Troop 439 was formed in April 1951 by the United Methodist Men of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Kensington MD. Since that time, more than 1,500 "T439" Scouts have participated in Troop activities designed to build Scouting skills, leadership experiences, and friendships. In 2025, as Scouting America has evolved, we now welcome boys and girls into troop membership. Over the years, T439 Scouts have participated in international and national Scouting Jamborees; HIgh Adventue treks at Philmont, Northern Tier and Sea Base; long-distance cycling trips; and weekend hiking, canoeing and camping trips. Troop 439 is now chartered by Kensington Scout Sponsors, Inc. with continuing support of the United Methodist Men of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
For more information about our organization, contact Scoutmaster Doug Bailey at scoutmaster439md@gmail.com. Feel free to stop by any of our Troop Meetings to talk to us and see the Troop in action. The Troop meets at St. Paul's UMC every Monday night when Montgomery County Public Schools are in session.
Is your child ready to swap screen time for trail time? Do you want them to master life skills they just aren't learning in the classroom? It's a great time to join Troop 439!
Troop 439 is looking for boys and girls (ages 11–17) who want to lead, explore, and grow.Now is a great time for middle schoolers to explore the adventures of Scouting.
Ask yourself:
Does your child like camping? (We do it every season—yes, even in the snow!)
Do they like a challenge? (We recently tied for 1st place in the MD orienteering competition and are always in the running for “Troop of the Week” at summer camp.)
Do they want to lead? (Our Scouts plan their own monthly adventures and run their own meetings.)
From conquering High Adventure treks at Philmont Scout Ranch to helping the Kensington community through service projects, we give Scouts the confidence to handle whatever comes their way.
Join us Monday, 8/24 at 7 PM at: St. Paul's United Methodist Church 10401 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD (Enter from the church parking lot)
Learn more about our Troop, our upcoming activities, and enjoy some treats!
Scouting isn't just an activity—it’s a year-round leadership and life skills program.
Join us now and march in the Kensington Labor Day Parade, sell hot dogs and snow-cones to families, serve pancakes to the community (SSL hours), and go kayaking - all in September!
Our Scouting Year kicks off with an Open House on Monday, August 24th at 7pm at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Bring a friend or two (girls and boys!) and show them why Troop 439 is so great!
Login and check the Troop calendar for the rest of our September events and signups - be sure to sign up for Labor Day and Train Show weekend events and remember Janes Island Kayaking closes early. Login information can be found in the Scoutmaster's email signature.
Also, mark your calendars now for our monthly activities!
September 26-27 - Janes Island Kayaking
October 24-25 - Orienteering at Broad Creek Scout Reservation
November 14-15 - Biking or hiking at Antietam
December 12 - Caving day trip in Bridgewater, VA
January 22-24 - Klondike Derby at Little Bennett RP
February 19-12 - Winter Lodge Camping at Rodney Scout Reservation
March 20-21 - Backpacking (location TBD)
April 17-18 - Canoeing & kayaking at Shenandoah River SP
Tremendous thanks from the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary and the St. Paul's United Methodist Men's Group for the way Troop 439 showed up across Kensington Saturday morning (12/6). More than 20 Scouts (and many adults) provided tremendous service to our community and partners. Funds raised will go to support the fire department and local and regional charities.
These organizations truly couldn't do the work they do without Troop 439 showing up and showing out.
Thanks to all for your participation and hard work! For those of you who would like to receive SSL hours, please fill out the attached PDF in its entirety and present to the Scoutmaster for signature.
Well done winning the 49th Annual Maryland Scout Orienteering Day! Your preparation and strategy paid off! Great win for all participating T439 scouts. Note that our score includes points from all orienteering scouts in the troop contributing to the final results. It is not just the older, faster scouts that help us win, it is a group score where all participants count. That's one of the great things about orienteering.
Very, very, well done!
Thanks to ALL the scouts who came and participated in the fun, and contributed to this win. Let's get ready for next year!
** Troop 439 invites you to visit our Discover/Join Scouting Event **
Sunday, August 24th @ 3:00-4:30 PM
@ St. Paul's United Methodist Church
10401 Armory Ave., Kensington, MD
(park in church lot, follow signs)
Discover Fun and Adventure with Scouting America
Come and see how Scouts have fun and learn new skills. Over the past year, we have been camping most months, biking, hiking, kayaking, orienteering, cold weather camping at the Potomac District Klondike Derby, summer camping at Goshen Scout Reservation, and High Adventure hiking/camping at Philmont Scout Reservation, participated in Eagle Scout projects, and various community service activities. You as a Scout participate in planning and leading events for the Troop.
Scouting America is a year-round, leadership program that helps boys and girls ages 11 - 17 become the best future versions of themselves. From taking a first hike in the mountains to starting a first campfire, Scouting America is all about making friends, testing limits, increasing confidence, and pushing yourself to do things you never thought possible!
If able, please bring a non-perishable food item to support food insecure families in our local area. Peanut butter, tuna, and chicken containers are always in need (no glass containers please).
