Troop 7's Rich History in Coral Gables

Pictorial History - Community Projects - Scoutmasters of Troop 7 - Eagle Scouts Of Troop 7 -
Eagle Scouts Since 2004 - Historical Marker - Our Eagle Flag Preservation - Joe Crownover History Awards
Highest Rank Attained in Troop 7 - Other Volunteers - Joe Magruder Camping Award - Stamp Club Tribute

Boy Scout Troop 7 was founded in 1922 in the City Beautiful -- Coral Gables, Florida. It is the oldest Troop in South Florida, chartered before the South Florida Council existed. It is the third oldest boy scout troop in the United States. The Troop 7 Log Cabin is designated by a Florida Historic Marker, installed in 2008.

George Merrick, the founder of Coral Gables, donated land on the Granada Golf Course for a Scout Cabin. Mr. Merrick was a big supporter of the scouting program and wanted to see a strong troop in the town he founded. The original cabin was built in 1926, from telephone poles toppled as a result of a hurricane that year by Merrick's own construction company.

On the evening of March 30, 1971, the old scout cabin burned to the ground. Now we have a new building which became a reality after a lot of hard work by many Scouts and friends of the troop. The new building was dedicated in memory of Mr. Rex Hawkins, a Troop Committee member for many years (a plaque inside the front door will tell you the same). The building expenses are supported by a separate organziation that was created for this sole purpose: The George Merrick Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3.

The land for our building is leased from the City of Coral Gables for $1.00 per year (prepaid). The lease was signed in 1976 so we intend to be around for a while.

The scout building is used by Boy Scout Troop 7, Cub Scout Pack 7 and some Girl Scout units as well as by the South Florida Council and Tequesta District for various activities. The troop is sponsored by the Coral Gables Kiwanis Club and the George Merrick Foundation with Mr. Robert A. Burr as the Chartering Organization Representative.

Many successful men now living in Coral Gables have earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 7. We feel you will also enjoy our advancement program and Scouting activities.