Our History

Troop 80 was chartered in March of 1944 by Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.  The troop is one of 250 in the nation which has been continuously chartered by the same sponsoring organization for over 65 years.  A lot of Scouting history has passed through this Troop and this church.  Being sponsored by a church, many opportunities have arisen to attend worship, handle flag bearer duties, represent Scouting to the congregation and the community, and wear the full recognition Scout uniform. 

In addition to the 215 Eagle Scouts who have been leaders in Troop 80, many have earned the God and Country Award as well.  Troop 80 has been an avid supporter of community service projects, a developer of the outdoor experience for its scouts on a monthly basis, a presenter of a variety in camping opportunities, and a strong organization in training a scout in the skills of Scouting. 

For over 65 years, Troop 80 has been a leader in fun activities, innovatively dealing with challenges, and facing problems head on.  In 1962, faced with a problem of the Troop getting too large to deliver a quality program to its Scouts, Troop 80 leaders along with Highland Park Presbyterian Church sponsored another Troop and saw it off to a successful start.  Troop 80 strives to keep its membership to a manageable level between 40 and 60 boys in order to enable the patrol method and the Patrol Leader Council concepts in Scouting to best managed the Troop operation.

 Many special events and adventures have been a part of the Troop 80 experience such as 50 Miler hiking or canoeing awards, high adventure trips to mountains and sea shores, attendance at Philmont Scout Ranch or a National Jamboree.  The Troop participates in District events such as camporees, Council events such as the Scout Show, and camp cleanup and development projects in the area.  Each scout is individually important and his experience is encouraged to be one that he will remember the rest of his life.

 Troop 80 always strives to put the Scout Law into action, and to live life by the Scout Oath, Motto, and Slogan while we seek new opportunities to help with advancement along the “Trail to Eagle”.  Troop 80 is dedicated to providing today’s youth with a fun-filled organization designed to promote personal discipline, a sense of responsibility and accountability to others, and the development of leadership skills.

OUR FUTURE

Troop 80 plans annually for a full scouting program.  There are no less than 8 camp outs, a week-long summer camp, a high adventure program, and multiple advancement and merit badge offerings during the year.  The future of Troop 80 is for growth and continuing recruitment as boys graduate from the program.  The future holds excitement in trips to Philmont for high country hiking, to Florida for sailing, to Minnesota for canoeing, for visits to military installations, government facilities, airports, and community locations of major interest.  The future is learning scout skills, working in a patrol to achieve group and individual goals.  The future is boys being excited about their own program and developing a continuing tradition in Troop 80 that all can be proud of throughout their lives.