NEWSLETTER
tuesday, april 19th
6:30 Committee Meeting
7:30 troop meeting
From the SPL
Hey Troop 77 I hope you had a great Easter Sunday and are ready to get back this week with some great scout spirit. Congratulations to Aadi and Aneesh Gupta who had their Eagle Scout Court of Honor on Sunday, also thank you to anyone who attended the Court of Honor and supported our new Eagle Scouts. This weeks meeting will have a presentation led by The Phoenix patrol about backpacking treks The link to the meeting plan is below.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dskXF79kUecfg7vFPT_cI35I1O5Tw78MLIhh-lBLMn0/edit
Thanks Have a Great Week.
Cadhan Cole
from the scoutmaster
I hope everyone had a nice weekend, and to those who celebrate – Happy Passover and Happy Easter!. A big congratulations to Aadi and Aneesh Gupta on their Eagle Court of Honor. We have a trip coming up next weekend: Troop 77’s April backpacking/day hiking trip to Standing Indian next weekend (assemble at 4:45 pm on Friday in the BBQ lot - see the Standing Indian trip page on the Troop site for all the details). If your patrol’s backpacking meal plan is still up in the air, you must finalize it and submit for my approval by the end of the meeting on Tuesday. Registration for the May Survivalist trip closes Monday, 4/25, and we have a New/Existing Parent Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 4/26 during the regularly scheduled troop meeting. Our Annual Planning Meeting is 5/1–if you are part of the PLC, you are expected to attend so save the date! Lastly, I emailed you this past week if you owe health forms for the April trip or Philmont; don’t forget to turn those in in-person on Tuesday.
Be Great Scouts and I will see you all on Tuesday.
Mrs. Sara Henderson
Scoutmaster
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
4/19 - 6:30P - Troop Committee Meeting
4/19 - 7:30P- Troop Meeting (Backpacking theme - Phoenix Patrol)
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/Existing Parent Meeting
4/26 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (Survivalist theme - Electric Dragons, 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 - Electric Dragons)
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 the remaining time will be devoted to drug abuse education
5/15 - 3P - Eagle CoH for Jay and Drew Crawford, OGUMC Sanctuary
5/17 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (Golden Ax - Mustangs)
5/24 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting (TBD - Titans)
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
Committee Meeting Tuesday, April 19th
Just a friendly reminder that our April Committee Meeting is this Tuesday at 6:30pm. We will focus on Summer Camping enrollments, health forms, and financial management activities in addition to other routine committee business.
Camp card funds due this Tuesday
All camp card money & unsold camp cards are due this Tuesday, April 19th. If you are unable to be at this week’s meeting or if you have any questions please email Mr. Rogers at jeffrogers0422@gmail.com.
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
CAMPING
Survivalist Campout at Camp Rotary on Lake Hartwell
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 25 at 10:00 p.m.
May 6 - 8
Trip Planner: Andrew Kraft
Trip Links
advancement
Congratulations to the following scouts who have earned their next rank. I missed including two individuals who earned Scout rank in March, so I am including them here.
Thomas Iredale - Scout rank on March 22, 2022
Landon Keith - Scout rank on March 22, 2022
Landon Keith - Tenderfoot rank on April 12, 2022
Carpenter Linneman - First Class rank on March 29, 2022
Cash Hackney - Star rank on March 29, 2022
I could use some adult volunteers to help with the Board of Review this week. If you have a few minutes and can help, please sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop
Pam Crawford
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
Merit Badge Summit
The April 30th Merit Badge Summit is just two weeks away and courses are filling up fast! Register for your spot today!
The event features STEM and Nature related Merit Badges and will be at Hyde Farm Park, 721 Hyde Road, Marietta, GA 30068. Registration fees for each course is $20 and Scouts can take two courses. Most courses will be 4 hours in length with sessions from 8 AM – 12 PM and 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM. All-day courses for more in-depth merit badges are noted on our website. Scouts staying for both sessions should bring a lunch.
The Merit Badge Summit is a great opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and make strong progress on key Merit Badges. More details can be found on our website!
VENTURE CREW 77
Venture Crew 77 will be doing Axe throwing May 22nd.
If you are 14 or have completed the 8th Grade (especially if you’re going to Philmont in 2023) and want to expand your Scouting experience, please join Venture Crew 77.
If you have questions or need additional information, then please contact Mr. Leff or me.
Thanks. Mr. Cole
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
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.
MUST BE 14 OR OLDER (OR 13 AND COMPLETED THE 8TH GRADE). REGISTRATION IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
** REGISTER ON YOUR OWN USING THIS FORM: https://www.nega-bsa.org/files/29905/2022-ranger-camp-flyer
** 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.
NYLT
It’s time to register for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). We strongly recommend all eligible Scouts that have not previously attended NYLT to register and take part in SBSA’s preeminent Youth training opportunity. To be eligible for NYLT, before the week you plan to attend, you must be:
13 or older
First Class
Completed ILST
Have the recommendation of your Scoutmaster
The NYLT Session Dates are as follows:
Session 1 - Sunday, May 29 2022 - Friday, Jun 3 2022
Camp Jamison (Bert Adams Scout Camp)
Session 2 - Sunday, Jun 5 2022 - Friday, Jun 10 2022
Camp Jamison (Bert Adams Scout Camp)
Session 3 (Part 1) - Saturday, Nov 19 2022 - Tuesday, Nov 22 2022
Adventure Camp (Bert Adams Scout Camp)
-AND-
Session 3 (Part 2) - Saturday, Dec 3 2022 - Sunday, Dec 4 2022
Adventure Camp (Bert Adams Scout Camp)
Session 4 Monday, Dec 26 2022 - Saturday, Dec 31 2022
Camps Emerson & Gorman (Bert Adams Scout Camp)
You can find additional information and register for NYLT at: https://aacnylt.org/
UPCOMING COUNCIL/DISTRICT EVENTS
IOLS Scouts BSA Outdoor Leader Training - April 30 - May 1, and October 8 - 9 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - April 23, 2022, August 20, 2022, September 24, 2022, and November 5, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/youthtraining)
Wilderness First Aid - (https://www.atlantabsa.org/wildfirstaid)
SOLO - Spring 2022 - Basic Course April 23-24, 2022
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
Merit Badge Summits - Saturday, Apr 30, 2022; Saturday, Aug 27, 2022; and Saturday, Oct 29, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgesummit)
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)
OA August Induction & Fellowship Weekend - August 26 - 28, 2022
OA Fall Fellowship - September 9 - 11, 2022
University of Scouting - September 24, 2022
OA Fall Induction & Fellowship Weekend - November 4 - 6, 2022
"Hightower Huddle" roundtable is april 28th at OGUMC
The Hightower Trail Roundtable is an opportunity for leaders to connect, crowdsource, celebrate, and collaborate on all things Scouting. ALL leaders in any unit are encouraged to join us for this once-a-month event!
We will have topics for discussion, including troop leader and pack leader breakouts. Be ready to crowdsource help for your own questions and issues. Don’t miss this chance to connect and collaborate!
We plan to meet indoors at Oak Grove!
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.
merit badge minute
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/
Construction Merit Badges
The Construction Merit Badge Day has spaces available! The Construction Merit Badge is one of the most exciting Merit Badge opportunities of the year. Scouts ages 15 and older are invited to register for one of the merit badge classes listed below. Each class is limited to 10 participants. Registration includes lunch, a hard hat, water bottle, and other items from our partners and instructors!
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 –
Or text @troop77p to the number 81010
Troop 77 Scouts
or text @troop77s to the number 81010
Troop 177 Parents –
Or text @troop177p to the number 81010
Troop 177 Scouts
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