NEWSLETTER

tuesday, august 10th

7:30 Meeting outside scout hall

ASM Helpdesk will open at 6:45pm before each meeting in August 

Masks Required During Troop Meetings at OGUMC

Going forward, masks are required during troop meetings and scouting activities INDOORS AND OUTDOORS on the OGUMC campus for all individuals REGARDLESS OF AGE OR VACCINATION STATUS.   

We can meet indoors when appropriate (i.e., due to weather, Court of Honor, to use AV equipment, etc.), but everyone MUST BE MASKED, including covering both your mouth and nose at all times indoors and outdoors.

As a Troop, we will also continue to encourage and enforce social distancing both indoors and outside. We also continue to encourage all eligible Scouts, Adult Leaders and anyone else eligible that may come in contact with Troop 77 Scouts to get vaccinated and help minimize the risk to the Troop and our Scouts.

Our mask policy will be strictly enforced for Troop 77. We understand the need to be flexible and recognize that Scouts will inadvertently violate the policy, but any repeated or intentional violation of the new indoor mask policy will be grounds for immediate removal from the meeting and potential suspension from future meetings.

FROM THE SCOUTMASTER

It's already time to start our fall camping season with our Rafting Trip this coming weekend (August 13 - August 15).  We will be camping at Camp Rainey Mountain and rafting the Chattooga River.  A few reminders regarding the Rafting Trip:

1.  everyone will be solo tenting, with the exception of a few siblings who know who they are, so please make sure you bring your tent (and parents CANNOT share a tent with their Scout purusuant to the Guide to Safe Scouting);

2. the Troop is still encouraging minimal carpooling and will NOT be organizing carpooling prior to departure and recommends that those carpooling wear a mask; 

3. we will be meeting at OGUMC in the BBQ pit parking lot at 5P prior to departure on Friday 8/13 to load the trailers with the goal of departing as soon thereafter as possible, so please be on time (for middle school student parents, this mean you might need to actually pick-up at school given how late the buses have been so far this year); 

4. you will need money for dinner on Friday night during the trip up to CRM, and for lunch on Sunday for the trip back to the Church;

5. all parents picking up Scouts on Sunday that that are not staying at CRM for the campout should plan to arrive at CRM at approximately 10A on Sunday 8/15;

6. we will all be meeting back at the Church between 1P - 2P on Sunday to unload the trailer, take a final roll call, and be dismissed by the SPL;

7. everyone should review the Rafting Mask and COVID Policy at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rhOP-vwjL19j-fCGH9INlv6e7F2HPZ2L/view;

8. everyone should have completed and turned in waivers by now (for both rafting outfitters);

9. everyone going rafting must be classified as a SWIMMER -- we still have a few people that have not been classified, and you must contact Mr. Cole (ctcole0308@gmail.com) this week to complete your swim test or YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO RAFTING AND YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET A REFUND AT THIS POINT; and

10. please send vaccination or testing information not already on file with the Troop per the Rafting Mask and COVID Policy referenced in #7 above to Ms. Sara Henderson at sara_crofton@yahoo.com

Before this week's Troop meeting on 8/10, we will be having our ASM Roundtable at 6:30P and running until about 7:20P.  All ASMs and Unit Scouter Reserves are welcome to attend this Roundtable as we discuss the Adult roles and needs in the Troop Programming.  

The Google Calendar on the Troop's website and in Scoutbook should be up-to-date, so please make sure you check it out and plan ahead.  You can subscribe to the Troop's Google Calendar by pasting the following link into any calendar app that supports the iCal format: https://scoutbook.scouting.org/ics/17077.45861.ics 

On the "Calendar" tab of the Troop's website, you will find a link to the current PDF of the Annual Planning Meeting Summary (APMS), which gives a more specific breakdown of what is going on at future meetings, campouts, other Troop events, etc.  The APMS will be updated and may change often as the Troop Program is flexible and sometimes needs to change to accommodate schedule limitations, changes in Program planning, and have more detail added as Programs further out on the APMS are more fully developed.  As a general rule, dates such as Courts of Honor, weeks with no meetings, special events (example, OGUMC BBQ), and campouts will not change (although, location and details for those events may have to be adjusted, so always double-check as those events get closer).  Parents, please make sure both you and your Scouts are checking the APMS and Calendars regularly as well as reading the Newsletter and reviewing the Troop website for updates and additional information.  If you notice any conflicting information between these resources, please email me and let me know as soon as possible so we can try to remedy that and limit any confusion.  

A link to the 7-Part Meeting Plan (which provides even more detail than the APMS) for each specific meeting will be posted in the Newsletter by the SPL and on the "Home" page of the website.  The 7-Part Meeting Plan provides detailed times and activities occurring at the next meeting, and it should be reviewed by each Scout in advance of the meeting so they can Be Prepared for the planned activities and know if they have specific responsibilities (example, Service Patrol responsible for clean-up).  

We will be having our first Court of Honor after summer and summer camp on August 17th, and the cutoff for getting advancement, merit badges, etc. into this CoH is this week's meeting on Tuesday  8/10.   You can read more information about the CoH below.

I have heard from several parents and Scouts that they are not receiving the Newsletter.  This is very easily remedied by simply signing up using the Remind information you will find at the bottom of this Newsletter and is also on the Troop's website at the bottom of the Forms/Resources tab at https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/formsresources?authuser=0 .  This week only, I will also be forwarding the Newsletter link via Scoutbook to make sure everyone gets it and can get signed-up for Remind.

Finally, several parents have mentioned they were not sure where to go to look for particular basic information regarding the Troop and how things operate.  The key document to look at as a reminder, refresher, or maybe you just skipped the parent meetings before but now want to get more involved is the Parents Guide Revision 2021 at https://drive.google.com/file/d/12xkyG7UNGEo4WFUJ07ZYlnqmtbK0CVoX/view (including the attachments referenced therein).  There is also helpful information under the "New Parent Presentations" section under the Forms/Resources tab of the Troop website at https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/formsresources?authuser=0

I'm looking forward to another great year of Scouting, of individual growth (including Scouts, Leaders, and Parents), and growth in the Troop as a whole.  Scouting is ultimately what each of us individually and collectively make of it, so let's make it something great and fulfilling for everyone involved.

Thanks.  Mr. Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

advancement

Congratulations to the following scouts who successfully completed their Board of Review last week:

• Pearce Becker - Scout Rank on 8/3/2021

• Cash Hackney - Second Class on 8/3/2021

• Will Fell - Second Class on  8/3/2021

• Alex King - Star Rank on 8/3/2021

• Michael Bryant - Life Rank on 8/3/2021

Summer Advancement - if you went to merit badge classes or were a provisional scout at a camp, please make sure to bring me your blue cards and completion reports.  

Woodruff Summer Camp - We are still working on the Advancement packets from all the work you did this summer!   Everything should be entered in Scoutbook so if you see an error or have questions, please let me know.   We hope to have the merit badges and advancement items ready by the end of the meeting this week.  More likely they will be ready at the Court of Honor on August 17th  

BOARD OF REVIEW - Scouts - Sign up for a BOR at the link below.  If the slots are full, let me know and I will see what I can do to get your scheduled.  

BOARD OF REVIEW - Parents - Again this week, I need your help to sit on the Board of Review for the scouts who are ready to rank up.  There are several spots on the signup genius with 2 scouts needing a BOR.   Several scouts have worked hard to finish their rank requirements and the last step is to interview with 3 adults during a Board of Review. I am looking for a group of 3-4 parents who can help this week.  I am looking for adults who are NOT Assistant Scoutmasters.  Why? the BOR is independent of those who are teaching and working with the scouts on skills.  What does it require?  Time - 15 to 20 minutes per BOR.  Otherwise, I give you a list of questions for the rank to help if you are not sure what to talk about.  I am in particular need of adults for BOR at the meetings.  I am typically working with scouts and adults on Advancement processing.  As you can imagine right now is busy with all the summer camp merit badges and other items to follow up on.  Just sign up for a slot (even if no scout is listed yet) on the Sign Up Genius.  Sometimes you sign up and are not needed which is easier for me than scrambling to find an adult.    

BOR Sign Up for Scouts and Volunteers:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop

Scouts - A  reminder, all rank advancements and merit badges are processed after the SCOUT (not the parent) comes to the Advancement Table.  For rank advancements, we verify the signed Scout Handbook.  For merit badges, we review and verify the approved blue card.   Next, we process the item so it can be awarded.   Please make sure to see me if you have ranked up or finished a badge.  Mr. Cole had a lot of information in the newsletter last week including the Troop policy on merit badge blue cards which is important as to how merit badges get approved and processed at T77.

Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair

pamcrawford1@me.com

MERIT BADGE SUMMIT - AUGUST 21ST and october 30

The Atlanta Area Council's Merit Badge Summit helps Scouts learn about different fields by recruiting experienced professional counselors. Registration is open for the Merit Badge Summit on August 21 located at Hyde Farm Park. Scouts will have the opportunity to begin earning one of over 20 Merit Badges offered! 

The Atlanta Area Council will also be hosting another Merit Badge Summit on October 30th at the Volunteer Service Center (where the Scout Shop is located by the new Braves Stadium).  More details on the October 30th Merit Badge Summit will be forthcoming soon.  

Follow the link for more info:  https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit

Swim tests for september canoe trip

We are in the process of arranging some limited dates for conducting swim tests prior to the Canoeing Trip in September.  I assume most people that will be attending the trip already took the swim test at one of the five prior opportunities to do so earlier this year.  However, if you did not, then please let Mr. Cole know by email (ctcole0308@gmail.com) as soon as possible that you are planning on going on the Canoe Trip and need to take the swim test, and we will let you know the dates for us to conduct the swim tests shortly.  

You can also have the test completed yourself using the attached form and information https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/outdoor%20program/aquatics/pdf/430-122.pdf.  Note that a Council-Approved Resource must be used to conduct the test as stated on page 2, and before you use an "etc." please contact Mr. Cole (ctcole0308@gmail.com) to verify who you want to use is acceptable.  Once the test is completed, the test administrator should fill out page 1 AND provide a copy of their current certification or credentials.  You should then scan (do not photograph) and email the completed page 1 and credentials to Mr. Cole at the email above or bring them to him at a Troop meeting.  He will then sign them and keep them with the Troop's master Swim Classification records.

OGUMC BBQ

Save the date of Saturday October 16th for the Oak Grove UMC Barbecue.  Details for the barbecue are still being finalized, but we expect all Scouts to volunteer to help out at that event.  Also, we need about 6 volunteers to help cook cobblers for the overnight cooking crew on Friday the 15th starting around 6:30P in 2-man 1.5 hour shifts.

court of honor

Our post-Summer Camps Court of Honor will be held on August 17, 2021 at 7:30P in the Church Sanctuary, and we have a ton of stuff to recognize and hand out.  All Scouts, Parents, and Adult Leaders are both invited and encouraged to attend.  This is definitely one of the times you really get to see what a major impact Troop 77 and its size, strength, and opportunities provided has on the Scouts and Registered Adults in the Troop, and how those impacts affect the District and Council significantly in terms of Troop 77's generally strong and robust advancement activities.  Since this event will be held indoors in the Sanctuary, masks are required to be worn at all times by all attendees.  As a youth-led event, you will get an opportunity to see a Scout (or Scouts) MC at the event, typically as part of the Communication Merit Badge.  And, this Court of Honor will be even more significant than usual because our candidates running for SPL will be delivering their "candidate speeches" and naming their slate of ASPLs as part of this event.  It is very important that as many Scouts as possible attend this event and listen to what the SPL candidates have to say, since the elections will be the following week.

SENIOR PATROL LEADER (SPL) AND PATROL LEADER GUIDELINES FOR ELECTIONS FOR FALL 2021

FREQUENCY

• The next SPL and PL terms will begin on 9/28/2021 and run through the end of the meeting on March 22, 2022.

• SPL Candidates must declare to the Scoutmaster by email (ctcole0308@gmail.com) their intention to run for SPL no later than 10:00 PM on August 10, 2021 and demonstrate they meet the eligibility requirements below.

• SPL Candidates must prepare and deliver a 2-3 minute speech on their qualifications and plans on August 17, 2021 and announce their specific proposed ASPL slate at that time (a candidate’s ASPL slate can include other SPL candidates) [NOTE: this is the same night as the next Court of Honor and this will be incorporated in that activity, so please be prepared to speak in front of not only Scouts but also parents as well as Adult Leaders for the Troop.]

• SPL and PL Elections (and any potential Runoffs) will be held at the Troop meeting on August 24, 2021.

ELIGIBILITY

A Patrol Leader (PL) candidate must:

• Agree to run for election and express the desire and responsibility for the position,

• Be active in the Troop having satisfactory Troop meeting and campout attendance,

• Have eligibility approved by the Scoutmaster before the election, and

• Have registered for or completed ILST.

A Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) candidate must:

• Meet the above Patrol Leader requirements,

• Be Star rank or above,

• Participate in pre-election candidate speech and announce specific ASPL candidates,

• Be available to attend the PLC at the first Troop meeting in September (9/7/2021) as a (1) non-voting observer, and (2) in any PLC capacity the SPL-elect is currently serving,

• Be a member of the PLC in the past 2 years,

• Completed NYLT (can complete in June for spring/summer term or November for fall/winter term if not completed already, but you must be registered before elections),

• Have earned 8 campout points or more,

  • 1 point per campout for the past year

  • 2 points for attending most recent summer camp (Woodruff in July 2021) or any other full-week Scout summer camp in the summer of 2021

  • 1 point for each Order of the Arrow level completed (for Ordeal, 1 point will be credited if you are a recently elected candidate and registered for an upcoming Ordeal weekend)

  • 1 point for each of the four BSA High Adventure Bases attended or registered to attend

• Have attended at least 2 campouts in the 6 months prior to the election date.

NOTE: The Scoutmaster may waive any and all eligibility requirements based upon special circumstances, so if you are considering running but fall a little short somewhere, then let's discuss instead of just assuming you cannot run.

SPL REQUIREMENTS

• Plan, attend and lead all PLCs, Troop meetings and campouts (some exceptions may apply),

• Provide communication and newsletter updates as required,

• Fill all Positions of Responsibility and communicate same to Scoutmaster immediately upon induction as SPL,

• Be responsible for fulfilling all duties of an SPL for the full term (Scouts who “age-out” during the 6 month terms are not allowed to run for SPL if they will age-out more than 15 days before the end of their term),

• Prepare and Host Annual Campout Planning Meeting (February) or Annual Planning Meeting (May) during SPL term and prepare and update appropriate planning forms,

• Provide draft Troop Meeting and Campout Program Plans to Scoutmaster in writing at least 4-weeks prior to a meeting or campout,

• Review all meal plans for campouts and provide a copy of the final meal plans to the Scoutmaster along with individual roles on the campout (e.g., grubmaster, quartermaster, patrol leader, etc.),

• Regular Zoom or in-person meetings with the Scoutmaster for planning and training purposes, and

• Attend upcoming Summer Camp as SPL (for spring/summer candidates ONLY).

SPL WINNER/RUNOFF

An SPL candidate will be elected SPL if he receives 50% or more of the votes of the Scouts attending the SPL election meeting.  If no candidate receives at least 50% of the votes of the Scouts attending the SPL election meeting, then a runoff will be held at the end of the meeting.  The runoff will be comprised of the two highest vote receiving candidates plus any candidate that receives at least (1 divided by the number of SPL candidate)% of the vote  (example, if there are 5 candidates and no one receives 50%, you would have a runoff with the top two vote getters plus any candidate that received 20% off the vote).  In the event of a runoff, the SPL candidate with the highest number of votes in the runoff will be elected SPL, even if the total votes received is less than 50% (i.e., there will be no second runoff).  If there is a tie, then whichever candidate can tie the 6 Woodruff Knots the fastest will be declared the winner (or whatever other absurd challenge the Scoutmaster comes up with on the spur of the moment). 

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME EXCEPTION

Due to the unusual size of the current class of Third Year Scouts (rising 8th Graders), starting with the Fall 2021 Elections, an elected SPL is limited to one (1) approximately 6 month term as SPL.  An SPL elected prior to or during the Special Limited Time Exception period cannot run for re-election during the time period of this Special Limited Time Exception.  A former SPL can become an ASPL during the time period if so selected by a future SPL.  The Special Limited Time Exception will run from the start of the Fall 2021 SPL term (i.e, the upcoming election) through the end of the Spring 2024 SPL term.  After expiration of the Special Limited Time Exception, an SPL who was limited to running for one term, can run again for additional terms.

Bike Rodeo Service Opportunity

For its first pack meeting of the school year, Pack 577 is hosting a Bike Rodeo on Thursday, August 26th. We need lots of youth and adult volunteers to help starting at 5:00 pm for pre-meeting setup and then running the stations for the actual event. This is a great opportunity for the troop to showcase itself to the pack. After all, cub scouts LOVE being around older scouts!

Mr. Cole has approved this event as a service hour opportunity.

There will be a pre-Rodeo meeting for all volunteers during the 8/24 troop meeting (time TBD).

Bike Rodeo Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4CA9AF29A02-pack1

winter camp 2021

Register today for 2021 Winter Camp at Bert Adams! For 5 days and 4 nights in December, Scouts BSA and Venturers will have the opportunity to camp and take part in unique programs and merit badges not available during Summer Camp. Check out our website for more information.

BLUE CARDS

At this time, unless specifically requested by a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor, we will not be issuing or authorizing Blue Cards through Scoutbook.  If you make a merit badge request through Scoutbook, it will go unanswered, and you will need to make that request in person to either Mr. Cole or Ms. Crawford depending on the subject matter.  If a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor asks you to use Scoutbook's Blue Card feature, then please see Ms. Crawford or Mr. Cole prior to the class for further instructions.  

Also, we have become somewhat complacent on getting Blue Cards signed BEFORE a Scout starts a Merit Badge, and we plan on holding to a more strict and regular process going forward.  Prior to starting any Merit Badge, you should fill out your details on the Blue Card, the name of the Merit Badge, and the name of the Merit Badge Counselor.  Prior to requesting a signature to allow you to start the Merit Badge, you should have already spoken with and confirmed that the Merit Badge Counselor is willing to work with you on the Merit Badge.  At that point, you should then get the Blue Card signed my one of the following: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Gupta, Mr. Narula or Mr. Cole.  In the event you are attending a Merit Badge class event with a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor (e.g., Merit Badge Summit), then you should still fill out a Blue Card as above, except for the name of he Merit Badge Counselor, please insert the organization hosting the Merit Badge event.  You should then get the Blue Card signed by one of the four authorized signers BEFORE attending the Merit Badge class.  If you receive a new Blue Card at the Merit Badge event or if your record of completion is only available electronically (e.g., through Tentaroo for an Atlanta Area Council event), then you should see Ms. Crawford after the Merit Badge class (and bring your signed Blue Card) to ensure all the paperwork you need is received and in order for her to process your Blue Card and for me to be able to award your Merit Badge.

ORDER OF THE ARROW

The following Scouts have been elected to the Order of the Arrow in 2021 but have not completed their Ordeal.

•  Benjamin Burn

• Cadhan Cole

• Miles Floyd

• Michael Meschi

• Peter Soulimiotis

• Sully Varnadoe

I encourage those youth who have not registered for their Ordeal to do so at their earliest convenience.  Please go to https://aacegwa.org/candidates/ in order to register.

Candidates elected in 2019 have until December 1, 2021 to complete their Ordeal. Candidates elected in 2020 have until the induction weekend which takes place closest to, but after, 24 months from the actual date of their election to complete their Ordeal.

 Additionally, Ordeal Members are eligible to complete their Brotherhood Membership 6 months after completing their Ordeal Induction Weekend. Below are Troop 77's Ordeal Members who are eligible for Brotherhood:

• Keegan Cole

• Brandon Rutland

• Kenny Gilbert

• Thomas Howser

• Bryan Zhao

• Ken Gilbert

Brotherhood Membership completes the induction process for all members of the Order of the Arrow, so it’s important to complete the Brotherhood experience.  

Brotherhood inductions are offered at Spring Gathering, Fall Fellowship and all Induction & Fellowship Weekends. We may have other members of the OA in Troop that are eligible to complete Brotherhood, but if you have not paid your current year's dues, you will not be on the list above.  You are still eligible to register for events and can complete Brotherhood after paying your dues for this year.  You can register for Lodge Events through your Tentaroo Account if you have one (or can set one up) at https://www.atlantabsa.org/admin2/login.

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.

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.

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

TROOP 77 ADULT REGISTRATION ENHANCED RULE

As we enter the fall camping season with some great trips on the schedule and even more in the winter and next spring, I want to remind everyone of Troop 77's enhanced Adult registration rules.  I have provided the basic rules below, but for the full text and how to register, etc., please refer to the Troop's Parent Guidebook under the Forms/Resources tab on the Troop website.  A link to the full Rule can be found in the Attachments listed on Page 26 of the Troop's Parent Guidebook and referenced as "Adult Registration Rule".

The  Guide  to  Safe  Scouting  states  that,  "All  adults accompanying  a  Scouting  unit  who  are present  at  the  activity  for  72  total  hours  or  more must  be registered  as  leaders.  The  72  hours need  not  be  consecutive." 

1.    Troop  77  will  continue  to  follow  the  rule  above, and  it  is  enhancing  the  requirement  for  better protection  of  our  Scouts  as  well  as  ease  of implementation. 

2.    On  all  Campouts,  Summer  Camps,  High Adventure or  the  like  lasting  more  than  72  hours (Long  Term  Camp),  all  adults  present  FOR  ANY PORTION of  the  Long  Term  Camp  must  be  a Registered  Adult  with  Troop  77  at  least  two  (2)  weeks prior  to  the  Long  Term  Camp,  except  any parent attending  "Parent's  Night"  or  the  equivalent and  not  spending  the  night  OR  any  driver to/from  a  Long  Term  Camp  that  is  spending  less  than 24  hours at  the  Long  Term  Camp (including  drive  time)  with  the  Troop. 

3.  An  unregistered  adult  parent/responsible  adult of  a  Scout  may  attend  one  Troop  77 Campout of  less  than  72  hours  (Short  Campout)  without  being a  Registered  Adult  (however,  the  adult  will still  need  to  complete  Youth  Protection Training  and Hazardous  Weather  Training  before  the  first Short Campout).    Before  an  adult  can  attend  a  second Short  Campout  with  the  Troop,  they must be  a  Registered  Adult  with  Troop  at  least  two  (2) weeks prior  to  the  second  Short  Campout. 

Please  remember  that  these  rules  are  in  place  to keep all  of  our  Scouts  safe,  so  we  appreciate your  diligence and  cooperation  on  these  matters. In order  to  become  a  Registered  Adult,  you will  need to  fill  out  and  submit  a  BSA  application with  background check  authorization,  pay  your dues annually,  and  stay  current  with  YPT  and  HWT. Please contact  our  Membership Coordinator  regarding  application matters  or  our  Training Coordinator regarding  training matters.

NOTE: We are waiving Part 3 of this rule (except the requirements to be YPT and HWT trained) with respect to the upcoming Rafting Trip in August due to timing constraints and limitations on refunds by the rafting companies; however, Part 3 of the rule will be in full force and effect starting with the September Canoeing Trip and from that point forward.  Remember, it is your responsibility to follow-up and register if you have been on one campout and are planning on attending a second one but have not registered.  Please take that responsibility seriously, as oftentimes I do not have a chance to verify the issue until immediately prior to a campout.  In that case, it might not be possible for you to get registered in time, and you might not be able to attend the trip or get a refund, so please plan ahead.

WHO WANTS TO DO SOME LOCAL HIGH ADVENTURE THIS OCTOBER?

As part of his Wood Badge Ticket, Mr. Cole and other Leaders are taking a crew of co-ed Scouts (we will be doing this through the Venture Crew made up of Scouts from Troop 77, Troop 177, and Venture Crew 77) on a Local High Adventure Trip that will simulate the backpacking adventure of attending Philmont (without it taking 14 days, traveling to New Mexico, and costing nearly $2,500 like Philmont does).  This is not a preparation hike for our 2022 Philmont Trip but rather a completely standalone adventure.  The trip will be over the long Columbus Day weekend leaving the evening of Wednesday 10/6/2021 after school and returning Monday 10/11/2021.  I am looking for three sets of volunteers:

(1) approximately 8-10 Scouts (14+ or have completed the 8th grade) both girls and boys to go on the actual hike itself (NOTE: If more Scouts are interested, then we can have more than 1 crew and everyone eligible should be able to go],

(2) approximately 5 Older Scouts, preferably with Philmont experience, to meet us on the trail for one day (likely either Saturday or Sunday) and host a Philmont-like Program Activity (and then those Scouts can hike before and after that day in the same area), and

(3) Adult Leaders to (a) go with me and the High Adventure group (Thanks Ms. Henderson and Ms. Indu for stepping up as Female Adult Leaders) on the hike, and (b) at least two leaders to hike with and assist the Older Scout Program group.

If you are interested in getting involved in this project, then please send me an email at ctcole0308@gmail.com with what part you are interested in doing (hiking crew, program crew, or Adult Leader).

National Outdoor Award

If you have been with the Troop for a while (or are just curious), then check out the BSA website https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/noa/  to learn more about the National Outdoor Award.  The NOA is typically pursued by older Scouts with several years of Scouting experience, but it is never too early to see what is required and set some goals for earning an NOA one day in the future.  If you qualify for any of the NOA awards or want to start tracking your progress toward an NOA, then please contact Mr. Cole as he was a spreadsheet that will help you consolidate and calculate the information needed.  If you already have an NOA, you can continue to earn additional segments, so this is a great time to review your spreadsheet and see if you qualify for additional gold and sliver honors.

If you have any questions regarding the NOA program (or any other Award programs), please let Mr. Cole or Ms. Crawford know and we will help you pursue those.

NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING (NYLT)

NYLT is a week-long advanced leadership course designed to teach Scouts the tools, techniques and skills they need to be better leaders – not only in their units, but also at home, in school, and in their daily lives. Led by an exemplary, highly-trained youth staff, NYLT participants work hard and play hard together through group activities, games, and adventures as they experience Scouting at its best.

You can find additional information, details, registration links, etc. on the Atlanta Area Council's NYLT website at: https://aacnylt.org/

The remaining course sessions for 2021 are as follows (winter sessions in parking lots near Adventure Camp or Camp Emerson in Covington, GA - all sessions are proximate to Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington, GA):

• Session 4 (Weekend 1): Saturday, Nov. 20 2021  8:00 am - Tuesday, Nov. 23 2021  3:00 pm AND

• Session 4 (Weekend 2): Saturday, December 4 2021  8:00 am - Sunday, December 5 2021  3:00 pm

• Session 5: Sunday, December 26 2021  1:00 pm - Friday, December 31 2021  5:00 pm

If you are interested in Staffing NYLT as a youth next summer, then please check the following webpage regularly: https://aacnylt.org/staff-nylt/.  If you find out they are accepting youth staff applications, etc. for next summer, then please let Mr. Cole know so we can update the Newsletter and announce that information.

SEwing

Scouts, Parents and Adult Leaders:

Ms. Todd (jantodd4@bellsouth.net) can still use some more Scouts, Parents and Leaders to join the sewing group.  I think we only had one or two people step-up to help her, and we could use several more.  Without our sewing group, you would need to get patches sewn on at the Scout Shop or elsewhere, and you often are charged $2 - $3 to have a patch sewn on, and that can really add up.  Ms. Todd and her group provide this service to us for FREE, but we also need to give back and help her out by providing more people willing to sew.

Mrs. Todd will share her knowledge, help you understand exactly where patches go, best stiches to use, etc. This is also a great volunteer job because you do not have to do the work at meetings!

So, if you have a sewing machine and some basic skills (I know some of you do because I see new patches sewn on your Scout’s shirts), please reach out to Ms. Todd and she will get things coordinated.  Uniforms are a main tenet of Scouts, and we need some additional help to get us where we need to be given the size or our Troop.

Thanks. Clinton Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

SCOUT DAYS WITH ATLANTA BRAVES

Scout Days are chance for Scouts, families, and friends to get discounted tickets to Atlanta sporting and entertainment events with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Atlanta Area Council.

• August 28, 2021 - Atlanta Braves at home versus the San Francisco Giants.

For more information or to buy tickets, please go to https://www.atlantabsa.org/scoutdays.

CAMPING

August Campout  - - Rafting on Chattooga River

August 13-15

Registration: CLOSED

Trip Leader(s):  TBD        Trip Planner:  Andrew Kraft

Trip Links        

1. Trip Sheet

2. Online Signup

merit badge minute

community service opportunities

JUST UPDATED! 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