“I love the reactions we get from kids,” says local trooper Travis Kirk.

“At the Canberra Special Children’s Christmas Party I met a blind boy who was a ‘Star Wars’ fan, and he wanted to put his hands all over the costume.

“Once on a Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk, I was approached by a little boy who recognised my character, Commander Cody, and his name was Cody too, so it really meant a lot to him.

“He held my hand the entire day, I felt like it was a huge moment for him. It made him so happy.”

Troopers go to gaming or charity events in costume, posing for photos, dishing out high fives and handshakes, holding props and creating a sense of “Star Wars” authenticity, says Travis.

Travis and his fellow troopers are part of the 501st Legion, a US-based organisation that regulates “Star Wars” costuming. They’re all members of the local Southern Cross Garrison (except Zachary, who’s part of the under-18s Galactic Academy).

Travis says he generally dresses up as Commander Cody from the “Star Wars: Clone Wars” era and the cartoon series, and he made the costume himself. It’s not cheap, either; the costumes can cost anything from $1000 up to $6000 for a Boba Fett or Chewbacca.

“Something like a Death Star staff officer will cost around $500 to $600, but the more accurate it is, and the more armour required, the more it will cost,” he says.

“It comes in a basic kit, but we build it ourselves and it’s a tricky process. It’s a big commitment; it takes up a serious amount of evenings and weekends to make!”

Any wannabe trooper then has to send photos of their completed costume to the 501st for approval. No one can troop until they get the tick, and the photos are closely scrutinised, he says. The detail has to be spot-on.

Travis says he started trooping two years ago, after a visit to a friend in Melbourne who was involved in his local garrison.

“I like that the ‘Star Wars’ characters are so recognisable. It’s perfect for the new generation of ‘Star Wars’ fans and also for their parents who are revisiting their childhood,” he says.

“The idea of trooping is to promote ‘Star Wars’ with accurate costuming, but also to support charities and the community.

“It really touched me that my friend who got me into this was helping charities by trooping. A major reason I do this is for the kids.”

The garrison has trooped at events for charities such as Make-A-Wish Australia, Miracle Babies, Starlight Children’s Foundation, Cancer Council and the Canberra Special Children’s Christmas Party, with plans to visit local hospitals in the pipeline.

But it’s not easy work. Travis says that because the costumes are so restrictive, garrison members usually have to get ready together in the car park.

“We’re all very close now!” he says. “You can’t be shy in the garrison.

“I can’t sit down when I’m wearing my costume, and I need a lot of help to get all the bits of armour on and off.”

Kim McIver dresses as a staff officer from the Death Star, but she started out “wrangling” for her boyfriend Matt, a Scout trooper.

“Wrangling is like being a trooper nanny,” she says. “You make sure they’re okay in there, not getting too hot. The costumes can be heavy, and the guys can’t see much, if at all.

“With all the children wanting photos, it can be busy and they often need someone to remind them to stay hydrated.

“They also get kids trying to lift up their helmets and things like that – the kids aren’t sure if they’re real or not.”

The 501st Legion all dress up as the bad guys in “Star Wars” (there is another, the Rebel Legion, who dress up as the good guys) – but Travis says being a baddie is more fun.

“We’re bad guys doing good,” he says.

To organise a charity troop, call 0423 609900, or email travis_kirk@yahoo.com