Scouting's National Honor Society

Order of the Arrow

For more than a century, the Order of the Arrow (OA) has recognized scouts and scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives, promoting cheerful service and outdoor traditions.

Brotherhood & Fellowship

Fosters lifelong bonds among youth leaders across Northern New Jersey council lodges through collaborative service and outdoor gatherings.

Cheerful Service

Dedicated to selfless service for our troop, local camps, and the Livingston community without seeking personal acclaim.

Youth Leadership

Provides advanced leadership opportunities in Chapter and Lodge officerships, conclaves, and high-adventure service treks.

Path to Membership

Elected by Peers, Proven through Service

Unlike merit badges or advancement ranks, OA membership is not earned through a checklist. Candidates are chosen by fellow troop members who see real leadership and service in action.

01

Troop Peer Election

Elected by their own troop peers after demonstrating First Class rank, at least 15 days and nights of scout camping, and genuine living of the Scout Oath and Law.

02

The Ordeal Induction

A 24-hour induction weekend of self-reflection, quiet dedication, camp improvement service, and acceptance into the lodge.

03

Brotherhood & Vigil

Sealing membership through 6+ months of active service, with potential nomination to the Vigil Honor for rare and distinguished devotion.

Troop 16 OA Representatives & Elections

Annual troop elections are scheduled each spring. Speak with the Troop OA Representative or Scoutmaster for eligibility criteria and lodge event calendars.

Annual Troop Fundraiser

Troop 16 Popcorn Sale

The annual popcorn sale is Troop 16's primary fundraiser. It empowers scouts to earn their own way to summer camp, adventure treks, and troop outings while learning budgeting, communication, and goal setting.

Scout Account Credits

A substantial portion of every sale goes directly into the scout's individual troop account to fund summer camp, high adventure trips, and gear.

Troop Gear & Equipment

Proceeds help purchase and maintain troop tents, patrol cooking gear, camp trailers, safety equipment, and merit badge library books.

Rank Advancement & Awards

Funds help cover court of honor patches, merit badges, rank pins, and leadership training scholarships for youth leaders.

Community Service Projects

Supports Troop 16 community initiatives in Livingston, conservation service projects, and local Eagle Scout service projects.

Three Ways to Support Our Scouts

Choose the method that works best for your family, friends, and neighbors.

Fastest & Easiest

Online Direct Delivery

Order online year-round with direct doorstep shipping anywhere in the United States. Perfect for sharing with out-of-town family, friends, and alumni.

  • No money handling required
  • Direct home delivery via carrier
  • Over 15 premium flavors and gift tins
Community Favorite

Show & Sell Storefronts

Scouts host weekend booth sales at local Livingston retail partners, learning face-to-face communication, teamwork, and salesmanship.

  • Live sales at Livingston Town Center & local markets
  • Credit card and cash accepted on-site
  • Immediate pickup of packaged popcorn
Classic Neighborhood

Traditional Take-Order

Scouts take advance orders throughout September and October using official catalog order sheets, followed by in-person delivery in November.

  • Delivered by your neighborhood scout
  • Includes military donation options
  • Full selection of seasonal favorites
Campaign Schedule

Fall Sale Timeline

All registered scouts receive an individualized Trail's End app account to track online orders, record storefront hours, and monitor earned scout credits in real time.

Late AugustPopcorn Kickoff & Trail's End App Registration
September – OctoberStorefront Show & Sell weekends & Neighborhood Take-Orders
Late OctoberTake-Order sheets and online order cutoff deadline
Mid NovemberProduct distribution and customer delivery week

Popcorn Kernel Contact

Have questions about ordering, storefront sign-ups, or scout account balance transfers? Reach out to our parent fundraising committee.

Location:Livingston, NJ 07039
Troops:Troop 16
Scout Advancement Trail

Advancements & Merit Badges

Advancement is the method by which Troop 16 scouts build self-reliance, master outdoor disciplines, and develop lifelong character through progressive achievement.

The Four Steps of Scout Advancement

Every rank and recognition follows a proven cycle designed to foster genuine mastery and confidence.

01

A Scout Learns

During weekly troop meetings, patrol gatherings, and monthly campouts, scouts learn essential skills from senior youth leaders and merit badge counselors.

02

A Scout Is Tested

When a scout feels confident in a requirement, they demonstrate their proficiency to an older scout leader (Star, Life, or Eagle) or adult leader.

03

A Scout Is Reviewed

Upon completing rank requirements, the scout has a Scoutmaster Conference followed by a formal Board of Review conducted by Troop Committee members.

04

A Scout Is Recognized

Advancements and merit badges are formally awarded at our seasonal Troop Courts of Honor in front of fellow scouts, leaders, and families.

The Scout Rank Progression

Scouts advance at their own pace with guidance from senior youth patrol leaders, Scoutmasters, and merit badge counselors.

Foundational Scoutcraft

Trail to First Class

ScoutTenderfootSecond ClassFirst Class

Focuses on essential outdoor survival, first aid, knots, camping safety, cooking, physical fitness, and active troop participation.

Leadership & Service

Patrol Leadership & Merit Badges

StarLife

Emphasizes sustained leadership roles, active community service projects, earning required merit badges, and mentoring younger troop members.

Pinnacle Achievement

The Eagle Trail

Eagle Scout

The culmination of a scout's journey requiring 21 merit badges, dedicated leadership, Scout spirit, and planning and executing a major community service project.

Tracking & Records

Scoutbook Online Tracking

Troop 16 utilizes official BSA Scoutbook to record completed requirements, track camping nights, log service hours, and register merit badge progress. Both scouts and parents can log in at any time to monitor upcoming goals.

Troop Support

Scheduling Conferences & Reviews

Ready for your next rank? Speak with your Patrol Leader and Scoutmaster at Wednesday night meetings to schedule your Scoutmaster Conference, followed by a Committee Board of Review.

Troop 16 Standards

Uniform Guidelines & Insignia

The Scout uniform creates equality, builds belonging, and displays each scout's personal journey and accomplishments. Here is everything you need to know about outfitting your scout.

Scouts in official Class A tan field uniform
Official Field Uniform
Field Uniform (Class A)
Required for weekly troop meetings, travel, flag ceremonies, and formal Courts of Honor.
Troop 16 standard
Inspected during rank advancements
Family Tip: You only need to purchase the shirt, shoulder loops, and pants to begin. The troop provides the unit neckerchief at your first formal ceremony.
Scouts BSA Khaki Shirt
Required
Official short-sleeve or long-sleeve tan uniform shirt. Troop 16 scouts wear the standard tan field shirt.
Note: Should have room for growth; purchase with council shoulder patch or add separately.
Troop 16 Neckerchief & Slide
Provided by Troop
Troop 16 custom neckerchief is presented to the scout upon joining during investiture. Worn rolled neatly under the collar.
Note: Replacements can be purchased through the Troop Quartermaster.
Scouts BSA Pants or Switchbacks
Required for Formal Events
Official olive green uniform pants, shorts, or zip-off switchback pants with the official web belt.
Note: Clean, dark green or neutral outdoor hiking pants are acceptable for weekly meetings.
Merit Badge Sash
Required after first rank
Olive green merit badge sash worn over the right shoulder at Courts of Honor, Scoutmaster Conferences, and Board of Reviews.
Note: Merit badges are sewn in neat columns of three.
Shoulder Loops
Required
Forest green shoulder loops buttoned on each epaulet indicating Scouts BSA membership.
Note: Come standard or can be bought at local Scout Shop.
Footwear & Socks
Required
Clean hiking boots or dark closed-toe shoes paired with official BSA green socks with red tops or neutral wool socks.
Note: Closed-toe shoes are always mandatory at all Scouting events.
Frequently Asked Questions

Uniform Questions & Advice

Need help getting fitted before your first meeting?

Our troop leaders and Quartermaster are happy to answer any questions or check uniform sizing before you buy.

Ask a Leader
Troop 16 Resources

Forms & Documents

Download required medical forms, trip permission slips, rank advancement workbooks, and leadership resources for Troop 16 in Livingston, NJ.

RequiredMedical & Health
BSA Annual Health and Medical Record (Parts A, B & C)
Required annually for all scouts and adults attending weekend campouts (Parts A & B) and summer camp/high adventure (Part C with doctor sign-off).
All Scouts & LeadersAnnual RevisionPDF • 1.2 MB
Download
Outings & Trips
Troop 16 Activity & Weekend Campout Permission Slip
Standard parent consent form required for monthly camping trips, hiking excursions, and off-site troop activities.
All OutingsSept 2024PDF • 340 KB
Download
RequiredYouth & Adults
Youth Protection Training (YPT) Verification Guide
Instructions for parent volunteers and adult leaders on completing mandatory BSA online Youth Protection training.
All Adult VolunteersCurrent BSA StandardPDF • 520 KB
Download
Rank & Awards
Eagle Scout Rank Application & Project Workbook
Official National BSA Eagle Scout leadership service project workbook package, checklists, and council submission guidelines.
Life to Eagle ScoutsOfficial BSA FormPDF • 2.8 MB
Download
Rank & Awards
Merit Badge Blue Card Request & Worksheet
Scoutmaster sign-off blue card request process along with standard merit badge preparation worksheets.
Merit Badge CandidatesOngoingPDF • 410 KB
Download
Medical & Health
High Adventure Base Physical & Risk Acknowledgment
Special supplementary health clearance and physical fitness standards for Philmont, Sea Base, Northern Tier, and Summit Bechtel.
High Adventure ParticipantsHigh Adventure CrewPDF • 1.6 MB
Download
Youth & Adults
Troop 16 Family Welcome Handbook & Code of Conduct
Comprehensive guide for new families joining Troop 16, including dues, meeting times, and uniform expectations.
New & Active Families2024-2025 EditionPDF • 1.9 MB
Download
Rank & Awards
Scout-Led Patrol Leader Council (PLC) Planning Sheets
Monthly troop meeting planning templates and agenda outlines used by Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders.
Troop Leadership CorpLeadership TermPDF • 280 KB
Download

Need help submitting forms?

Completed paper forms can be handed to your Scribe or Scoutmaster at our weekly Wednesday troop meetings (7:30–9:00 PM in Livingston).

Troop 16 Calendar

Calendar of Activities & Planning

Boy Scouts of America Troop 16 (Livingston, NJ) offers year-round outdoor adventures, weekly scout-led meetings, monthly camping expeditions, and high adventure expeditions. Explore our schedule and gear up for upcoming trips.

Annual Program Highlights

Key seasonal milestones for Troop 16 throughout the year

Sep - NovCore Program
Fall 2025

Autumn Trek & Campfire Skills

Welcome back campout, orienteering weekend at Kittatinny, and annual Popcorn Fundraiser kickoff.

Dec - FebAdvancement
Winter 2025-26

Cold Weather Survival & Klondike

Winter cabin camp, Klondike Derby competition, and advancement preparation for Court of Honor.

Mar - MayHigh Adventure
Spring 2026

Whitewater & Backpacking

Delaware River canoe trip, Appalachian Trail shake-out hike, and district camporee challenge.

Jul - AugCamp Week
Summer 2026

Resica Falls Summer Camp

Week-long BSA resident summer camp in Pennsylvania, merit badge academies, and Philmont expedition.

Scheduled Events & Campouts

Filter activities to plan your family attendance and preparation

Weekly Meeting
Every Wednesday
Weekly Troop Meeting

Regular patrol meetings, knot tying workshops, and scout-led leadership council discussions for Troop 16 scouts (boys and girls).

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Livingston Scout Lodge
Campout
October 18 - 20, 2025
Delaware Water Gap Backpacking Weekend

Three-day trail hike covering 12 miles. Scouts practice backcountry cooking, trail navigation, and Leave No Trace ethics.

Departs Friday 5:00 PM
Worthington State Forest, NJ
Court of Honor
November 13, 2025
Fall Court of Honor & Family Dinner

Recognizing rank advancements, merit badges earned during summer, and special leadership appointments with families.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Livingston Community Center
Winter Camping
January 17 - 19, 2026
Klondike Derby Practice Camp

Sled building, cold-weather shelter construction, first-aid scenarios, and inter-patrol winter survival challenges.

Weekend Campout
Camp Allamuchy, Stanhope NJ
Committee
First Monday Monthly
Troop Committee & Parents Planning Meeting

Parent volunteers and adult leaders coordinate logistics, budget, transportation, and upcoming excursion safety reviews.

7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Virtual & Scout Lodge
Service Project
December 6, 2025
Eagle Scout Service Project Workday

Community service build organized by candidate Life Scout. Tools and lunch provided for all participating youth and adults.

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Riker Hill Art Park, Livingston

Scout & Family Planning Resources

Download official forms, check gear recommendations, or sync with our digital calendar feed to ensure your scout is prepared.

Annual Schedule

1.4 MB

2025-2026 Master Troop Calendar (PDF)

Complete 12-month schedule including weekend departures, lodge meetings, and school district alignment.

Required Form

820 KB

BSA Annual Health & Medical Record (Parts A & B)

Mandatory health form required for all weekend trips and standard troop outings under 72 hours.

Packing Guide

450 KB

Weekend Campout Gear Checklist

Recommended 10 essentials, cold-weather sleeping gear, and patrol cooking equipment checklist.

Permission Slip

310 KB

Activity Permission & RSVP Slip

Standard liability waiver and parent sign-off form for monthly outdoor excursions.

Questions about an upcoming trip or requirement?