NEWSLETTER

tuesday, february 22nd 

7:30 troop meeting at ogumc

eagle court of honor


Duncan Todd's Eagle Scout Court of Honor is Sunday, February 27 at 3PM at Oak Grove UMC. There will be a reception following in the Grand Hall. Please sign up to bring a dish for the Reception using this Sign-Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0849ACA92DA46-duncan

The Todds appreciate your support.


from the scoutmaster


I am writing this before everyone has returned from Cumberland Island (and I’m not there), but at last check, other than a few mechanical problems on the way down, everything seems to be going well.  Hopefully that all continues until everyone is safely back at OGUMC on Monday.

I am proud to announce that Cadhan Cole will be the next Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 77, as he is running for the position unopposed.  Please do not forget that Patrol Leader elections will be held at this week’s meeting.  The new SPL and newly elected Patrol Leaders will officially take office on March 22nd, and until then, all current Positions of Responsibility will continue though that date.  FIRST YEAR PATROLS:  Remember, you will become Second Years during this election cycle, so you will be electing a Patrol Leader, and deciding on a Patrol Name, Flag, Yell, etc., so BE PREPARED and think about who you want as a leader and what Patrol name, etc. you might want (btw, all Patrol names are subject to Mr. Cole's approval).

I know the revamping of the Cumberland Trip has had many folks distracted the past month, but I need everyone to clear that tunnel vision and focus on our March Campouts.  These are some awesome campouts that the Troop (and I personally for Scout Challenge) have put in a lot of time and effort into planning for March, but so far, registration has been lack-luster at best.  So, please see the Camping Section below and register as soon as possible (Note: Climbing Registration closes 2/23 and Scout Challenge Registration closed 2/28).  I have included more information about Scout Challenge below, and you can find more details in the Trip Sheets for Scout Challenge and the Climbing Campouts.  PLEASE SIGN-UP NOW!!

SCOUT CHALLENGE MARCH 18-20 AT BERT ADAMS SCOUT CAMP

All our Scouts can attend Scout Challenge, which is the Council-wide Camporee held every three years.  This is an event full of exhibits, games, activities, entertainment, and hands-on opportunities for our Scouts to participate in at Jamboree-style campout.  This is a much different format than the typical District Camporee we usually attend in March.  Our participation in Scout Challenge is focused on any Scout that is 13 or younger (including incoming AOLs joining the Troop in late February or early March), but any Scout 14 or over who is not interested in our Climbing campouts is more than welcome to attend Scout Challenge and will have a great time and plenty to do also.

Scout Challenge will include events such as:

While we will be preparing meals as normal at Scout Challenge, there will also be opportunities to visit Food Trucks, and many of the Scout Challenge sponsors will be providing special hands-on opportunities.

I will be at Scout Challenge helping the Council oversee several events: Aviation Adventure (Mock Fighter Plane Cockpit), Battle Bots, Human Foosball, Manufacturing Station, Underwater Drones, and Welding Station.  Troop 77 and Troop 177 will be hosting the Human Foosball event.  I will also be looking for volunteers from our Scouts and Adults attending Scout Challenge to help me oversee, troubleshoot, and coordinate the events above that I am overseeing.  However, you will have plenty of time to go out and explore all that Scout Challenge has to offer.

As you can guess, I am really hoping for maximum attendance at Scout Challenge because this will be a great event, a lot of fun, and Troop 77 and Troop 177 will be providing service to the Atlanta Area Council and giving back.  So, please register for Scout Challenge as soon as possible under the Campout Section below (registration closes February 28th, but the sooner we can get Scouts and Adults registered the better).  I strongly encourage Adults to also attend this trip with you Scout or alone to help me out with our events and to enjoy the unique Jamboree-style campout in general.

ADVANCEMENT SATURDAY/SCOUT SUNDAY CAMPING BEADS: If you participated in Advancement Saturday AND attended church service (at OGUMC or your home church) on Scout Sunday in your uniform (if in person) or online, then please email me as you earned a camping bead for completing both activities.  This includes Youth and Adults.  So far, I have only heard from 5 Scouts and 1 Adult, and I know many more than that attended both events.  Remember, camping beads are your way of showing those in Troop 77 and other Troops your commitment and experience in Troop 77 activities and campouts, so make sure you get them and wear them.

CAMPING


MARCH CAMPOUTS 

In March, we are offering more than one campout. 

Camporee Campout   (All Scouts and Adults are encouraged to attend!)

March 18 - 20

Registration Deadline: Monday, February 28 at 10:00 p.m.

Trip Links        

Climbing Campout   (only an option for Scouts 14 years or older at the time of the campout)

March 11 - 13 or March 18 - 20

Trip Planner: Andrew Kraft

Registration Deadline: Extended to Monday, February 28 at 10:00 p.m.

Trip Links        

Backpacking Campout  at Standing Indian State Park

April 22 - 24

Survivalist Campout

May 6 - 8

Troop 77 needs additional Adult Volunteers!


Hello Scout Parents and Guardians,

We need a small number of new Adult volunteers to help guide our Troop 77 Scouts with revitalizing a Troop fundraising activity or event.  No, this is not a request for a new Popcorn Kernel.  Instead, it’s a facilitator and oversight role that will help the Scouts take responsibility for raising money to help Troop 77 offer financial grant opportunities to Scouts within and outside of our Troop that could use extra help affording the costs associated with Scouting including High Adventure Trips.

There are several fundraising ideas that have been identified already and like all other activities we do, the fundraising event will be SCOUT led, but Parent supervised for safety reasons.

If you, or better yet a small group of parents, are interested in helping our Scouts, then please contact our Committee Chair, Bruce King, at commchair@troop77bsa.org or let him know at one of the Tuesday night Troop Meetings or during Advancement Saturday at OGUMC on 2/5/22.

advancement


Congratulations to the following scouts who earned their next rank:

Advancement Table: I will not be at the meeting this week, however, Mr. Brewer and Mrs. Todd will be available. 

Board of Review: 

We have 2 scouts needing a BOR on Tuesday with no adults signed up.  When we do not have enough adults, we have to cancel and reschedule which makes things harder for the Scouts.  One of the scouts this week has already been delayed due to a lack of volunteers so please consider helping this week.  It is a great way to get to know the scouts and other parents!  Here is the signup for volunteers and for scouts needing a BOR:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop


Pam Crawford

Advancement

Troop 77 Financial Management Updates


Outstanding Payments:  Troop 77 currently has 34 outstanding invoices for Scout that we would like families to settle to help keep our finances current.  Please be on the lookout for past due invoice reminders this week.

Scout Escrow Balance Updates:  On a regular basis, Troop 77 will be posting updated Scout Escrow account balances to our Troop Google Drive and you should be able to review you current balance using the "Scout Escrow Balances" link that's been added in the "Forms/Resources" tab of the Troop 77 website, or simply click this link: Troop 77 Escrow balances as of 2022-02-20.pdf - Google Drive  

If you have any concerns or questions related to any financial matters, then please stop by our financial help desk during one of the Tuesday meetings or email treasurer@troop77bsa.org and the Troop bookkeeping team will assist you.


Help Needed for Ash Wednesday Services ot OGUMC!


Ash Wednesday is coming up on Wednesday, March 2. This year, OGUMC will host the Ash Wednesday services outdoors in Oak Grove Park.  The staff has asked for one or 2 scouts to help with the fire pits for the services - to build and light the fires, maintain them through the services, and extinguish the fires afterwards.

If your family is planning to join the service, please sign up to help with the fire pits! 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FABA72AA6FD0-ashwednesday

camp cards 


Camp Cards have arrived!  This year’s camp cards sell for $10 each & Scouts will earn a $4.75 commission for each card sold. The camp card sale lasts until April 15.  This year’s camp cards offer more discounts than past years. Some new discounts include Six Flags, Tractor Supply Company, & Medieval Times.  Those who purchase camp cards can download the saver's guide app on their phone & register using the access code on the back of their purchased card.  The saver's guide app details hundreds of local 2-for-1 and 50% off coupons!  Discounts include over 500,000 locations nationwide.  Selling camp cards is a great way to earn money for summer camp, Philmont, & Scouting trips.  See Mr. Jeff Rogers after this Tuesday’s meeting if you want to get some camp cards to sell.  If you have any questions you can email jeffrogers0422@gmail.com.

order of the arrow


Hello everyone, this is Ryan Shimabukuro. I would like to introduce myself as the Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative. This newsletter contains important information about the OA, current and upcoming events, and more.  

So, 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.

How do I become a member?

First you must meet the requirements for being a registered member of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The OA website states that a scout must have experienced 15 nights of Scout camping while registered with a troop, crew, or ship within the two years immediately prior to the election. The 15 nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. Only five nights of the long-term camp may be credited toward the 15-night camping requirement; the balance of the camping (10 nights) must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps of, at most, three nights each. Then at the time of their election, youth must be under the age of 21, and hold one of the following ranks corresponding to the type of unit in which they are being considered for election: Scouts BSA First Class rank, or higher, and following approval by the Scoutmaster, be elected by the youth members of their unit.

Important information:

Dues

OA dues are due! 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

Elections

The OA elections for this year are approaching fast. As always, we want everyone in the Troop to try to attend. We need at least 50% of our scouts to show up. Remember to vote for anyone you think is worthy to be a part of Scouting’s national honor society.

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

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:

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. 

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.

OA ELECTIONS


OA Elections are coming up on March 8th, so we need maximum attendance at that meeting.  If at least 50% of the eligible voters (Scouts) do not show up and vote, then the election does not count, so please mark that night on your calendar, highlight it, draw a circle around it, and let's see if we can get 100% attendance.  Remember, unlike SPL and PL elections, each Scout can vote for every candidate on the ballot if you think they are worthy.  You are not limited to voting for only one person.  I will have the final list of eligible OA candidates published in the Newsletter as soon as registration closes for the new Cumberland Island Trip because those camping nights may make some additional Scouts eligible and some Scouts might rank up before the election making them eligible.  Remember, OA is Scouting's  National Camping Honor Society not a popularity contest--so please reward those Scouts that have put in the effort camping with the Troop.  Without including those Scouts who may become eligible by attending the Cumblerland campout or ranking up, which I have reached out to separately so you should know who you are, the following Scouts should be eligible for election this year (if your name is not on this list or I did not email you about Cumberland camping nights or rank advancement and you think it should be, then please contact me).  You can find the OA eligibility rules for 2022 OA Elections at https://oa-bsa.org/coronavirus/temporary-camping-night-policy-due-covid-19


Eligible for OA Election of this Newsletter:

[Note: my understanding is OA eligibility for 2023 elections will return to the standard rules, which are as follows:

"Have experienced 15 nights of Scout camping while registered with a troop, crew, or ship within the two years immediately prior to the election. The 15 nights must include one, but no more than one, long-term camp consisting of at least five consecutive nights of overnight camping, approved and under the auspices and standards of the Boy Scouts of America. Only five nights of the long-term camp may be credited toward the 15-night camping requirement; the balance of the camping (10 nights) must be overnight, weekend, or other short-term camps of, at most, three nights each. Ship nights may be counted as camping for Sea Scouts."]

NYLT


It’s time to register for National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT).  I 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:


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/

EAGLE COURTS OF HONOR


For those Scouts that earned their Eagle in 2020, 2021 or early 2022, we are trying to clear the backlog in trying to schedule an ECoH for you if you want one, or get your Eagle Certificate, medal, etc. to you if you have decided you do not want to have one.  For the following Scouts, Mrs. Cole (hpcole77@gmail.com), our lovely Eagle Court of Honor Coordinator, needs to hear back from you by March 1, 2022 if you plan on having an ECoH; however, how fast she can schedule it is uncertain with the ongoing COVID situation.  If she does not hear back from you, or if you let her know you definitely DO NOT want to do an ECoH, then we will either mail or deliver your box of bling, certificate, etc. to the address we have on file.  I believe all of you have received an Eagle Rank Patch, but if that is not the case for some reason, then please let me know, and I will make sure you get one of those as well.

UPCOMING COUNCIL/DISTRICT EVENTS


SCOUT DAY AT THE CAPITAL - March 9, 2022 


Scout Day at the Capitol on March 9 is a time-honored tradition that offers Georgia Scouts a high-quality experience under the Gold Dome. Scouts learn the value of being participating citizens; how to connect with their Representatives and Senators; and be inspired to become leading citizens in our state. 

Visit our website or download our flyer to learn more about Scout Day at the Capitol.

The event is free and starts early in the day to match the schedule of when Senators and Representatives are available. Scouts attending will receive a Commemorative Patch, a Certificate of Attendance and can appear in a group photo. Plus, Chick-fil-A will be served. This is a great way to help Scouts learn and develop a vision for their futures as civic leaders. Atlanta Area Council Board Member David Burge is leading this effort on behalf of our Council.

SCOUT DAY - OPENING DAY WITH ATLANTA UNITED


Atlanta United vs. Sporting KC

Soccer season is kicking off for 2022! Join hundreds of Scouts from across Metro-Atlanta for Atlanta United's Opening Day this Sunday - February 27, 2022. United will face Sporting Kansas City at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 3pm!  Enjoy time with fellow Scouts and adult leaders at Atlanta United's first game of the year! Purchase your tickets now and start off your new year in a great way! 

Enter promo code BSA22 when buying tickets at: 

https://offer.fevo.com/bsa-atlanta-home-opener-fundraiser-a2b92f9?fevoUri=bsa-atlanta-home-opener-fundraiser-a2b92f9%2F

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

SHOOTING SPORTS DAYS


Upcoming Atlanta BSA Events:

Open Shoot - Archery, Rifle, or Shotgun

Date: February 19 from 9AM-4PM

Location: Bert Adams Scout Camp - 218 Scout Rd, Covington, GA 30016

Cost: $10 per session


Open Shoot - Archery, Rifle, or Shotgun

Date: April 2 from 9AM-4PM

Location: Woodruff Scout Camp - 31 Woodruff Dr, Blairsville, GA 30152

Cost: $10 per session


Note: This is not a merit badge day. Scouts can sign up for one session in the morning and another in the afternoon, or the same one all day. For signup information: https://www.atlantabsa.org/shootingdays


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


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

merit badge minute

Atlanta Area Council:  

For those already working on their shooting badges, Bert Adams Scout Camp is offering an opportunity for Scouts to complete the targeting portions of Archery, Riflery or Shotgun Merit Badges on February 19th.  Follow this link for more information:  https://www.atlantabsa.org/shootingdays


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/


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/


Northeast Georgia Council:

The Apalachee Advance-a-rama will be held on February 26th at Central Gwinnett High School.  Scouts will have the opportunity to pick from over 20 merit badges, including many required for Eagle.  A small fee is required.  Click here to learn more:  https://www.nega-bsa.org/APAAR

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 –

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