NEWSLETTER


tuesday, august 3rd

7:30 Meeting outside scout hall (PLC at 6:30)

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 Senior PAtrol Leader


I hope y'all enjoyed your summer break. It's time to get back into our regular Tuesday night meetings.

I need a volunteer to be the Master of Ceremonies for CoH on August 17. This will count for Communications MB requirement 8. If you are interested, please reach out to me ASAP at nashbooth77@gmail.com and let me know that you are interested. Additionally, we have a PLC this week at 6:30. Please be on time. 

This week, given the weather forecast, we will likely be inside for the most part. We will be meal planning for the August rafting trip, so if you are going on that trip, please make every effort to attend. Also, we have a few things that need to be touched up after Summer Camp and before the August trip, so we will be taking a few scouts to help with that.

This week, the Hedgehogs are the service patrol. If you are the service patrol, please arrive at the meeting at 7:15 or before to help set up. Additionally, please plan on staying until 9:10 to help us clean up. It might not take that long, but it helps a lot.

See y'all on Tuesday!

Nash

FROM THE SCOUTMASTER


Wow!  Is it just me, or did this summer just fly by and end with a flurry of craziness or what?  After several weeks without a "From the Scoutmaster" section in the Newsletter, I have a lot to catch-up on, so grab a cool beverage and read on....

A couple of notes regarding Summer Camp.  We will be going through Lost and Found items at this week's meeting, so if you think you lost something or if you ended up with something that was not yours and need to turn it in, please make sure you are at this week's meeting.  CONGRATULATIONS to Nash and the entire Troop (whether you were there the whole week or just a few days) for earning the Scouting Traditions Award, Honor Troop, and, as I understand it (because I was doggy-paddling my way through the Mile Swim at the time and did not get to see it) thoroughly crushing all the other competitors in the Camp-Wide Games.  Troop 77 did not miss or end up late for a single flag ceremony or campfire, attended and competed in every event offered except the Geocaching Challenge (and we'll get that one next time), and our Adults hiked, swam, stepped, managed a tough COVID situation, took classes, and treated a bunch of bumps, bruises and scrapes along the way also.  To top it off, we also sent four provisional Scouts (Carpenter, Cash, Nathan, and Nealon) that had to leave early from our original week back to camp this past week under the supervision of Mr. Linneman, and those guys rocked it.  They made it to flags when the rest of their provisional Troop did not, and fully engaged throughout the week despite adversity and being provisional Scouts.  Everyone involved in Summer Camp this year in any way should be proud to be part of Troop 77.

Despite the COVID situation forcing us to send some Scouts home early, those Scouts and their youth and Adult Leaders organized Zoom calls to complete certain activities, scrambled to put together merit badge classes to fill in the gaps for any days missed, and are continuing to ensure all of our Scouts that started Week 7 complete everything they signed-up for.  If you have any questions on the latter, then please make sure you connect with Mr. Brewer as he is the central point of contact in organizing the majority of those make-up activities.  

As I said at camp, despite the adversity and heartbreak of having to send some of our Scouts home early, Woodruff 2021 was by far the best planned, organized, and executed Summer Camp experience in my 3+ years as Scoutmaster and maybe in all my years of Scouting.  Our Scouts (especially our SPL, Nash Booth), Adult Leaders, and Parents knocked it out of the park at every turn no matter what was thrown at them.  A few special acknowledgements (although, if your name is not on this list, please do not feel slighted, everyone contributed and everyone did everything that was asked of them as Scouts and volunteer Scouters, and I could not be more proud of everyone's efforts and sacrifices): 

Obviously, I could keep going with all the great efforts and awesome behavior our Scouts exhibited, their preparation (awesome effort in attending summer meetings this year to get ready), their participation, their singing marching songs and performing skits at campfire, their patience, their understanding, their camaraderie, their Scoutly actions, and their competitive spirit; however, I will only mention one Scout here by name, which is Reed Medovoy, who not only had a birthday during the week and missed all the in-camp excitement, fun and difficulties Troop 77 was having, he spent it away from the Troop where he knew no one and completed the Whitewater Challenge.  Despite a few "near death" experiences, he survived, succeeded, and did an awesome job taking on Summer Camp in a unique way that not every Scout would be able to handle and succeed at.  Great Job Reed and Great Job all Troop 77 Scouts.

With the close of Summer Camp, it is suddenly time to go back to school, which means starting regular Tuesday night Troop meetings from 7:30P to 9P, with the first one being this Tuesday, August 3rd.  Whether we will be inside or outside will be somewhat dependent on the weather (please make sure you read the current indoor and outdoor mask policies).  As a reminder, on the first Tuesday of each month (yes, that means this first meeting), the Patrol Leaders Council (PLC) will meet from 6:30P to around 7:20P.  If you are on the PLC, attendance at these meetings is mandatory, and failure to attend may result in loss of credit for your Position of Responsibility (PoR).  If you have a question whether or not your existing PoR is required to attend the PLC, please contact Nash.  

On the second Tuesday of each month, we will have our Assistant Scoutmaster (ASM) Roundtable starting 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.  On the third Tuesday of each month, the Troop Committee will meet at 6:30P until around 7:20P, and all are welcome to attend the Committee Meeting.  

Occasionally, these meetings are moved up or back a week due to holidays and the like, but all of them are on the Scoutbook and Troop Google Calendar on the Troop's website, which you should be checking regularly.  In addition, 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 limite 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).  

As most of you know that have been through this post-summer restart of Scouting at Troop 77, August and September are typically very busy times, and maximum participation by Scouts and Adult Leaders is critical to our success.  While by no means a comprehensive list, and many of the items are addressed elsewhere in the Newsletter, some highlights for August alone include: new COVID policies and procedures, first PLC, ASM and Committee Meetings of the new school year; potential new Scouts joining the Troop; division of First Year Scouts and picking patrol names, etc.; our Rafting Trip on the Chattooga (8/13-15) and meal planning for same (8/3); our post-Summer Camp Court of Honor (8/17)--this is a big event and not to be missed; declaration of SPL candidates, speeches, introduction of candidate's ASPLs, and SPL and Patrol Leader elections; continuation of our First Year to First Class program; presentations on Whitewater activities and High Adventure Bases; OA Induction weekend; swim tests for Rafting (August) and Canoeing (September) trips; plus all of the normal meeting and pre-meeting activities such as Scout Skill Programming, ASM Helpdesk, Patrol Meetings, games, gear cleanup and organization, Advancement, Merit Badge follow-up, Scoutmaster Conferences, Boards of Review, and the like.

As always, the more a Scout, Adult Leader or Parent participates, the more they will get out of Scouting, and the better our Scouts, Troop, and Scouting overall will be for it.  I encourage each of you to get involved or stay involved to the maximum extent possible.  Also, be proud of Scouting and Troop 77, and do not be afraid to introduce or reintroduce your friends, peers, other families, etc. to Scouting and the great experiences and opportunities Troop 77 provides.

Thanks.  Mr. Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

august 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.


August

advancement


Congratulations to JC Tjoflat for earning his First Class rank on July 15, 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 - I am so proud of all the work everyone did at summer camp.  I have entered all the Woodruff completion records into ScoutBook.  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 August 10th meeting or at the Court of Honor on August 17th.   

BOARD OF REVIEW - Scouts - I understand many of you have had your scoutmaster conferences and are ready for your Board of Review.  I have updated the signup genius to include several slots at the meetings as well as options for BOR via Zoom on Thursday and Sunday nights.  

BOARD OF REVIEW - Parents - I need your help!   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 3-6 parents who can sit on the BOR over the next two weeks.  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


Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair

pamcrawford1@me.com

MERIT BADGE SUMMIT - AUGUST 21ST

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! Follow the link below for more info.

https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit

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


ELIGIBILITY

A Patrol Leader (PL) candidate must:

 

A Senior Patrol Leader (SPL) candidate must:


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


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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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):

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.

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        


merit badge minute

The Northeast Georgia Council will be offering "Aquatics Adventure Weekends" on July 30th and September 3rd.  Scouts can choose to earn various aquatic merit badges, such as swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, kayaking and small boat sailing.   Cost is $45 and includes food for the weekend.   Find out more information here:   https://www.nega-bsa.org/AAW

For those interested in earning the EPA award, Dunwoody Nature Center is offering the REPTILES & AMPHBIANS merit badge on Saturday, August 28th and the INSECT STUDY merit badge on Saturday, September 11th.   Registration to open soon.  Please mark your calendars if interested.  A complete list of upcoming workshops can be found here:  https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/

Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering CANOEING merit badge on Saturday, August 22 from 12:00 - 5:00.  Registration is first come, first serve and costs $45.   Register here:    https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/event/canoe-merit-badge-2/

Aquatics Merit Badge Days at Camp Allatoona Aquatics Base:  The full 2021 schedule has posted with classes on Saturdays in May through September. Registration is open now!  Classes fill up early, so register soon!   https://www.atlantabsa.org/caabmb

Earn merit badges at home with the Daniel Boone Council.  The course list will be continuously updated over the summer, so check back often.  Scouts need a valid Cyber Chip before starting any on-line merit badge.  Scouts also need approval from Mr. Brewer, Mr. Cole, Mr. Gupta or Mr. Narula before enrolling.   More information through the Daniel Boone website:  https://www.danielboonecouncil.org/virtual

Registration for "Conservation Weekend" at Camp Woodruff is now open.   Camp will be held the weekend of November 12th and costs $95 per Scout.  Scouts can earn up to 3 merit badges over the weekend, many of which fulfill EPA award requirements.  https://www.campwoodruff.org/conservation

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 –

Troop 77 Scouts

Troop 177 Parents –

Troop 177 Scouts

Scoutbook

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