Handbooks and General Scout Information
- Troop Handbook (2023 Revision in progress)
- This is the current version of the Troop Handbook for all new scouts. This is vital information for the scout and the parents.
- Boy Scout Handbook
- This is BSA Scout Handbook On-line guide to accompany the printed book that each scout needs.
- Advancement Information
- Your guide to scout advancement programs and merit badges (including the Blue Card process).
- Scout Leadership Training
- BSA on-line training for youth troop leadership (SPL, ASPL, etc..)
- Troop 156 Merit Badge Book Library
- Listing of merit badge books available in the Troop156 Library. Contact the librarian for checking out a book.
Troop Forms & Adult Info
- Permission Slip
- To be completed for each outing. This is an edible document that can be changed for each Troop 156 Scouting activity.
- BSA Medical Information Form
- Download the BSA Medical Forms here. Don't forget to get them signed by your physician.
- Medication Control Permission Form
- Form required for Scouts to receive medication while on camp-outs or other activities.
- Uniform and Class B Order Form
- Worksheet for ordering replacement hats, kerchiefs, slides, 156 patch, epaulets, Class B Uniform T-Shirts, Hoodies, and Zipper Sweatshirts.
- Adult On-Line Training
- This is the BSA site for all on-line training for Adults, including Youth Protection, Fast Start, etc.
- Event Coordinators Checklist
- Guidelines and planning aid for all event planners.
- Tour Permit Worksheet
- Complete this form when planning for local, national, or international adventure. Check the Great Lakes Field Service Council Tour Permit Policy to determine when a tour plan must be submitted for council review. This is only needed for camp-outs planned outside of our council area.
- Old Dawg Patrol/Geezer Merit Badge
- New scout parents are encouraged to complete this to show their leadership skills on new scout weekend.
Camping Preparation Aids
- Personal Gear List
- Personal gear recommended for campout and backpacking trips.
- Cold Weather Camping
- Tips for staying warm on a Winter Campout
- Camping Equipment Tips
- Tips on camping equipment and gear for campouts.
Patrol Aids
- Current Pantry Item Worksheet
- Use this worksheet to determine what from the Pantry you may need for your patrol menu. This document is updated after EACH Troop campout.
- Patrol Box Checklist
- Use this checklist to ensure that your Patrol has all your Patrol equipment in good condition before and after camping trips.
- Patrol Call Log
- The Patrol Call Log has a place for you to add each Patrol member and to record information you need to tell each member. It also has a place to take notes on who is coming to the meeting and the camping trip.
- Patrol Camping Duty Roster
- Use the Weekend Duty Roster to record the jobs assigned to each Scout for a camping trip. Review with your patrol and post in your Patrol site.
- Patrol Campsite Inspection Checklist
- This form is used for campsite inspections.
- Patrol Leader Camp-out Checklist
- Use this checklist to keep track of tasks that must be completed to properly prepare for a Troop campout activity.
- Patrol Menu Planner
- Use this form to plan a patrol's menu for weekend outings. It must be approved by the appropriate leader in advance of each camping trip.
- Patrol Notebook Instructions
- Instructions for managing the Patrol Notebook
- Patrol Roster
- The Patrol Roster is used to list telephone numbers and other information about each member in your Patrol
- Patrol Shopping List
- Use this form to prepare a shopping list based on the Patrol Menu and the number of Scouts going camping.
SPL Troop Aids
- Troop Attendance Record
- Can be used to record attendance for patrol or troop meetings & events.
- Troop Meeting Model
- An example of a well prepared Troop Meeting plan.
- Troop Meeting Plan
- Use this planning form to prepare for each Troop Meeting
- Troop Program Planning Worksheet
- This planning form is used to plan the yearly program of activities.
- PLC Meeting Format & Minutes
- Description of the agenda for a PLC and a form to organize note taking during the Patrol Leader Council Meeting.
- Senior Patrol Leader Camp-out Checklist
- Use this checklist to keep track of tasks that must be completed to properly prepare for a Troop camp-out activity.
National & Local Scout Sites
- BSA National Council
- Boy Scouts of America (BSA) official web site.
- Michigan Crossroads Council
- Michigan Scouts belong to the Michigan Crossroads Council.
- Chippewa District
- The District within the MCC to which Troop 156 belongs.
- BSA-Official Catalog
- The official online source for Scouting merchandise.
- BSA Online Learning Center
- Provides a variety of materials, from quick references to complete courses. Designed to help Scouters improve their leadership skills and deliver a quality program.
- Guide to Safe Scouting
- BSA's policies and procedures for conducting safe Scouting activities.
- Scouting Magazine
- Informational publication by the BSA for all registered adult volunteers and professionals.
- Boys' Life Magazine
- The official site for Boys' Life Magazine.
Scouting Resources
- Merit Badge Org
- Comprehensive site on Boy Scout rank requirements and merit badges.
- USSSP - Merit Badges
- Merit badge resources from the U.S. Scouting Service Project.
- BSA National Eagle Scout Association
- National Eagle Scout Association for the advancement of service.
- The Badge and Uniform Site
- Find out about the BSA's uniforms, insignia and badges, and flags and other material.
- US Scouting Service Project
- Scouting portal to lots of resources.
- Boy Scout Trail
- Well organized compilation of Scouting information.
- Scoutorama.com
- Find hundreds of skits, songs, projects, recipes,games, Scoutmaster's minutes, and other resources.
- Insane Scouter
- Another good resource for skits, songs and other scout info.

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