Helpful Links

Please note: If  there are any links that are no longer active, please email us and let us know.

Important Forms Permission Slip - Permission slip blank for outdoor activities Medical Form - all Scouts are required to have a medical form for participation at any Scout activity.  For a weekend activity, parts A and C need to be filled out and will be kept on file for one year.

There are many great online resources for Boy Scouts.  This is only a small sampling of some of the best we've found:

Boy Scouts of America National Council: National BSA Council's official site.
Grand Canyon Council BSA: Troop 747's BSA Council located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Thunderbird District: Troop 747's BSA District located in Phoenix, Arizona.
Wipala Wiki Lodge: Grand Canyon Council's Order of the Arrow (OA) Chapter.

www.MeritBadge.com: Everything you ever wanted to know about Merit Badges.
Merit Badge Worksheets: Links to worksheets for the 120 different Merit Badges available through BSA (all available in PDF format).
Required Merit Badges for Eagle Scout: List of Merit Badges that are required for Eagle Scout - badges with silver border (PDF format).

Advancement Videos: This is an awesome series of videos found on the BSA National Council site. Engaging, informational, and entertaining videos that go over each of the requirements for Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class. Narrated by kids for kids.
Campfire Planner: Planning sheet for Campfires which are held during Troop campouts. (PDF format).
Campout Planner: Planning sheet for Campouts - what are we going to do and when? (PDF format).
Menu Planner: Planning sheet for patrol menus for campouts. This is a required document for each patrol to fill out prior to any campout. (PDF format).
Packing List: What to bring on a campout or backpacking trip. (PDF format).
Patrol Box Inventory: Checklist of contents of patrol boxes for campouts. (PDF format).
Patrol Duty Roster: Printable duty roster for patrols. This is a required document for each patrol to fill out prior to any campout. (PDF Format)
Troop Meeting Planner: Blank meeting planner to aid Patrol Leaders' Council (PLC) in planning out upcoming meetings. (PDF Format)
Uniform Inspection Sheet: BSA Guidelines for Boy Scout uniforms (PDF format).

Looking for some great places to hike or camp in Arizona?  Take a look at these resources (Troop 747 "tested & approved"):

Beaver Creek Campground: Easy access to this campground from I-17 near Camp Verde.  Excellent area for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.  Within hiking distance of the V-Bar-V Heritage Site, the largest known site of petroglyphs in the Verde Valley. photos
Bismarck Lake Trail: Very easy hike near Flagstaff. There are plenty of undesignated camping areas nearby too. For an added bonus, head on over to the Lava River Cave for a day hike (see below).
Lava River Cave (a.k.a. Lava Tube): Located near Flagstaff, this mile-long lava tube is cool all year round (avg temp 35º-45º F). Make sure to bring good hiking shoes, warm clothes, and plenty of light for this hike.
Picacho Peak: With easy access to the park from I-10, and a variety of trails, this is a great area for new hikers and experienced ones alike. The Hunter Trail is a very technical climb involving metal cables at some points (bring work gloves). Great views of the surrounding valley from the summit too. photos
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area: This area is still in development, but there is already some well established riparian habitat to explore. There are four trailheads located in the South Phoenix area. photos
South Mountain Regional Park: With easy access from Phoenix, this is the country's largest municipal park. Plenty of hiking trails to choose from. Our favorite is the Hidden Valley trail.  Recommended for winter months.
Superstition Wilderness: We have only just begun exploring this area of 200+ miles of hiking trails. Our favorite trails so far have been the Dutchman's Trail and the Peralta Trail. This is a rugged wilderness area - plan accordingly. If you're looking for a good group campsite in the area, check out Lost Dutchman State Park.
White Tanks Regional Park: For some desert camping and hiking close to the Phoenix area, try this one out. Lots of variety in trails, great group campsites and facilities. Recommended for winter months. photos

Scout Tube: Featured in a recent issue of Boys' Life magazine, this is the official site of a Troop from Texas who put together a series of videos demonstrating each point of the Scout Law.  These videos are a must see for any Scout or Scouter.
Boys' Life: Official site for Boys' Life Magazine "for all boys".
The Scout Zone:  Fun portal for lots of kid (and parent) friendly Scout information.
Knots by Grog: Easy to follow animated graphics showing how to do several different types of knots.

100 Scouts: Well-circulated statement about the influence of Scouting on boys.
Scouting's Bottom Line: Another version of the "100 Scouts" poem.
100th Anniversary Video: Awesome video created for the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts.

MyScouting Portal: Online portal for Scout training.  Great resource for adult leaders (Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts).  Sign up for access so you can take online classes such as Youth Protection Training, Fast Start, and more.
Troop Resource Survey: Survey form for potential adult leaders and parents.

Patricia Casey: While hiking in the White Tanks, we met this local photographer. Take a look at some of the great photos on her website!