Welcome To Scouts BSA Troop 142 - Lititz, PA

"Building Leaders Since 1967" 

Who Is Troop 142?

Inclusive & Community‑Focused

• Founded in 1967 by Thomas Lehmier, Marine Corps veteran. professional Scouter and Scoutmaster
• Chartered by St. James Catholic Church
• Open to ALL youth, regardless of faith or background
• Over 180 Eagle Scouts and counting
• A troop built on respect, service, opportunities for personal growth and learning lifelong skills
• Troop 142 has spent more than five decades helping young people grow into confident, capable leaders and citizens.
• Today, we continue that mission as a Family Troop serving both male and female youth of the Warwick School District and nearby communities.

Youth‑Led by Design 

• Scouts plan and run meetings, outings, and activities
• Adults provide guidance, mentoring, and safety
• Leadership is learned by doing, not watching

Mission & Values

• Scouting is centered on youth leadership, growth, and character
• Adult leaders provide guidance, mentoring, and safety, not control.
• Every Scout is seen as having potential — even those who struggle.
• We uphold the Scout Oath & Law and follow the Outdoor Code

Meetings & Structure

Troop Meetings (TM)

• When:   Thursdays, September–July
• Time:     7:30–9:00 PM
• Where:  St. James Hall, Lititz

Patrol Leaders’ Council (PLC)

• When:  First Thursday of each month
• Who:    SPL, ASPL(s), Patrol Leaders, Troop Guide, other youth leaders
• Role:
•              Plan meetings, outings, and the troop program
•              Serve as the troop’s governing body
•              Deliver the promise of Scouting
• Adults: Present only to advise and ensure safety

Scout-Run Troop

• Scouts plan and run all meetings and activities
• Emphasis on learning by doing             
• Leadership opportunities at every level
• Adults = support staff, not directors

Troop Committee

• When:       First Monday of each month
• Time:        7:00–9:00 PM
• Where:      Normally St James Catholic Church, Rm 104
• Purpose:  The "backbone" of the troop (support troop operations)

Recognition & Advancement

Court of Honor (COH)

• Three Family COHs per year
• Families encouraged to attend even if their Scout isn’t receiving an award
• Unique Tradition: Pinning of the Parent
•      Parents receive a pin matching their Scout’s new rank
• COHs are key for:
•     Recognition
•     Communication
•     Family support

Advancement Expectations

• Advancement follows naturally from:
•      Regular meeting attendance
•      Participation in trips and campouts
• Troop encourages advancement, but family support is essential
• We can lead your scout to the water, but they can only drink if you get them there

Elections

• Held twice per year (6‑month terms)
• Scouts elect their own leaders
• Order of the Arrow: Selected by peers via secret ballot (there are requirements for eligibility)

Discipline

• Minor issues handled by the PLC
• Serious issues involve the Scoutmaster and parent notification.
• Guided by the Scout Oath & Law

Faith & Religious Emblems

Catholic Awards (Chartered Organization Emphasis)

• Ad Altare Dei — 6th grade+, 9‑month program
• Pope Pius XII — age 14+/high school, 8‑month program
• Contact: Troop Chaplain 

P.R.A.Y. Program

• For Protestant & Independent Scouts
• Completed with the Scout’s own religious leader
• Contact: Troop Chaplain 

Purpose

• Support the 12th point of the Scout Law: A Scout is Reverent
• Ensure ALL Scouts can pursue the emblems of their faith 
• Availability based on adult leaders to lead these courses (in/out of the troop)

Questions?

We’re here to help anytime through the Contact Us page on the troop website home page.