Handbooks and General Scout Information
- Troop Handbook (2021 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.
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 which is broken into four districts. The four districts are: President Ford Field Service Council, Water and Woods Field Service Council, Southern Shores Field Service Council, and the Great Lakes Field Service Council. Scouts belonging to Troop 156 are in the Great Lakes Field Service Council.
- Great Lakes Field Service Council
- The Field Service Council serving Troop 156.
- Chippewa District
- The District within the GLFSC 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.

© Boy Scouts of America, Troop156