Boy Scouts From Mendham Set Sail On Key West Adventure

MENDHAM, NJ — Boy Scouts from Mendham's Troop 1 recently returned from a seven-day trip to the Florida Keys.

From Aug. 2 to 9, the group of 14 Scouts and three group leaders attended the Sea Base High Adventure Camp in Key West.

Troop members "honed their scouting skills" by snorkeling, sailing on the Tall Ship Schooner Jolly II River, visiting the Turtle Hospital and touring Key West.

During the trip, each scout also received their snorkeling patch, officials said.

"Mendham’s Troop 1 prides itself on offering an annual High Adventure trip for Scouts who want to challenge themselves and gain unique skills. It's truly an experience of a lifetime,” said Benjie Lanier, Mendham’s Troop 1 Scoutmaster.

Troop 1 was founded in 1935 by William "Green Bar Bill" Hillcourt after James West, the founder of the Boy Scouts of America, asked him to develop a new scouting method.

Troop 1 is dedicated to the boy-led concept and provides growth opportunities unmatched by any other Mendham-area youth organization, according to officials. These boys, led by the Patrol Leader's Council, a group of Scouts elected by the troop, make almost all the decisions about how the troop is run and which trips to take.

Previous trips have taken place in the Rocky Mountains, the White Mountains, and the Swiss Alps. Lanier, who was recently appointed Scoutmaster, says he feels honored to be a part of a troop that goes above and beyond for its community.

"This summer’s trip to the Sea Base High Adventure Camp gave me the chance to witness firsthand the impact of the work these boys are doing, and it is truly inspiring and extremely rewarding. I look forward to guiding the Scouts the remainder of the year into 2023,” Lanier said.

Mendham's Troop 1 provides boys with the opportunity to develop positive character traits, strong leadership skills and lifelong friendships.

"Emphasizing personal responsibility produces results today, just as it did in Bill Hillcourt’s time. 94 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 officials said.

The troop meets on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 65 E. Main St., Mendham, and welcomes new members.