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Troop 709 is a Troop that follows and believes in the Boy Scout program is for its youth members. It belongs to the Scouts, is run by the boys, and it represents the excellence of youth of America and our community.

This is a true Scout lead 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 Troop follows the Boy Scout  "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, and leadership ability.

The Boy Scout program, unlike the Cub Scouts or other Scouting functions, 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.

For over 25 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 25 years of experience, we know that helping our youth is the key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive Scout.

Boy Scout 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.

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 Scoutmaster, Mark MacKinnon or Committee Chair, Dan Wilbers for more information on joining us to mold successful young men.

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.

First. Have you contacted the Scoutmaster? Due to the quality of our Scout program that the Troop offers, we have placed a limit on the size of our troop. This ensures that the troop can continue to provide a quality Scout program. Please make sure to contact our Scoutmaster to determine if we are accepting new Scouts.

You can reach Scoutmaster Mark MacKinnon by email.

Secondly. Have you attended a Troop meeting? We ask that you first attend a troop meeting and see if we are fit for you.

As part of the joining process, there are a number of forms to be completed and dues to be paid. Although a bit of a bother, it is important because much of it is required before the Scout can earn rank or attend campouts. The new Scout will also receive more information about his new Troop such as the Troop Handbook, the Troop Roster and Annual Calendar of Events. Forms to be completed include:

• BSA Registration
• Physical, all parts updated annually (Please provide THREE copies to the Troop):
•   - Part A - Informed Consent, Release Agreement, and Authorization
•   - Part B - General Information/Health History
•   - Part C - Pre-participation Physical (required for all camping trips longer than 72 hours)
•   - Part D - High Adventure Physical (required only for participants in High Adventure camps)

• Permission to use firearms (optional)
• Adult Resource Survey
• Adult Registration (upon request)

Troop 709 takes pride in not only being one of the most active troops in San Diego County. But a troop that offers a vast array of programs and services for its Scouts. Make sure to visit our other Troop 709 websites for more information on what we offer. 

Troop 709 is the only troop in California to have a dedicated mountain bike program. Make sure to visit Scouting MTB website to find out more on this exciting program.