When Ron Berman moved to Middleton from Illinois, he brought his extensive experience with large Boy Scout troops. A member of the Middleton Optimist Club, he wanted to lead a smaller troop where he could get to know all the Scouts.

On March 1, 1978, the Optimist Club sponsored a new Boy Scout troop, Troop 940, with Ron as the Scoutmaster. For the next 30 years, he dedicated himself to the role before stepping down in 2008.  On June 6, 1978, Troop 940 held its first Court of Honor.  As reported in the Middleton Times-Tribune:

Scoutmaster Ron Berman challenged the scouts and their parents to make this second three months in troop history even better than the first three months.  He emphasized the importance of "keeping the 'outing' in Scouting!"

As part of the ceremony, Sharon Schlough, Troop 940 Committee Chair, was presented with the Troop's initial charter, while Jim Cox, president of the Middleton Optimist Club, presented Troop 940 with its first official Boy Scout Troop flag - the same flag still used today over 45 years later.  

Troop 940's first Eagle Scouts, Bradford Cunningham and Brad Schlough, finished their Eagle Scout projects on May 15 and June 12, 1982, respectively.  Bradford Cunningham organized a project removing and replacing the wood planking on the bridge between Lakeview Park between the pond and Maywood Avenue. Brad Schlough organized staining wood panels on the light fixtures and other wood fixtures around Lakeview Park.  They completed their Eagle Boards of Review in 1983 and were awarded their Eagle Rank at a Troop Court of Honor on January 31, 1984. 

Since Ron Berman stepped down as Scoutmaster, Troop 940 has had three other Scoutmasters, with Jan Cermak assuming the role in 2015. Ron has continued to serve Troop 940 as our Chartered Organization Representative and Advancement Chair.