tuesday, april 12th 

7:30 troop meeting

From the SPL

Hey Troop 77,

Hey Troop 77, I hope everyone had a good spring break. This week the Phoenix Patrol will be leading a presentation and game about backpacking. Materials needed from each patrol: Backpacking backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and a set of rain gear. If you have any questions or concerns I have put the link to this week's meeting plan down below.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jsRjxmCJBnH7qc3RtDJ4K2Ond5nU4eWw14a0Z6nkOqs/edit

Thanks,

Cadhan

from the scoutmaster

I hope everyone that had a safe and enjoyable spring break. A few reminders:

• APRIL BACKPACKING TRIP AT STANDING INDIAN, 4/22-24

  • Deadline to register is today at 10:00 pm.

  • Go to the troop Camping & Outings page to read the trip sheet and register https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/campingoutings.

  • Meal planning for the trip will take place at tomorrow night’s meeting.

• SUMMER CAMP:

  • We are going to Camp Daniel Boone Sunday, July 17th - Saturday, July 23rd.

  • Registration has ended but if you’d like to go, email Mrs. Crawford to sign up pamcrawford1@me.com. Be aware that, at this point, you may not get your first choice for merit badge classes or other activities. 

• MAY SURVIVALIST CAMPOUT, MAY 6-8 

  • Registration will open soon -  keep an eye out for the announcement.

• ANNUAL PLANNING MEETING IS MAY 1ST 12:30 TO 5:00 PM

  • This is our opportunity to put together the Troop calendar and general schedule for the next 12-18 months.

  • Every scout who is a sitting member of the PLC is expected to attend. 

  • Cadhan will be inviting other scouts and leaders to participate, but if you'd like to attend please email me ASAP.

• HEALTH FORMS

  • Many are due in the next few weeks, including (A, B1, B2, C, Insurance Card, Covid vaccination proof if applicable).

  • You should have received an email from me recently if yours are expiring. If you're unsure, shoot me an email.

• REITERATION OF TROOP 77 POLICY

  • IF YOU SEE OR HEAR SOMETHING (e.g., explicit or vulgar language, physical altercation, anything of a sexual or harassing nature, threats of physical violence, bullying, etc.), tell SPL Cadhan Cole or any ASM immediately -  do not wait until the next meeting to bring it up. We can’t address it if we don’t know about it.

Mrs. Sara Henderson

Scoutmaster

PHILMONT 2022 - PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT TRAINING

Starting at 6P on April 12th, Mr. Cole will be hosting a meeting for our 2022 Philmont Scouts and Adults to introduce you to using and maintaining most of the actual equipment we will be bringing to Philmont, and I will also be showing you how to use and set up equipment similar to what Philmont will provide.  Most of you will not need to bring any equipment; however, both Scouts and Adults need to decide in advance who they are planning on tenting with for the trip.  All youth will sleep in the Philmont provided 2-person tents, unless your crew has an odd number of youth, in which case, the solo youth can opt to bring a 1-person tent from home, or they can use a Philmont tent, and then carry half of it while dividing up the other half as Crew gear.  Adults can opt to tent solo in tents brought from home, in pairs using Philmont tents, or in pairs in a larger tent brought from home (I recommend no more than a 3-person tent and a total weight under 7lbs).  If you are going to be either a Scout or Adult solo tenting, then please bring your 1-person tent with you on April 12th if you have already purchased it.  Or, if you are an Adult and planning on pairing up and using a 3-person tent, then please bring that tent with you on 4/12 as well.  Remember, SCOUTS CANNOT SHARE A TENT WITH THEIR PARENTS!

SPRING AND SUMMER 2021 DETAILEd cALENDAR

Note: The majority of the dates in this section are on the Troop Calendar.  If you have not done so already (or if the dates are not showing up--there was a recent issue between Scoutbook and our Google Calendar), please subscribe to the Troop's calendar at https://scoutbook.scouting.org/ics/17077.45861.ics.  You can also find the calendar on the Troop's website and in Scoutbook.

APRIL

• 4/11 - Registration Deadline for Standing Indian Backpacking Campout (4/22-24)

• 4/12 - 6:00P - Philmont Equip/Process Meeting

• 4/12 - Troop Meeting (Backpacking theme, meal planning for Standing Indian Campout)

• 4/17 - 2:00P - Eagle CoH for Aadi and Aneesh Gupta, OGUMC Sanctuary

• 4/19 - 6:30P - Troop Committee Meeting

• 4/19 - 7:30P- Troop Meeting (Backpacking theme)

• 4/22-24 - Campout - Backpacking and Day Hiking at Standing Indian, NC

• 4/25 - Registration Deadline for Survivalist Campout (5/6-8)

• 4/26 - 7:30P - T77 New Parent Meeting

• 4/26 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (Survivalist theme, meal planning for Survivalist Campout)

• 4/28 - District Roundtable at OGUMC (all leaders encouraged to attend)

MAY

• 5/1 - 12:30P - Annual Planning Meeting at OGUMC

• 5/3 - 6:30P - PLC

• 5/3 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (Survivalist theme)

• 5/6 - 8 - Campout - Survivalist Campout at Rotary Scout Camp on Lake Hartwell

• 5/10 - 6:30P- ASM Roundtable

• 5/10 - 7:30P - Court of Honor - The CoH will not take the entire meeting time, and we will use the remaining time for Scouts to engage in Programing related to drug abuse.

• 5/15 - 3P - Eagle CoH for Jay and Drew Crawford, OGUMC Sanctuary

• 5/17 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (Golden Ax)

• 5/24 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (TBD) 

JUNE

• We are planning on having summer meetings on different nights during weeks in June (no Tuesday nights due to swim team). More info will be published after the May 1st Annual Planning Meeting. 

• 6/30 - 7/13 - Philmont High Adventure Trip

JULY

• 7/16 - (time TBD) - Pre-Summer Camp Departure Meeting

• 7/17 - (time TBD) - Depart for Summer Camp

• 7/17 - 7/23 - Summer Camp - Camp Daniel Boone Scout Camp

• 7/23 - (time TBD) - Return from Summer Camp

TROOP ELECTRONICS POLICY, CAMPOUT/ACTIVITY RULES, AND DISCIPLINE POLICY

For a multitude of reasons, we will be going back to strict enforcement of the Troop's ELECTRONICS POLICY at Troop Meetings, Campouts, and Other Events effective immediately.  While I personally appreciate all of those Scouts who acted appropriately in recent months while we intentionally relaxed the Electronics Policy, it has become clear that the policy needs to remain in place and be fully and effectively enforced given certain trends we have observed recently, including on our recent Cumberland Island campout.

In addition, I would remind all Scouts, Parents and Adult Leaders, to review and re-familiarize themselves with the Troop Electronic Policy, Troop 77 Campout and Activity Rules, and Troop Discipline Policy, which can be found at the following links (and are also on the last page of the Parent Guide posted on the Forms/Resources page of the Troop's website):

Troop Electronic Policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HABG3GfjuPoszwp_8LrEWqcmOe8__dB2/view

Troop 77 Campout and Activity Rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VIQE2jUiO92AwxPCeuSZRAwe5FaCwpKo/view

Troop Discipline Policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15aRRCJxpumFD5prx0lbzgUCIbRHiM5uk/view

Survivalist Campout

Trip info and signup will be published in mid-April

May 6 - 8

advancement

Board of Review

Troop 77 Scouts you have been working hard on your  rank advancement!  If you need a Board of Review (BOR) sign up here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop   If the sign up is full and you need me to add a slot for you, let me know.

Once again I need a few volunteers to help with Board of Reviews for the scouts this week.  Thank you to the volunteers who have been helping with the Board of Reviews!  I appreciate your help.  If you can help, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop

Pam Crawford

camp cards 

The 2022 Camp Card sale is coming to an end.  The last day of the sale is April 15.  If you have any money from selling camp cards and/or extra camp cards that you want to turn in, please bring them to the meeting this Tuesday, April 12 to give to Mr. Jeff Rogers.  All money and unsold camp cards must be turned in at the meeting on April 19.  Your escrow account will be credited.  If you have any questions please email Mr. Rogers at jeffrogers0422@gmail.com.

EAGLE COURTS OF HONOR HELP 

For anyone (Scouts or Parents) who can volunteer some time to help organize a few things, get things setup, or help take things down at the end of Eagle Courts of Honor, I know Mrs. Cole could certainly use the help.  It’s not an overwhelming amount of stuff to get done by a team, but it starts to get overwhelming if you are having to do it all by yourself. If you’re interested in helping with the Eagle Courts of Honor please contact Holly Cole (hpcole77@gmail.com or (770) 401-4992) and let her know.  With a big backlog from COVID and being fortunate to have 1-2 Scouts earning Eagle a month, this is a great way to give some time to the Troop on a night other than Tuesdays and a great place to start volunteering.

SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES

Scoutmaster Conferences for Scout, Star, Life and Eagle are conducted by Mr. Cole.  You can sign-up for Scoutmaster Conference for Scout, Star and Life by using the SignUp Genius on the Troop's Website under Scoutmaster Conferences (https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/scoutmaster-conferences?authuser=0) and following the instructions on that webpage.   Scoutmaster Conferences for Eagle can be arranged by emailing Mr. Cole at ctcole0308@gmail.com.  IF YOUR SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE IS BEFORE 7P, ONE OF YOUR PARENTS MUST BE PREPARED TO STAY FOR THE CONFERENCE (SO THAT WE HAVE TWO ADULTS PRESENT AND NO ONE-ON-ONE CONTACT) SO THAT WE CAN REMAIN YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING COMPLIANT.

Scoutmaster Conferences for Tenderfoot, Second Class and First Class are completed by an Assistant Scoutmaster and should be arranged through the ASM Helpdesk or by contacting Mr. Jensen at garyljensen@gmail.com.

PARENT OVERVIEW MEETING – TUESDAY, APRIL 26 @ 7:45

Please mark your calendar for our next Troop 77 Parent Overview meeting on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:45 pm  after opening flags of our regular Tuesday night Scout meeting.

The parent overview meeting will provide new (and renewing) parents an overview of:

• What to expect from Troop 77 Scouting

• Who’s involved with supporting the program

• General advice from other Scouting parents regarding their experiences and “lessons learned”

After a brief and informal presentation, we will have an open Q&A session for folks to get answers to their questions and to meet other parents who are active in Troop 77

order of the arrow

Hello everyone, this is Ryan Shimabukuro, your Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative. This newsletter contains important information about current and upcoming OA events, and more.

Elections

Congratulations on the following scouts who are now candidates of the Order of the Arrow:

• Bryan Ackerman

• David Anderson

• Andrew Booth

• Charles Fell

• Henry Fonder Kristy

• Evan George

• Harrison Hackney

• Alexander King

• Alex Lin

• Neal Narula

• Davis Van De Water

Here is a link for the candidates that contains helpful OA information: https://aacegwa.org/candidates/

Events and Registration

The link to our Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge website is https://aacegwa.org/. It has a calendar of upcoming events and information on how to register for the events. Here are the dates for the upcoming Induction Weekends and the registration deadlines:

• Spring Induction May 6-8, 2022 at Woodruff Scout Camp; register by April 26, 2022

• August Induction August 26-28, 2022 at Bert Adams Scout Camp; register by August 16, 2022

• Fall Induction November 4-6, 2022 at Bert Adams Scout Camp; register by October 25, 2022

Additionally, Lodge days of service are on the following Saturdays, May 21, July 9, and October 8, 2022.

Dues

Yes, there are dues in the OA. This year, and every year, dues are $25. They are due NOW! In some situations, if you did not pay dues last year, then you will need to pay those in order to pay your dues for this year and stay current. HOWEVER, this is important, if you attend OA events in which you pay a fee, the fee should cover your dues.

The Troop does NOT reimburse for payment of Adult or Youth OA dues, unless the Adult or Scout is actively involved in OA (e.g., attends monthly meetings, Chapter and Lodge events, Conclaves, Fellowship Events, Service Events, etc.), in which case you need to talk to me or Dr. Gilbert.

The link for paying dues is: https://www.atlantabsa.org/OAMemberRenewal

What is the Order of the Arrow?

According to the Order of the Arrow’s website (https://oa-bsa.org/), the Order of the Arrow is an honor organization that recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.

If you have any questions about the events, you can contact me or RJ, the current Etowah Chapter Chief at rj@rj-holloway.com

Thanks!

Ryan

TROOP 77 NEEDS ADDITIONAL ADULT VOLUNTEERS!

Troop 77 is seeking some new Parent Volunteers to help fill the following positions:

• Secretary – responsible for taking meeting minutes during the Monthly Committee Meeting and recapping them at the following Committee Meeting

• Hospitality Coordinator – Responsible for supporting food and other supplies for Troop celebratory and occasionally service events (e.g.  Courts of Honor, Advancement Weekend, Summer Fun event)

• Social Media Coordinator – responsible for making sure our social media content is appropriate and supporting our Scouts with periodic postings and refreshed content

In addition, our high-volume activities, advancement, financial, and google/website support groups would appreciate additional support as well.

If you can assist with supporting any of these functions, then please contact our Committee Chair, Bruce King, at commchair@troop77bsa.org

SCOUTMASTER ON SABBATICAL 

I plan to contribute this section to the Newsletter going forward so that everyone knows what I'm up to and my whereabouts during my Scoutmaster Sabbatical while Cadhan is the SPL and Ms. Henderson is the Scoutmaster working with and training Cadhan. 

This week, I will be hosting a Philmont equipment and process meeting at 6P before the regular Troop meeting.  This is a very important meeting as it will educate or Philmont 2022 Participants on how equipment we will be taking to or using at Philmont works, needs to be maintained, etc., including our Optimus Polaris backpacking multi fuel stoves, Platypus gravity water filtration systems, an inside view off Philmont's Thunder Ridge tents, rigging and setting up a Philmont dining fly in multiple configuration, emergency shelter plans and options, hanging bear bags, discussion of the Bear-muda Triangle, and if we have enough time, starting to cut Tyvek ground cloths for use under Philmont TR tents.  If you have questions on gear fitting, then feel free to bring it along with you and we can check it out.  

I will also continue to work with the Older Scout Patrols on a variety Program, Individual Patrol and Planning issues, so I hope all of our Older Scouts come out as we try to finalize short and long-term plans.

I have taken on a new role as District Roundtable Commissioner, and our next meeting is later this month on 4/28 at OGUMC where we will meet with Unit Leaders around the District, and our Scout and Venture topic of discussion will be backpacking food. 

I continue to work on High Adventure planning and execution, including our Philmont 2022 and 2023 trips.  I’m also beginning to work on a spring break 2023 Sea Base trip. 

I’m helping Mrs. Cole work through our back log of Eagle Courts of Honor. 

I will also be leading the Venture Crew in Axe throwing in May. Speaking of Venture Crew, if you’re 14 and have completed the 8th Grad and planning on going to Philmont 2023 or just want to expand your Scouting experience, please join Venture Crew 77. 

Thanks. Mr. Cole

upcoming scout days

Scout Day with the Braves - Sunday, May 29 @ 1:20 PM

The lockout is finally over and baseball is officially back! See the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins Sunday, May 29th at Truist Park! Tickets start at $13 with a portion of each ticket sale going back to Metro-Atlanta Scouting! https://offer.fevo.com/atlanta-braves-scout-night-561fffc?fevoUri=atlanta-braves-scout-night-561fffc%2F

Scout Day with the Dream - Friday, June 3 @ 7:30 PM

Take part in our very first Scout Day with the Atlanta Dream and watch as they face off against the reigning WNBA Champion Chicago Sky on Friday, June 3rd at the Gateway Center Arena!  Tickets start at $25 with a portion of each ticket sale going back to Metro-Atlanta Scouting!  https://offer.fevo.com/atlanta-dream-vs-chicago-sky-ozf4elw-a86e142?fevoUri=atlanta-dream-vs-chicago-sky-ozf4elw-a86e142%2F

RANGER CAMP –  JUNE 26 - JULY 1, 2022

For over 30 years, the US Army Rangers has partnered with the BSA to create a unique High Adventure opportunity for up to 100 participants including youth and adult.  Highlights include:

• Learning knots, including how to tie a climbing and rappelling harness

• Climbing, belaying and rappelling on various features, starting out small and leading up to a night rappel

• Learning how to construct a rope bridge as part of a team and night rope bridge competition

• Land navigation as part of a team using a map and compass

The camp is held at the Camp Frank D. Merrill US Army Ranger base in Dahlonega, GA.  Participants sleep in the barracks and eat in the mess hall or MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) in the field.  In the middle of the week, participants transition to Yonah Mountain and camp for two nights where skills are put into practice on a larger scale. 

1. MUST BE 14 OR OLDER (OR 13 AND COMPLETED THE 8TH GRADE).  REGISTRATION IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.

2. **  REGISTER ON YOUR OWN USING THIS FORM: https://www.nega-bsa.org/files/29905/2022-ranger-camp-flyer

3. **  NOTIFY CHRIS HENDERSON IF YOU’VE REGISTERED (chris@difco.us.com). 

For more information, click here: https://www.nega-bsa.org/Ranger.

Mr. Henderson went to this camp as a youth for 5 years in a row and considers it his favorite camp.  It is a lot of fun and very rewarding.  It inspired him to spend weekends in college climbing, rappelling and camping on Mt. Yonah.  He looks forward to going back to Ranger Camp this year and is happy to answer any questions you have.

new eagle required merit badge - citizenship in society

The first new merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program since 2017 will become Eagle required over the summer.  Called Citizenship in Society, it provides Scouts with opportunities to learn more about our world by encouraging them to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership — and to learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.

Troop 77 needs qualified (adult) merit badge instructors to lead Citizenship in Society.  Registration is now open for the next two Citizenship in Society Facilitator training sessions. They will be held on March 12th and April 23rd at the Volunteer Service Center (across from the Braves stadium).  Follow the link to register: https://www.atlantabsa.org/cis-training

Please e-mail Wes Brewer (wesbrewer@hotmail.com) with any questions.

UPCOMING COUNCIL/DISTRICT EVENTS

1. IOLS Scouts BSA Outdoor Leader Training - April 30 - May 1, and October 8 - 9 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)

2. Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - April 23, 2022, August 20, 2022, September 24, 2022, and November 5, 2022  (https://www.atlantabsa.org/youthtraining)

3. Wilderness First Aid - (https://www.atlantabsa.org/wildfirstaid)

• SOLO - Spring 2022 - Basic Course April 23-24, 2022

4. Allatoona Aquatics Merit Badge Days - Registration Opens April 22, 2022 - Saturday, June 4, 2022; Saturday, June 11, 2022; Saturday, June 18, 2022; Saturday, June 25, 2022; Saturday, July 9, 2022; Saturday, July 16, 2022; Saturday, July 23, 2022; Saturday, August 5, 2022; and Saturday, August 13, 2022

5. Merit Badge Summits - Saturday, Apr 30, 2022; Saturday, Aug 27, 2022; and Saturday, Oct 29, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgesummit)

6. National Youth Leadership Training - Session 1 Sunday, May 29 2022  -  Friday, Jun 3 2022; Session 2 Sunday, Jun 5 2022  -  Friday, Jun 10 2022; Session 3 (Part 1) Saturday, Nov 19 2022  -  Tuesday, Nov 22 2022 and (Part 2) Saturday, Dec 3 2022  -  Sunday, Dec 4 2022; and Session 4 Monday, Dec 26 2022  -  Saturday, Dec 31 2022 (https://aacnylt.org)

7. OA August Induction & Fellowship Weekend - August 26 - 28, 2022

8. OA Fall Fellowship - September 9 - 11, 2022

9. University of Scouting - September 24, 2022

10. OA Fall Induction & Fellowship Weekend - November 4 - 6, 2022

Summer Camp

Sign-up has started for High Adventure at Camp Daniel Boone during our week of Summer Camp, July 17-23! Check out the info and sign-up as soon as you know you want to participate in a backpacking, climbing, or whitewater trek! They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Here is the Adventure guide:

https://www.campdanielboone.org/files/40125/2022-high-adventure-guide 

and the full Summer Camp webpage:

 https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/campingoutings/Summer-Camp?authuser=0

summer camp staff opportunities

As a camp staff member, you will experience an amazing life-changing summer and have a monumental impact in helping to serve Scouts. Opportunities to serve as a member of the Atlanta Area Council camp staff are available to outstanding applicants. For more information and to apply: https://www.atlantabsa.org/files/18189/Camp-Staff-Application

wood badge course registration

Looking to advance your skills as a Scout leader? Complete your Wood Badge training with the Atlanta Area Council. Registration for the final two Wood Badge courses of the year is open.

https://www.atlantabsa.org/woodbadge

merit badge minute

Atlanta Area Council:  

The Atlanta Area Council is offering Aviation Merit Badge on April 16th.  For more information and to sign up, follow this link:  https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays

Dunwoody Nature Center:

The Dunwoody Nature Center has published its Merit Badge offerings for 2022.  Upcoming workshops include Bird Study, Nature, and Soil & Water Conservation.   For more info and to sign up, click here:  https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/

Allatoona:

Registration for this summer's Aquatics Merit Badge Days at Allatoona will open on April 22nd.  Scouts may choose from a handful of badges, including canoeing, swimming, lifesaving and motorboating.   Classes can fill up fast so, if interested, be ready to sign up when registration opens.  Click here for more information:  https://www.atlantabsa.org/caabmb

Chattahoochee Nature Center:

The Chattahoochee Nature Center has announced its merit badge offerings for the spring.  Sign up for Nature MB (April 24), Canoeing MB (May 1), Environmental Science (May 15) and/or Mammal Study MB (May 22) by following the link:  https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/education/scouts/scouts-bsa/

community service opportunities

Click the link below to see all of the community service opportunities available this fall.

https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/service

Communication     

Remind Application

Troop 77 Parents –

•  https://www.remind.com/join/troop77p

• Or text @troop77p to the number 81010

Troop 77 Scouts

• https://www.remind.com/join/troop77s

• or text @troop77s to the number 81010

Troop 177 Parents –

• https://www.remind.com/join/troop177p

• Or text @troop177p to the number 81010

Troop 177 Scouts

• https://www.remind.com/join/troop177s

• or text @troop177s to the number 81010

Scoutbook

• At least one parent/guardian MUST activate their Scoutbook account.  

• Only the linked parent/guardian can activate the scout's access to their Scoutbook account.  (If you scout does not have an email please make them a free account at gmail.com)

• To activate your Scout's account complete please click here How to activate your scout's Scoutbook account

• Scoutbook has a mobile app. Search for “Scouting BSA” in the APP Store or Google Play and download today! Your login is the same as the web version.

• Coming soon a scout will be able to check their escrow account, if medical forms are out of date, swim test status and much more

Other Announcements

Troop 77 Calendar: Use the following address to access the Troop 77 calendar from other applications. You can copy and paste this into any calendar product that supports the iCal format.

https://www.scoutbook.com/ics/17077.45861.ics