Organization

Zoo Troop 136 is made up of Scouts from 5th grade to Senior in High School and is run entirely by the Scouts, with oversight from parent volunteers.  Troop 136 consists of a Troop of Boys and a Troop of Girls. Young men and women work together within their separate Troops to develop their leadership, planning, and meeting facilitation skills as they organize, run, and manage the Troop meetings and outings, with oversight and assistance from the Scoutmaster and Assistant Scoutmasters (ASM). We work hard to create a fun and safe program for your Scout while enabling them to learn valuable skills and gain independence to become future leaders in our communities. 

Active and involved parents ensure Troop's administrative functions run smoothly. All positions in the Troop as Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, Committee Members, or Assistant Scoutmasters are filled with volunteers and are required to complete mandatory training. Your help is critical to making the Troop a fun and successful place for your Scout. Adults/Parents are required to sign up for the Troop Committee or as an Assistant Scoutmaster.  Fill out the Troop Resource Survey to let us know how you can help the Scouts and Troop! 

A Troop is made up of a number of Patrols. A Patrol is a group of approximately 5-8 Scouts in the same general age range who are working on earning the same rank. Patrols choose a name, design a flag, and create a Patrol yell. Individual Patrols have a Patrol Leader, which is elected by the Scouts in the Patrol. The Patrol Leader, with the guidance of two to three Assistant Scoutmasters, plans and execute the weekly Patrol meetings. Assistant Scoutmasters implement the scouting program with the Scouts. ASMs assist Scouts in leading outings and organizing events. They also sign off on advancement and merit badge requirements. Patrol Meetings are usually held several times per month and provide your Scout with opportunities to enjoy various planned activities. 

The Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) is a Scout elected by the Troop. The Senior Patrol Leader, with the guidance of the Scoutmaster, leads the Troop meetings and outings. The SPL is assisted by the Senior Patrol Council (Patrol Leaders and other leaders appointed by the SPL - Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Historian, Order of the Arrow Representative, Quartermaster, Chaplain's Aid, Liberian, and Scribe ). 

Twice a month, all Patrols meet together for a Troop Meeting. The Troop Meeting is a fun time for everyone! Scouts work on activities leading to merit badges and have fun! The Troop Meeting is usually the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month with the 3rd weekend of the month a Troop outing, but events may change due to availability or other events. Parents receive a calendar at the beginning of the Scout Year (or when they join), and receive reminders through emails on our Scout Manager calendar and communication system..  

A Troop Committee consisting of adult/parent volunteers who meet monthly and are responsible for planning and implementing Troop administrative activities, fundraising events, etc. The Troop Committee is headed by the Pack Committee Chair, and includes a Treasurer, Secretary, and other positions as needed. 

Parent volunteers are critical to help the Troop run smoothly and successfully. As a Scout parent, we hope you’ll recognize and take seriously the following responsibilities:

• Understand the requirements for your Scout's rank advancement; assist in providing opportunities for the Scout to fulfill their requirements; help your Scout accurately keep record of their achievements. 

• Make sure your Scout has a formal activity  (Class A) uniform and that your Scout is dressed appropriately for all Scout functions. 

• Have your Scout notify your leader whenever your Scout will be absent or late for a meeting. 

• Participate and help out at Troop events.

• Have fun!