Troop 431 was organized in 1996 by several Christian families from the Washington area.  The families were looking for activities for their sons that would allow them to learn, have fun, and grow into good God-fearing men.  This troop was to be very unique in that it was originally comprised of all home-schooled boys.  These new Scouts were recruited from areas like New Melle, Campbellton, St. Clair, Marthasville, Washington and Labadie.

The first organization to charter the unit was, in fact, the home school aassociation itself.  Meetings were held at the Emmaus Home in Marthasville.  Mr. Dave Arnold acted as the Committee Chairman and Mr. Paul Richard was appointed as the first Scoutmaster.  In 1998, Mr. Leonard Lenau became the Scoutmaster and meetings were moved to the Newport Presbyterian Church.  Soon after, meetings were moved to the current location at First Baptist Church in Washington.  In 2001, the First Baptist Church “adopted” the troop, becoming its official chartering organization.
Due to our active Scouting program and our strong Christian beliefs, the troop draws young men from all over the Washington area. 

Scouting is the largest youth organization in the United States with over 6 million members.  With its emphasis on values, personal develoment, teamwork, individual achievement, and leadership, scouting offers something that few other programs do.

There is a very high correlation between those that enjoy scouting and those who succeed in their adult lives.  While only 25% of all boys in the nation become scouts, former scouts make up 65% of all U.S. Congressmen.  75% of all military academy graduates, and 70% of those listed in “Who’s Who”.  While only 83% of the country’s youth will graduate from high school, 98% of boy Scouts will graduate.