History

Scouting America History

The Scouting movement was founded by Robert S.S. Baden-Powell in England in 1908. "Scouting for Boys", the first book on the Scout Movement, was published in 1908. In 1909, Chicago publisher William D. Boyce lost his way in a dense London fog. A boy came to his aid and, after guiding the man, refused a tip, explaining that as a Scout he would not take a tip for doing a Good Turn. This gesture by an unknown Scout inspired a meeting with Robert Baden-Powell. As a result, William Boyce incorporated the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910, which was chartered by the United States Congress in 1916.
On Scouting's 115th birthday in 2025, the organization rebranded to 'Scouting America' reflecting the commitment to welcome every youth and family to experience the benefits of Scouting.

Troop 7 History

In 1913, three years after the Boy Scouts of America was incorporated, Grapevine Mayor Benjamin Richard Wall made a trip to New York and brought back with him a legacy for all of the boys of the Grapevine area. The Number 7 Boy Scout Unit Charter.

Since our founding in 1913, Troop 7 Scouts have accomplished many outstanding achievements. For instance, Eagle Scout John Quinn Jr. was on the staff for a world jamboree, achieved the National Conservation Medal and was awarded the National Medal of Merit for Lifesaving.

In 1923, Troop 7 was chartered in Arlington but moved back to Grapevine in 1931 being chartered to the Grapevine Business Men's League.

In 1932, the troop was chartered to the Grapevine City Council. Mayor E. Lowe was executive officer and Scoutmaster. Twenty two Scouts were registered with the troop. That year, seven Scouts attended Summer Camp ($0.75/boy daily), conduct 6 overnight camps and had 2 day hikes. Their total annual budget was $102.58. Highlights of the year included marching in formation under the US colors and troop flag at the formal opening of Northwest Highway.

December 20, 1939, the Grapevine Lions Club was granted a charter, thus beginning our long relationship with the Lions which still generously supports the troop each year.

St. Lawrence Episcopal Church held the troop charter from January 1976 through 1978. There was no known charter in 1979 breaking the long years of tenure for Troop 7. St. Francis Catholic Church became our chartered organization in 1980 and continued through 2019.

Troop 7 celebrated 100 years in 2013 in a big way. During a Troop 7 trip to the Texas State Capitol in Austin, the Great State of Texas recognized Troop 7 with Senate Resolution SR423 and House of Representatives Resolution HR923. The City of Grapevine proclaimed May 11 as Boy Scout Troop 7 Day and celebrated downtown. Centennial Day

In 2018, Troop 7 honored Ernie Doclar for 75 years service with the Boy Scouts of America. Ernie started as a Scout in 1943 with Troop 80 in New Orleans. In the Navy, he was Scoutmaster for US Army and Navy boys in Japan. On returning stateside, he returned to New Orleans Troop 80 as Scoutmaster. He went professional serving as District Scout Executive for 8 years. He then served as Associate Editor at Boys Life magazine. For four years, he served as Scouting magazine editor before retiring in 1994. Ernie helped reorganize Troop 7 in 1980 as Chartered Organization representative. He also served as Chairman of the Fort Worth Diocesan Catholic Scouting Committee. Ernie Doclar continues to support Troop 7 as a Committee Member. Ernie is an outstanding Scouter and an inspiration to all.

The City of Grapevine proclaimed June 15, 2018 Ernie Doclar Day. (video)

Grapevine Friends of Scouting started in 2020 as our Chartered Organization with Troop 7 as the only unit. To ensure Scouting remains available to area youth, GFOS expanded to include nine (9) Grapevine area units with more than 300 Scouts and 250 adult leaders.

In 2023, in Austin, the State of Texas recognized Troop 7 for 110 years of service to Grapevine and its youth.

For more interesting Troop 7 facts and individual stories, see the Facts & Stories web page.