Trooper
About Troopers
Troopers are children and young adults ages 5 through 21 with developmental disabilities or additional support needs. They participate in welcoming group activities where they can interact and build connections with typically developing peers.
Activities may include games, arts and crafts, music, yoga, and other shared experiences designed to encourage social interaction and fun.
Every Trooper deserves opportunities to feel included, make friends, and be part of a community.
More details
Troopers are children and young adults with developmental disabilities or additional support needs who participate in Spark Troops activities. Through troop sessions, Troopers have opportunities to play, interact, and build friendships with typically developing peers in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Activities may include games, arts and crafts, music, yoga, and other group activities designed to encourage social interaction, shared experiences, and fun.
Who Can Participate
Spark Troops welcomes participants who:
- Are between 5 and 21 years old.
- Have a developmental disability or additional support need.
- Can participate in group activities with reasonable guidance and support.
- Can communicate their needs, preferences, or discomfort in a way that others can understand.
- Can follow basic safety directions with support.
- Can interact safely with Troopers, teen volunteers, and other participants.
- Do not require continuous one-on-one professional, medical, or behavioral support during the session.
We understand that every participant has different strengths, communication styles, sensory needs, and support requirements. A participant will not be excluded simply because of a diagnosis, communication difference, or occasional challenging behavior.
Because Spark Troops is a volunteer-led group program, it may not be the appropriate setting for a participant whose behavior regularly creates a significant risk of injury to themselves or others and cannot be safely supported within the group environment. Participation will be considered based on the individual's needs, the available support, and the safety of everyone attending.
What Troopers Can Expect
- Opportunities to play and interact with typically developing peers.
- Participation in games, arts and crafts, music, yoga, and other group activities.
- Opportunities to build friendships and practice social interaction.
- A welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment.
- Encouragement and support from teen volunteers.
- Respect for their communication style, sensory needs, interests, comfort level, and personal boundaries.
- The ability to take breaks or choose not to participate in an activity when needed.
What We Expect from Parents or Guardians
- Provide accurate information about their child's needs, preferences, and emergency contacts.
- Inform the Troop Leader about accommodations or support that may help their child participate.
- Remain on site and available throughout the session.
- Support their child with personal care, behavioral support, or other individual needs.
- Notify the Troop Leader if their child will be absent or can no longer attend.
- Report any concern, injury, or issue to the Troop Leader.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for their child during Spark Troops sessions. Troop Leaders and teen volunteers support group activities but do not replace a child's parent, guardian, caregiver, therapist, medical provider, or behavioral support professional.
Ready to register?
Registration opens in a new tab on the SparkTroops platform.