Troop History

Although the troop records show there was a Troop 27 in Vienna, Austria in 1964, all we have is a charter from 1964-65.  We don't know what happened to Troop 27, but we do know that Troop 427 was formed in October of 1969 with nine Scouts, three Adults, and five Committee members.  The troop had two patrols, known as Flaming Arrows and Blackfeet.  October 18-19, 1969, the troop had its very first campout at Baden, Austria, about 25km South of Vienna.  By March 1970, the troop had grown in size, now at 26 Scouts. At first, it was chartered to the American International School.  The troop's chartering organization changed to U.S. Embassy in Vienna in 1978, and then in 2005 to the Friends of Scouting in Vienna.  In 2012, the charter returned to the American International School of Vienna, where it remains today.  Since its founding, the troop has always met at the school.

The troop had been part of the Transatlantic Council (TAC), changing from Alpine to Bavaria district, but between 1993 and 2000, it was a Direct Service unit, and the troop was not part of any one council, but reported directly to BSA National Office.  After returning to the TAC, the troop was first a part of Horizon district, then reassigned to Edelweiss in 2009, where it remains today.

 The number of Scouts in the troop has varied over the years as many people move in and out of the international community in Vienna.  The highest number of scouts we have had is over 40, and the lowest merely three, but the troop has never been disbanded.  Unlike other troops in the Transatlantic Council, the troop has been very international, having a number of boys from various countries such as South Korea, Austria, and Italy.

In the earlier 70's, the Troop, with Cub Scout Pack 327, produced a newsletter, released twice a month, called "The Blazer." The troop first attend a summer camp at Bad Toeltz, Germany in July 1970.  Over the years, the troop has periodically attended other summer camps, like Camp Freedom, Germany; Camp Tuscany in Pisa, Italy; Camp Bayern in Garmisch, Germany; and recently in Camp Alpine in Kandersteg, Switzerland.  Sometimes boys will return to the U.S. for summer camp.

The troop has always has a close relationship with the Scouts and Guides of Austria, participating at Austrian Jamborees, Peacelight Ceremonies, Regattas, and naturally camping at their campsites.  In fact the troop neckerchief design comes from the Viennese Scouts.  The patch on the neckerchief highlights this relationship and was originally designed in May of 1972.

On December 7, 1972, Troop 427 had its very first Eagle Court of Honor for Thad Troy, Paul Price, and Robby Wilson.  Since that time the troop has produced at least 48 Eagle Scouts.  Some years have seen more than others.  For example, from 1972-74, at least nine scouts achieved Eagle rank while in the troop and at least 10 scouts from 1981-84.  

Alice T. was the first female Eagle Scout from Troop 427, earning the rank Summer 2024.

Originally written by Donald G. Van Hook, updated and expanded by Zachary T. Emmert and Jacob Tanner.