In June of 1959 construction began on the Prentice Boy Scout Cabin in a small city owned park adjacent to the Jump River. This small park, known as Boy Scout Park, is situated on the land between Washington Street and the Jump River. Here the scouts could hold their meetings, fish, swim, and canoe in the Jump River. The 19’ by 24’, one-story, front-gable cabin is built with round pine logs or poles that are placed in an upright position, side-by-side, covering the exterior walls on each side of the cabin.

As the nineteenth century grew to a close, America’s parents, along with state and national officials, worried about the future of young men from the age of ten to eighteen. Many communities felt obligated to provide their young men the opportunity to become a Boy Scout. In many instances, this was achieved by the community building a cabin for the sole purpose of providing a place for Boy Scout meetings and activities. The Prentice Boy Scout Cabin became a place for fun activities, but it also served as a venue for moral and social lessons. The desired mission of the Prentice Boy Scouts was to provide a social environment where activities could give structure and direction for young men.

The Prentice Boy Scout Cabin project taught the real life experience of fund raising and teamwork. A true community effort, including churches and service clubs, worked together to ensure the success of the Prentice scouting program. Residents donated money and items for a scout auction. Working alongside their community leaders and their fathers, it was also a hands-on lesson in the construction of a cabin.

The Prentice Boy Scout Cabin continues to contribute to the social welfare of the young men of the area. It continues to fulfill its original mission by offering educational and recreational opportunity. The Prentice Boy Scout Cabin experience became the catalyst for a lifetime of making friends and creating fond memories. The Boy Scouts of America formulated the perfect combination of value based educational activities combined with fun.