1917–1918: The Founding Years
In March 1917, the Reverend N.B. Groton, Rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Whitemarsh, encouraged a group of Oreland citizens to organize a Boy Scout troop for local youth. In April 1917, Oreland Troop 1 was officially chartered with Raymond H. Krecker serving as the first Scoutmaster. Meetings were initially held at the East Oreland School, and the troop served the communities of Oreland, Fitzwatertown, and North Glenside.
For approximately 30 years, the troop was sponsored by a local “Group of Citizens,” whose support helped establish the foundation of the program. From its earliest days, Oreland Troop 1 emphasized camping, hiking, outdoor skills, and youth leadership — traditions that continue to define the troop today.
By the summer of 1918, Scouts from Oreland Troop 1 attended Camp Delmont, operated by the Delaware and Montgomery Counties Council of the Boy Scouts of America (later known as Valley Forge Council). The troop also regularly explored the rural countryside surrounding Oreland through hikes and outdoor adventures.
1919–1927: Growth and Community Impact
During this period, Edward H. Breisacher provided strong leadership as Scoutmaster and became remembered by generations of Scouts as a dynamic and dedicated mentor. Assistant Scoutmasters Leon Melair and later Jim Trindle helped strengthen the troop’s emphasis on pioneering and outdoor skills.
Oreland Troop 1 actively supported the nation during and after World War I by participating in Victory Bond campaigns. The troop also became deeply involved in the local community. Beginning in 1921, Scouts and leaders established Oreland’s first swimming pool along Sandy Run Creek. Originally intended for swimming instruction and recreation for Scouts, the pool later became a popular gathering place for residents throughout the area.
Weekend camping became a regular part of troop life, especially at Haycock Mountain in Bucks County. In 1924, Charles Zoll became the first Scout from Oreland Troop 1 to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.
In 1922, the troop moved its meetings to the West Oreland School, where it would remain for the next 25 years.
1928–1935: Expansion of the Outdoor Program
In 1928, J.L. “Jim” Trindle Jr., who had previously served as Assistant Scoutmaster, became Scoutmaster. Under his leadership, the troop further strengthened the Patrol Method and expanded its outdoor program significantly.
While trips to Haycock Mountain remained popular, Scouts also traveled to destinations including Wellsboro and Hawk Mountain. When residential development forced the closure of the Sandy Run swimming area, the troop established a new swimming location at Franklin’s Apple Orchard in Dresher.
During this era, Camp Arnold was established on the farm of Assistant Scoutmaster Arnold V. Egerland in Pughtown, Chester Country, Pennsylvania. Camp Arnold served as a major destination for weekend camping activities through the mid-1940s.
1936–1939: Continuing Traditions
In 1936, Jim Trindle resigned to serve as a Neighborhood Commissioner, and Henry C. Jones Jr. became Scoutmaster. Harold G. Traver later served as Scoutmaster during 1939.
The troop continued to attend summer camp at Camp Delmont while making extensive use of Camp Arnold for weekend outdoor activities and leadership development.
1940–1945: Service During Wartime
A.D. “Dave” Bothe became Scoutmaster in 1940. Under his leadership, Oreland Troop 1 further strengthened its Patrol Method program and introduced a Christmas toy repair and distribution project that continued for many years.
When Dave Bothe relocated to Florida in 1942 for health reasons, Henry C. “Hank” Jones resumed the role of Scoutmaster. During World War II, Scouts participated in paper and scrap metal drives supporting the war effort and helped sell War Bonds during multiple campaigns.
1946–1949: A New Charter Organization
Gus B. Heller became Scoutmaster in 1946 following Hank Jones’ appointment as District Commissioner of the George Washington District.
William J. Savory briefly served as Scoutmaster in 1947 before Henry S. Cassel assumed leadership later that same year.
A major milestone occurred in 1947 when Oreland Troop 1 moved its meetings to Christ’s Lutheran Church on Plymouth Avenue. The church became the troop’s chartered organization, beginning a relationship that has continued for generations.
1950–1960: Building Lasting Traditions
Hank Jones once again became Scoutmaster in 1950 and led the troop for many additional years. During this period, Oreland Troop 1 established several traditions that became central to troop life.
To support the troop financially, an annual Christmas tree sale was introduced and remained active through the late 1960s.
Beginning in 1951, the troop regularly camped at the National Farm in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania, and at the former Coast Guard Station in Stone Harbor, New Jersey.
The troop also began hosting annual July 3 campfires in connection with Oreland’s Independence Day celebrations. In 1954, two additional traditions began: the annual Troop Family Dinner during Scout Week and the annual Scout Sunday service.
That same year, Ernie Thiele organized the Oreland Troop 1 Band, which remained active into the mid-1970s.
1961–1967: The Creation of Hawk Mountain Camp
By the early 1960s, troop leaders had become increasingly interested in creating a simpler, more rugged outdoor experience for Scouts — one less dependent on crowded council camps and modern conveniences that they believed were detracting from traditional Scouting. In 1961, Scoutmaster Henry “Hank” Jones and Assistant Scoutmaster Gus Irlenborn began searching for land suitable for a permanent troop camp.
They eventually discovered approximately 15–18 acres near the Borough of New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, at the base of Hawk Mountain. The property sat between a rural road and an abandoned railroad embankment, with Indian Run Creek flowing through the center of the land. Prior to the troop’s purchase, the land had been used for farming and seasonal ice harvesting. During winter months, the creek was dammed to create large ice ponds where blocks of ice were cut, packed in sawdust, and shipped for commercial use. Remnants of these original dams can still be found throughout camp today.
The troop purchased the property in September 1961 for approximately $100 per acre. Although much of the site was swampy and undeveloped, troop leaders recognized its tremendous potential. Between late 1961 and the summer of 1962, volunteers transformed the property into what became Hawk Mountain Camp.
The first structure built was a large stone fireplace near Indian Run Creek. Volunteers drained swampy ground, installed gravel campsites, dug a well, built a latrine, and began construction of the original “Staff Cabin,” which served as the camp kitchen and dining facility. Remarkably, all major work necessary for operation was completed before August 1962, allowing the troop to hold its first resident summer camp from August 4–12, 1962.
Over the following years, Hawk Mountain Camp rapidly expanded. Dams and flood-control walls were installed to help manage periodic flooding from Indian Run Creek. The troop worked closely with local farmer Norman Hess, who assisted with camp development and generously allowed troop equipment to be stored on his property for more than 30 years.
In 1962, the adult leaders at summer camp established the “Order of the Hawk,” an honor recognizing individuals who demonstrated exceptional service to Hawk Mountain Camp and Oreland Troop 1. Membership required unanimous approval by all existing members present at summer camp, and in some years no award was presented. Albert “Al” Doering became the first individual elected into the Order.
From 1963 through the late 1960s, camp development continued at an extraordinary pace. Lean-tos for camp staff were built near the Staff Cabin, fields were cleared for program use, and Chapel Island was established as a location for religious services and reflection. Before the chapel’s construction, Scouts had gathered along the railroad embankment overlooking the creek for worship services. The upper fishing pond and lower swimming pond were also constructed during this period.
In 1969, Al Doering and Phil Marcolina constructed a stone and iron memorial arch leading to Chapel Island in honor of former Scout Lt. David M. Wilson, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War. That same summer, Oreland Troop 1 hosted Scouts from the North Peel District near Toronto, Canada, strengthening international Scouting friendships.
1968–1985: Expanding Adventure and Camp Development
The 1970s marked a period of continued camp expansion and increasingly ambitious outdoor adventure programming.
Oreland Troop 1 participated in high-adventure expeditions to destinations including Philmont Scout Ranch and the Charles L. Sommers Canoe Base. Annual Delaware River canoe trips and Appalachian Trail backpacking treks also became central traditions within the troop program.
In 1978, the permanent campfire area was relocated above the fishing pond, creating the setting still used for campfires and ceremonies today. From 1979 through 1982, three large patrol lean-tos were constructed on patrol campsites. These structures were dedicated respectively to Art Griffith, Albert Doering, and Hank Jones. Each project required hundreds of volunteer labor hours and was completed entirely by hand, without the use of power tools.
Virtually every major improvement at Hawk Mountain Camp during this era involved the vision and craftsmanship of Al Doering, whose dedication helped shape the camp’s identity for generations of Scouts.
Additional projects included pioneering bridges near the upper pond, tree nurseries, expanded drainage systems, and the creation of a nature trail dedicated to Assistant Scoutmaster Gus Irlenborn.
1986-1997
Mike Weiss became Scoutmaster in 1986 after decades of involvement with Oreland Troop 1. Under his leadership, the troop continued its strong emphasis on youth leadership, outdoor adventure, and camp stewardship.
Assistant Scoutmaster Fred Robinson introduced additional wilderness survival programming and helped expand the troop’s outdoor skills instruction. Survival trips became a regular feature of the troop calendar.
By 1990, many early camp structures required major rebuilding. Assistant Scoutmaster Warren Marley began leading large-scale restoration projects throughout Hawk Mountain Camp. Using steel construction methods and heavy equipment, Warren rebuilt bridges, improved infrastructure, and constructed a new well structure. He also introduced rock climbing and rappelling programs at Ralph Stover State Park and at locations near camp property.
After the death of longtime supporter Norman Hess in 1993, the troop needed a new location for equipment storage. Warren Marley and Tore Vecchione responded by installing two steel storage sheds into the railroad embankment along the camp road. Tore also solved many longstanding drainage and water-control issues throughout camp by installing drainage swales, improving pond outlets, and repairing water systems feeding the swim pond.
Hank Jones passed away in January 1992 after decades of service to Oreland Troop 1. In recognition of his role as longtime summer camp cook and dining hall supervisor, the troop renamed the Staff Cabin “Hank’s Hall” in his memory.
In 1995, a memorial nature trail was established in honor of Assistant Scoutmaster Gus Irlenborn. The trail winds throughout camp property and highlights the natural habitats and history of Hawk Mountain Camp while continuing to support nature study and advancement activities for Scouts.
Albert Doering also passed away in 1995. Efforts to preserve and commemorate his legacy at Hawk Mountain Camp have continued ever since.
1998–2007: Entering the Digital Era
On August 25, 1998, Oreland Troop 1 launched its first website, creating a new way for Scouts, leaders, alumni, and families to communicate and remain connected. Over time, the site evolved alongside changing technology and became an important tool for troop communication and operations.
During these years, the troop experienced substantial growth in adult volunteer leadership. More than 20 active adult leaders joined the program, helping expand troop activities, community service efforts, and camp improvement projects.
In 2001, Tore Vecchione became Troop Committee Chair, succeeding Lou Miller. Under strong volunteer leadership, Hawk Mountain Camp continued to improve significantly.
In March 2003, construction began on a major addition to Hank’s Hall under the leadership of John Yike and Fran Busillo Sr. The expansion included a new fireplace, a commercial-style stove, a service counter, a wood-burning stove, and a large outdoor deck known as “La Veranda.” New enclosures and doors further modernized the structure while preserving the camp’s rustic character.
2008-
The troop remains strong with over 28 adult leaders and over 19 active scouts at the present time, organized into three patrols. The troop has CONTINUOUSLY served the community of Oreland for over 104 years! We received Gold awards several years in a row for outstanding leadership for the BSA’s Journey to Excellence (JTE) program. Three adults are certified as NRA Range Safety Officers, three adults certified NRA Youth Shooting Sport Instructors, and five adults certified as Archery level 1/2. The Troop serves the youths of Oreland, Wyndmoor, Fort Washington, Maple Glen and Flourtown Pennsylvania.