigan in 1912. Troop 1 and the First Methodist Church of Park Ridge, Illinois were instrumental in raising funds to start the camp. This first summer camp was a real treat for the Scouts; even getting there was an adventure. The troop took the Chicago and Northwestern steam train from Park Ridge to downtown Chicago. Then, the Scouts boarded a ferry to cross Lake Michigan to their destination in Whitehall. Upon arrival, the boys were praised for their contribution to the startup of Camp Whitehall. Camp Whitehall is now known as Owasippe and is used by the Chicago Area Council.

Mr. Dickenson set a standard of excellence as Scoutmaster that the 43 men who have followed in that position have most willingly achieved. Supported by countless Assistant Scoutmasters, parents and, most importantly, the boys, the Troop 1 Scoutmasters continue a rich tradition of excellence in scouting.