On the tenth of April in the year 1913, the first meeting of Boy ScoutTroop 31 was held in a small room at the Third Presbyterian Church on East Avenue. At that time, a man by the name of Capt. Frederick W. Hinrichs Jr. took on full responsibility to become the first "Scoutmaster of Troop 31".

Capt. Hinrichs believed in inspiring young men to climb to greater heights. With his guidance, the troop was formed and adhered to the principles of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the modern Scouting movement.  Troop 31 has made the "Boy Led Troop" the cornerstone of the scouting experience. We promote the ideals of scouting by guiding young men to be self-confident future leaders and to aspire to the ultimate rank of Eagle.  

As members of Troop 31, the boys manage and control all aspects of the troop operations - from planning a simple meal for a patrol to running a meeting to planning a campout.  Our adult advisors provide guidance to the Scout leadership so that they can accomplish the goals they have set for themselves and the Troop.  Though years of successful programs, Troop 31 has created an environment that challenges boys to learn what it takes to be self-sufficient, self-reliant, and self-motivated while simultaneously caring about and leading others.

After 99 years and 38 Scoutmasters, our parents and alumni are proud of the 155 Scouts who have earned their rank of Eagle as members of BSA Troop 31.  If you are interested in visiting or joining BSA Troop 31, we welcome you to visit a Troop meeting and experience it first-hand. I look forward to meeting with you; feel free to contact me at Scoutmaster@Troop31BSA.org to set up appointment to visit Troop 31.

Yours in Scouting,
John H. Folwell
38th Scoutmaster, BSA Troop 31
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