By Town Crier Staff

Boy Scout Troop 37 has scheduled a celebration 6:30-8:30 p.m., June 2, to mark its 85th anniversary.

In July 1917, when the scouting movement was less than a decade old, Stanford teacher Herman Peters submitted the names of a dozen boys, 12 to 14, with a petition for acceptance. By early 1918, the Los Altos charter was approved, designated as Troop 1.

Edgar McDowell, a Palo Alto octogenarian, became Scoutmaster in 1924, starting his 31-year association with the troop. In 1926, they became Troop 37 to reduce confusion with other troops in the country.

During the 85 years, the Scouts have been actively involved in the Los Altos community, including setting up overnight camping at the Ewing Cabin, the predecessor of Hidden Villa ranch; assisting local orchardists with harvesting summer crops in 1943; providing funds to help build a youth center, now known as the Los Altos Youth Center; and devoting hundreds of service hours annually in the support of activities such as the Los Altos Art and Wine Festival, the annual Easter Egg Hunt, the Rotary Fine Art in the Park festival, and cleanup and building structures at city parks and local schools.

Today, the troop consists of 130 boys, 11 to 18. It also sponsors a Venture Crew, a coed group of 14- to 21-year-olds, who focus on more adventurous activities such as climbing Mount Shasta and touring Costa Rica.

The Venture Crew currently has 25 members. The Los Altos Rotary Club has been the sponsor of the troop for most of its 85-year existence.

Former Scouts, adult leaders and parents of Troop 37 are encouraged to join the celebration. For more information, call Rose Rambo, 949-5623.