The Boy Scouts of the Field Hospital

In this spirited early‑twentieth‑century tale, a troop of Boy Scouts sets up camp beside a rushing river in the mountains, hoping for a summer of hikes and camaraderie. Their scout master, Lieutenant Denmead, is called home by his ailing mother, leaving the boys to be guided by the capable assistant scout master, Hugh Hardin. The boys quickly discover that the tranquil setting borders a bustling cement plant where labor unrest is brewing, hinting at danger beyond the campsite.

Eager to test their skills, the scouts begin mapping the surrounding trails, learning to swim the swift river and keeping a watchful eye on the nearby workers’ strike. Their rivalry between curiosity and duty creates tension as they weigh helping the community against staying out of a volatile dispute. With humor, good‑natured banter, and a touch of realistic wilderness challenge, the first act sets the stage for an adventure that blends the spirit of scouting with the unfolding social drama of a small industrial town.