For over a century, a local scouting tradition has shaped generations of young people in and around Morrisville.
Troop 3, based at Morrisville Presbyterian Church, marks its 115th anniversary this year, making it not only the longest continuously operating troop in Bucks County, but also one of the oldest in the nation. Founded in 1911, just one year after the national scouting movement began in the United States, the troop has remained a constant presence in the community, evolving with the times while staying true to its mission of developing character, leadership, and citizenship in youth.
“This troop has been around for 115 years, and we’re really proud of that history,” said Stephanie Huston, Committee Chair for both Troop 3 and Cub Scout Pack 3. “We’re one of the oldest troops in the country, and we’re still going strong.”
To commemorate the milestone, the troop hosted a banquet earlier this winter celebrating its long history and the generations of scouts who have passed through its ranks. Later this summer, the celebration will continue with a community picnic at the church, where current members hope to reconnect with alumni and families who have been part of the troop over the decades.
“We’re inviting back anyone who has ever been involved with Troop 3,” Huston said. “It really becomes like a family reunion. People come back and share their stories, and it reminds you just how much this troop has meant to so many families.”
Troop 3 was first established in 1911 as Trenton Church 7 by founder William Burgess Jr., before relocating to Morrisville and eventually becoming known as Troop 3 as scouting councils developed and reorganized. The Burgess family remains involved today, with the founder’s grandson serving as the troop’s charter organization representative.
Since its earliest days, the troop has been supported by Morrisville Presbyterian Church, which continues to provide a home base for meetings, storage, and community activities. In return, scouts regularly give back through service projects that support both the church and the broader Morrisville community.
“However, you don’t have to be a member of the church, or a Presbyterian, to join,” Huston emphasized. “We welcome everyone.”
That welcoming feel is one of the many things that make both Troop 3 and Pack 3 so special. Today, the units serve youth ages 5 through 18 from Morrisville and surrounding communities, including Bristol Borough, Langhorne, Newtown, and beyond. About half of the troop’s members live in Morrisville, while others travel from neighboring towns to be part of the program.
“What’s really nice about scouting is that you can live anywhere and find a troop that fits you,” Huston said. “For us, this one stood out because it’s so inclusive. We’ve always had kids from different public schools, homeschoolers, kids from Catholic schools, and the local technical school; it’s never just been one group from the same school or school district. Everyone comes together from different areas and works as a team.”
That inclusivity has only expanded in recent years. As part of the national transition to what is now known as Scouting America, Troop 3 officially became a “family troop” at the start of 2026, meaning it welcomes both boys and girls in a fully integrated program. Currently, about one-third of the troop and pack members are female.
“My daughter was actually the first girl in Troop 3,” Huston said. “Now it’s just part of who we are. The boys have been incredibly welcoming, and it’s been great to see siblings able to participate together.”
In fact, Huston noted that the shift has made participation easier for families.
“It’s so nice for parents not to have to drive to multiple places for multiple scout meetings every week,” she said. “And for the kids, it’s just a more complete experience; they’re learning and growing together.”
That growth begins early in Cub Scout Pack 3, which serves children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Meeting weekly on Monday evenings, Cub Scouts work in smaller “dens” to complete activities focused on citizenship, personal fitness, and character development.
But much of the learning happens outside the meeting room.
“Our Cub Scouts are out in the community all the time,” Huston said. “They’re participating in service projects, going on hikes, visiting nature centers, fishing in the Delaware Canal; it’s all about getting them engaged and exploring the world around them.”
Local residents may recognize the scouts from familiar Morrisville traditions, including the Memorial Day Parade and Scouting for Food drives. The group also frequents nearby destinations like Tyler State Park, Core Creek Park, and the towpath along the canal, introducing many children to outdoor experiences they might not otherwise have.
“We have kids who have never camped or even walked the towpath, even though they live in Morrisville,” Huston said. “So getting them outside and helping them discover these places is really important.”
Older scouts in Troop 3 build on those experiences with more advanced activities, including camping trips, long-distance hikes, orienteering courses, and merit badge work. The troop typically camps four to six times during the school year and spends a week each summer at Ockanickon Scout Reservation. This year, they’re also planning a special trip to Mystic, Connecticut.
Service remains a foundation of the program at every level. In recent months, scouts have volunteered with the Interfaith Food Alliance, assisted with church events, and supported local initiatives through various projects, including Pack 3’s recent community MONDO yard sale fundraiser on April 25.
Coming up is the troop’s “Clean Up for a Cause” clothing and houseware drive on May 9 from 8 am till 10:30 pm at the Morrisville Presbyterian Church. This event will help fund summer camp while promoting sustainability by donating all items to 2nd Ave Thrift Store in Fairless Hills. Everyone is encouraged to stop by.
One of the troop’s most meaningful annual traditions takes place over Memorial Day weekend, when scouts clean and decorate military graves at the local cemetery before marching in the Morrisville parade.
“It’s a really important way for them to give back and honor those who served,” Huston said.
Over the years, Troop 3 has produced 110 Eagle Scouts, the highest rank in scouting, many of whom have completed projects that continue to benefit the Morrisville community. Recent efforts included improvements at local churches, new benches at the Presbyterian Church, and the installation of a gaga pit at Morrisville Intermediate School.
What stands out most, however, is the lasting connection many alumni feel to the troop.
“We hear it all the time,” Huston said. “People will come up to us and say, ‘My father sold Christmas trees here,’ or ‘My grandfather was in this troop.’ There’s such a strong sense of tradition.”
That tradition is perhaps best demonstrated by the troop’s annual Christmas tree sale, a fundraiser that has been held every year since the 1920s, even during the pandemic.
“It’s amazing to see families come back generation after generation,” Huston said. “It really shows how much this troop means to people.”
As Troop 3 celebrates its 115th anniversary, its leaders and members are focused not only on honoring the past, but also on ensuring a strong future. With a commitment to inclusivity, community service, and outdoor adventure, the troop continues to offer a place where young people can learn, grow, and belong.
“We’re proud of where we’ve been,” Huston said, “but we’re just as excited about where we’re going.”
If you’re interested in becoming part of Cub Scout Pack 3, contact Stephanie Huston at morrisvillepack3@gmail.com or contact morrisvillescouts.org for information on both units. Also visit their Facebook page. Meetings take place Mondays at 7pm at the Morrisville Presbyterian Church.
