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.

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.