History of BSA Venture Crew 57
Baden Powell Modular Railroad Club

In 1992 the district committee was asked if a model railroad club could be started under the guidance of it being a special interest group following all the scout Rules for adult leadership and youth protection. They agreed on the idea as long as it was Webelos scouts or older and that cubs would have parents present. The group started out as a group of Boy Scout youth and dads that were interested in model railroading. They decided to create a modular railroad club for Boy Scouts - "Baden Powell Modular Railroad Club" was started in 1993.

Each member built one or more modules in HO scale. The club met at the Darien Park District weekly to setup the modular layout and run trains.
Then in 1999 the Des Plaines Valley Boy Scout Council asked the group if they would like to become a Venture Crew and become an official Boy Scout unit, so Venture Crew 57 was started.

Over the years the group has had empty stores in the area to set up the club layout for weeks or even months. Since 1999 Downers Grove has supplied the group with an empty store to use during the holiday season (Thanksgiving to New Years) to set up our display and run trains.

The leaders have also worked at Pathways to Eagle in Bolingbrook Illinois as merit badge Counselors since 2000 and the group has setup a small display at Pathways to show the other Scouts about our Venture Crew.

The groups biggest annual event since 2000 is setting up our modular railroad display at the "International Hobby Show".

Seven past and current members of Venture Crew 57 have earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

For 2003 Venture Crew earned the Unit of the Year Award from the Des Plaines Valley Council Venture District.