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About Troop 709
We Are A Youth Lead Troop!
Troop 709 is a unit that follows and believes in the Scouting America program is for its youth members. It belongs to the Scouts, is run by the boys, and it represents the excellence of the youth of America and our community.
This is a true Scout led troop. The troop leadership comprised of the Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) and his Assistant Patrol Leaders (ASPL's), as well as the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) make all the decisions when it comes to scouting activities.
The Patrol Method
The Troop follows the "Patrol Method" to allow for the organized development of young boys into young men. While the program is designed to provide activities that are fun and a real adventure for the boys, it allows for the development of character, pride in country, respect for others, self sufficiency, and leadership ability.
The ScoutsBSA program, unlike the Cub Scouts or other programs, is run by the Scouts using the gentle guidance and thorough leadership of the Scoutmaster and his staff. It is not a program run by adults. Adults are there to teach, facilitate, and ensure safety. This is important because on occasion, what may look like disorganization is really a learning program. What may be something we, as adults, are not really excited about, is something the Scouts said they wanted to do.
Who We Are
For over 35 years, Troop 709 has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. Troop 709 believes through 35 years of experience, we know that helping our youth is the key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive Scout.
Scouting America Troop 709 represents the communities of Vista, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Oceanside, and currently has over 40 scouts and is one of the most active troops in San Diego County.
Come Visit Us
You are welcome to join us Tuesday evening from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the United Methodist Church of Vista located at 490 S. Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081.
You can contact our leaders for more information on joining our mission of molding successful young men.
Your Next Scouting Adventure is Calling
Learn more about all the wonderful adventures the Troop has planned in the coming year. Make sure to click on this LINK to see what adventure awaits you.
Troop 709 History
Scouting America Troop 709 was formed in September 1985 by Bill Marsden, the first Scoutmaster. The Troop began with six boys - graduates of Cub Scout Pack 709. By the end of the first three months, it had grown to 12 Scouts. Troop 709 was first sponsored by the PTAs of Casita and Grapevine Elementary Schools. In 1988, the sponsor was changed to the Vista United Methodist Men. In 2023, the charter was changed to Alvin Myo Dunn American Legion Post #365, but the troop continues a partnership with the UMC for use of the facilities.
Troop 709 has continued to build traditions and has gained a reputation as one of the highest quality troops in North County. Troop 709 has been a Journey to Excellence Unit (formerly an “Honor Unit”) every year of its existence and is one of the largest Troops in the Tri-City area. Today, Troop 709 is part of the “Palomar District” within the San Diego-Imperial Council of Scouting America.
The highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle rank, exemplifies the Scouting Tradition and helps to ensure a quality Scouting program. The Troop has benefited from many Eagle Scouts who, as adults, have contributed their knowledge and time to assist the Scoutmaster for the benefit of the active Scouts.
Nick Crilly was the Troop’s first Scout to make Eagle in 1990. Since then, more than 83 new Eagle’s have been added to Troop 709’s Flight of Eagles. Together, these individuals have provided a wealth of information and experience that is reflected in the quality of the program of Troop 709.
Troop 709 has now had eight Scoutmasters:
- Bill Marsden (1985 - 1989)
- Art Carpenter (1989 - 2005)
- Dave Hendron (2005 - 2008)
- Lance Fisher (2009 - 2011)
- Jim Eighmey (2012 - 2018)
- Mark MacKinnon (2019 - 2022)
- Dan Wilbers (2022)
- Christopher Swearingen (2023-current)
Our Key Leadership
Terry Moxley
Christopher Swearingen
Christopher Swearingen
Chartered Organization Representative
Christopher Swearingen
Christopher Swearingen
Christopher Swearingen
Scoutmaster
Wendy Conlee
Christopher Swearingen
Wendy Conlee
Committee Chair
