Our History

Troop 294 has been serving boys for decades and welcomed girls in 2025 with the launch of Troop 2294.  We operate together, providing the same opportunities for all youth. We typically have 50 youth members aged 11-17. They come from a variety of San Jose schools, including Castillero, Bret Harte, Willow Glen, Pioneer and Leland. The diversity of our community provides a rich pool of mentors and peers to help our scouts thrive. Our troop is part of the Monterey Bay Council and is chartered through the Almaden Valley Rotary Club. 

Scout-Led 

There are many opportunities for youth members to gain leadership skills. All outings, meetings and ceremonies are organized and run by scout leaders, who serve in six month terms. They meet on a monthly basis to plan and achieve troop-wide goals. 

Troop 294 / 2294 operates via the patrol method, which means scouts tackle challenges big and small by working in teams of 6-10 members. Individually, scouts pursue rank advancements, merit badges and awards at their own pace and with guidance from senior leaders.

Adult Supported 

Peter Swartz is the Troop 294 Scoutmaster, and Amy Gruhl is the Troop 2294 Scoutmaster. They are supported by five Assistant Scoutmasters: Byron Alvarez, Alok Daipuria, Alan Thompson, Rick Dexter, and Nathan Etter. Parent volunteers serve on the Adult Leadership Team, aiding scouts in their rank advancements and managing the troop’s finances, membership, website, BSA training requirements, and more.  Note that all adults who chaperone day-camps and overnighters have cleared background checks (including fingerprinting and California Mandated Reporter training), and have an active Safeguarding Youth Training (SYT) certification.