Troop 56 is a relatively new Scout Unit and now includes girls (Girl Troop Founded 2023) and now in the Combined Troop Pilot Program - So we are one Troop!
Our Troop was founded 11/12/13 by a small group of Pack 56 cub scouts and one Scout new to the area. They wanted a Troop with its own unique identity that mirrored the diversity and feel of the Lusher Charter School community (The Lusher School is now known as The Willow School). The Troop traces its' heritage and lineage to the former Lusher Troop 22. The "Double Duce" was one of the top Scout Troops in the region and held the prestigious distinction of being a "Pine Tree Troop" which was a designation only very few troops nationwide held. A Pine Tree Troop was one that could set camp or break camp in a certain amount of time. Troop 22 ceased to exist during the segregation struggles of the Boy Scouts in the 1970s.
Troop 56 is also a direct off-shoot of the Lusher Cub Scout Pack 56 which is one of the largest Cub Scout Packs in the New Orleans area.
Troop 56 is open to all youth age 10 - 17 who are either The Willow School Students, members of The Willow School Community or were members of Pack 56.
The Troop is run by the Scouts and assisted by parent volunteers and parent volunteer leaders.
For a young troop we are doing big things! We have sent Scouts to two National Jamboree, Summer Camps, Winter Camps, as well as hikes, canoe trips and other camping adventures. Our scouts have earned numerous awards including: BSA Lifeguard, BSA Lifesaving, BSA Whitewater, The 50 miler award, The Nova Award, Leave no Trace Trainer Certification.
The Scouts have also earned a host of merit badges, including: Archery, Auto Maintenance, Bugling, Camping, Canoeing, Citizenship in the Nation, Climbing, Communications, Cooking, Environmental Science, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Fishing, Horsemanship, Indian Lore, Lifesaving, Motorboating, Rifle Shooting, Shotgun Shooting, Small Boat Sailing, Swimming, Weather, Welding, Whitewater, Wilderness Survival..... the list keeps growing.
Our Troop has also had several scouts reach scouting's highest achievement, Eagle Scout.
While these have all been earned, our Troop is not solely focused on Rank Advancement and Awards but rather the full experience and adventure.
We are a unique Troop. Join us on our next Adventure!
The Troop is run by the Scouts but we have an awesome team of Scouters to assist and guide the Scouts along their adventures
The Troop meets every Tuesday from 5:30 - 6:45 at The Willow School (formerly Lusher Charter School)
Troop Adult Leadership 2023-2024
Charter Organization Representative: Richard Exnicios
Scoutmaster: Nancy Exnicios
Troop Committee Chair: Bryant Carroll
Committee Member/Advancement Chair: Bryant Carroll, David Mi
Assistant Scoutmasters: Sherwood Collins, Jeff Da Silva Gonski, David Mi
Troop Committee Members: Kelly Carroll, Shannon Cian, Kim Davis, Gene Schwilke, Nathan Schwam
Scouter Reserve: Rex Exnicios, Solange Da Silva Gonske, Henna O'Neil