Eagle Scouts Revamp Ramona Troop's Recruitment Sign

Former scouts team up to install a new, eye-catching sign on San Vicente Road to attract new members to Boy Scout Troop 679.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:07pm

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Several Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 679 in Ramona, California joined current troop members to replace a weathered scouting recruitment sign on San Vicente Road. The new sign features bright, bold lettering that says 'Join Scouts' and 'Adventure Awaits' along with the Scouts BSA logo and website, making it more visible and appealing to potential new members ages 11-17.

Why it matters

The sign replacement project was a collaborative effort between former and current scouts to help boost membership in the local troop, which is chartered by the San Diego Country Estates Association. Maintaining a strong scout presence in the community is important for passing on the organization's values of leadership, adventure, and service to the next generation.

The details

The project was spearheaded by three former Eagle Scouts - Dmitri Zavalov, Blake Markee, and Brendan McGuinness - who supplied the tools and worked alongside current troop members to remove the old sign and install the new one. The idea for the new sign came from Markee's grandfather, also an Eagle Scout, who noticed the previous sign had become difficult to read due to sun damage. Funding for the $500 sign was provided by an anonymous donor.

  • The sign replacement project took place on March 21, 2026.
  • Zavalov, Markee, and McGuinness became Eagle Scouts in 2020, 2020, and 2019 respectively.

The players

Dmitri Zavalov

A 21-year-old former Eagle Scout from Troop 679 who worked on the sign project and has been involved in other community service initiatives.

Blake Markee

A 23-year-old former Eagle Scout from Troop 679 who became an Eagle Scout in 2020 and worked on the sign project.

Brendan McGuinness

A 22-year-old former Eagle Scout from Troop 679 who became an Eagle Scout in 2019 and worked on the sign project.

Brenda McGuinness

Brendan McGuinness's mother, who provided details about the sign project's origins.

Troop 679

The Boy Scout troop based in Ramona, California's San Diego Country Estates that the Eagle Scouts worked with on the sign project.

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What they’re saying

“What I liked about it was seeing all the other scouts. It's been quite some time since I've been with the troop in action. It was a nice reminder of the things we did together.”

— Dmitri Zavalov, Former Eagle Scout

“You can read the lettering now. It's nice and shiny with big, bright letters.”

— Amanda Zavalov, Dmitri Zavalov's mother

“They can reach out to me and I'll help them with favors. The sign looks way better now and it's definitely a refined version. Now you don't have to strain your eyes to read the sign and it's more straightforward.”

— Dmitri Zavalov, Former Eagle Scout

What’s next

The new sign is expected to help attract more youth to join Troop 679 and continue the scouting tradition in the Ramona community.

The takeaway

This project demonstrates the lasting impact of the Eagle Scout program, as former scouts returned to support their local troop and give back to the next generation. It also highlights the importance of visible community outreach to sustain youth organizations like the Boy Scouts.