NEWSLETTER
Tuesday, February 28th
7:30PM TROOP MEETING
8:40 PM-ISH - EAGLE PATCH CEREMONY FOR HENRY TODD
From the SPL
Hey Troop 77,
I hope y’all had a great week! This week, the Electric Dragon patrol will be holding a travois demonstration in preparation for Camporee. I want our troop to do great at camporee, so make sure y’all come to the next few meetings.
Congratulations to Carlson for winning the SPL elections! All the candidates were great and the votes were close, but he pulled through.
I hope to see you there!
YiS,
Alex King
(404)-679-8724
from THE SCOUTMASTER
Thank you for the great turnout at last week's meeting for our Golden Ballot. We had approximately 65 Scouts attend out of a total of 75 Active Scouts (the Troop is bigger than that, but for OA elections, they only use Active Scouts to determine if we have 50% attendance and the election is valid). That is a great turnout for any Troop, and let's have that kind of attendance at regular meetings also (especially now that we are headed into our Camporee preparation meetings where we will be practicing a lot of hands-on Scout Skills).
Those great attendance numbers also translated into a competitive and meaningful SPL election. In the first round of the SPL election, our three candidates split the vote nearly in thirds with Carlson and Reese outpacing Sam by just a little; however, neither got 50% of the vote, so we had a runoff. At the runoff, Carlson and Reese again made it close with Carlson edging Reese out in the end. So, CONGRATULATIONS to Troop 77's next SPL, CARLSON SCHAFFNER!
Congratulations also to all of those elected as Candidates for Order of the Arrow. While I am disappointed not all of our eligible candidates were elected, I am happy for those who did get elected and encourage you to attend an Induction Weekend and become an active part of Order of the Arrow. As a reminder, the three 2023 Induction Weekends, which you must complete to become a member of the Order of the Arrow once elected, are: 5/5 - 5/7 at Woodruff, 8/25 - 8/27 at Bert Adams, or 11/10 - 11/12 at Bert Adams. Please get registered early at: https://aacegwa.org/candidates/ because these spots fill up fast. See Ryan's Order of the Arrow Section below for more information and details. Also, unlike the years following COVID, we are back to pre-COVID rules regarding OA timing, so you MUST complete your Induction within 1 year of election. From a practical standpoint, that means if you were elected last Tuesday, you must attend one of the three sessions above because there will not be another Induction Weekend after the one in November and before 2/21/2024). I am currently working on Adult OA Nominations, and I hope to have those done in the next week after I get a few things clarified on some rule changes.
While not directly a part of our Golden Ballot meeting last week (maybe it will be in the future), Patrol Leader elections will be held at the meeting on 3/7. To date, I have been notified by very few Scous that they want to run for Patrol Leader (and that notification was due to me on 2/21). If you are interested in running, you need to send me an email and copy Mrs. Henderrson no later than 10P this Thursday (3/2) indicating you want to run for Patrol Leader and are eligible for the position (see https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wcPRr12kXNIPh072VtNepA0k1AlsLQ-S/view).
If a Patrol does not elect a pre-approved Patrol Leader at the 3/7 meeting, then your Patrol will be in jeopardy of being dissolved and recombined with another Patrol with placement subject to my discretion. After the SPL, Patrol Leaders are the most important leaders and the backbone of the Troop leadership structure--so step up, bring your A game, show servant leadership, and take part in determining the direction and future of Troop 77 by running for Patrol Leader.
Carlson and the new Patrol Leaders will be sworn in and leadership of the Troop officially passed at the end of the meeting on March 28th. Their first official PLC and Troop meeting will be on 4/11 (we will NOT have a Troop meeting on 4/4 due to Spring Break for many of our Scouts). However, Carlson and his ASPLs will be working diligently to fill any non-elected/non-appointment PoR positions for Carlson's term as soon as possible. Ideally, all of those positions will be filled and in place by the end of the 3/28 meeting so the next Senior Patrol can worry about running the Troop and not filling PoRs.
Finally, over the next month, we will be focusing on Camporee skills, so let's keep the attendance high (even if you're not going to Camporee, your presence helps the rest of your Patrol practice and prepare). Let's see if we can work hard and defend our spot as having the best Camporee Patrol in the District (good job Gladiators) and hopefully capture the Golden Axe.
YiS,
Mr. Clinton Cole
Troop 77 Scoutmaster
2023 Detailed Calendar
Note: The majority of the dates in this section are on the Troop Calendar. If you have not done so already, please subscribe to the Troop's calendar by following the instructions on the Calendar page of the Troop’s website.
In addition, on the Calendar page of the Troop’s website (underneath the calendar itself), you will find the latest released update to the Annual Planning Meeting Summary, which will give you an idea of what we will be doing through the end of May and some summer activities (the AMPS is subject to change, but it should not change too much).
FEBRUARY
2/28:
7:30P Troop Meeting
MARCH
3/2:
5P Notification to Mr. Cole and Mrs. Henderson of desire to run for Patrol Leader
3/7:
6:30P PLC
7:30P Troop Meeting (Patrol Leader Elections)
3/10:
10P Registration closes for Camporee (campout dates 3/23 - 3/25)
3/10 - 3/12:
TBD Philmont Prep Hikes for Crews 1 and 2
3/11 - 3/12:
IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) - This is one of the two mandatory additional training components to becoming a Trained Assistant Scoutmaster; and even non-ASMs can benefit greatly from this training weekend (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)
3/14:
6:30P ASM Roundtable
7:30P Troop Meeting (Meal Planning for Camporee!!)
3/21:
Scoutmaster Conferences Available with Mr. Cole (for Scout, Star, and Life)
6:30P Committee Meeting
7:30P Troop Meeting
3/23:
7P Hightower Trail District Roundtable Meeting at Kingswood UMC (Discussion: local high adventure options, day activities, camping locations, and recipe sharing)
3/24 - 3/26
Friday PM to Sunday Afternoon - Hightower Trail District Camporee at Bert Adams [NOTE: Please make sure you review the new policy regarding returning from campouts and parent pickup beleow.]
3/28:
Scoutmaster Conferences Available with Mr. Cole (for Scout, Star, and Life
7:30P Troop Meeting (new SPL and PL swear-in at end)
APRIL
4/4:
NO MEETING OR TROOP ACTIVITIES DUE TO DEKALB SPRING BREAK
4/7:
10P Registration Closes for Survivalist Campout (campout dates 4/21 - 4/23)
4/11:
6:30P PLC (NOTE: PLC is typically the first Tuesday of the month, but all early meetings will be pushed back one week in April due to no meeting over rSpring Break)
7:30P Troop Meeting
4/15:
8:30A - 4P College of Commissioner Science (https://www.atlantabsa.org/CommissionerCollege)
4/18:
6:30P ASM Roundtable
7:30P Troop Meeting
4/21 - 4/23:
Friday PM to Sunday Afternoon - Survivalist Campout at Standing Indian (and Philmont Training HIkes)
4/25:
Scoutmaster Conferences Available with Mr, Cole (Scout, Star, and Life)
6:30P Committee Meeting
7:30P Troop Meeting
4/27:
7P Hightower Trail District Roundtable Meeting at OGUMC (Discussion: Emotional and Mental Health Issues Scout-age Children are Facing led by an Emory Child Psychiatrist and an Emory Child Psychologist)
4/28:
10P Registration Closes for Backpacking Campout (campout dates 5/12 - 5/14)
4/29:
Multiple Times STEM Merit Badge Summit (https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit)
10:30A - 12P Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony (https://www.atlantabsa.org/councileagle)
4/30:
1P - 4P Troop 77 Annual Planning Meeting (NOTE: day and time subject to change as we are still finalizing details)
BIG TICKET FUTURE DATES
5/5 - 5/7
OA Induction Weekend at Woodruff (https://aacegwa.org/candidates/)
5/6 - 5/7:
IOLS (Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills) - This is one of the two mandatory additional training components to becoming a Trained Assistant Scoutmaster; and even non-ASMs can benefit greatly from this training weekend (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)
5/6:
CPR Saturday (https://www.atlantabsa.org/cprsaturday)
5/12 - 5/14
Friday PM to Sunday Afternoon - Backpacking Campout at Fort Mountain State Park
5/16:
7:30P Court of Honor (CoH half meeting; second half of meeting TBD)
5/20:
ILST (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops) - Youth leadership training to prepare them for positions such as Patrol Leaderer; prerequisite to attending National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). (https://www.atlantabsa.org/youthtraining0
6/5 - 6/9:
8:30A - 4P Hightower Trail District Cub Scout Day Camp Volunteer Opportunities s at Chamblee UMC (this counts for Service Hours and how much music time is allowed on campouts; mandatory training 6/3 at 9A)
6/18 - 6/24:
Summer Camp - Camp Sequoyah (REGISTRATION IS OPEN!)
6/25 - 6/30:
Ranger Camp (Registration is Open at https://www.nega-bsa.org/Ranger)
7/4 - 7/17:
2023 Philmont High Adventure (4 spots remain open for youths; if interested, please email Mr. Cole)
Summer Camp Registration is Open!
Summer Camp is the week of June 18-24 at Camp Sequoyah in Delta Alabama. Check out the Summer Camp webpage for all the details and to register!
Scout Day at the Capitol (March 9)
We are proud to invite our Scouts to Scout Day at the Capitol on Thursday, March 9 from 9AM - 11AM.
At Scout Day at the Capitol, young people from across Georgia come together to learn about civics, citizenship, and how to engage in elected forms of government. Through this unique experience, families gain a deeper connection to the State Legislature and enjoy the unique opportunity to be under the Gold Dome.
All registrants will receive a commemorative patch! Scouts attending are encouraged to wear their uniforms. There is a $3 per individual registration fee which includes Chick-fil-A breakfast. Register early. This unique event will fill up fast!
Sign up for Scout Day at the Capitol!
Scout Day at the Atlanta Hawks (March 25)
Join hundreds of Scout families from across Atlanta for Scout Night on Saturday, March 25th as the Atlanta Hawks take on the Indiana Pacers!
Each ticket includes $10 worth of food and beverage credit that can be used at the restaurants inside the arena. Each scout will also receive an Atlanta Hawks-themed Scout Patch (while supplies last). Tickets can be purchased through the provided link below!
Lead and Learn on Summer Camp Staff
Parents & Leaders,
We are searching for excellent leaders, just like your Scouts, to serve on the staff at Bert Adams Scout Camp and Woodruff Scout Camp for Summer 2023. Tell your Scouts about this excellent opportunity for growth, and encourage them to apply!
Camp Staff members must be age 15 or older, but those that are 14 can serve as a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) for a two-week volunteer experience.
Click Here for more information and have them apply today!
CAMPING
March Campout:
March 24-26: Camporee at Bert Adams
Remaining 2022-2023 Campouts
April 21-23: Survivalist Extreme
May 12-14: Backpacking
changes to campout registration
Two guidelines are now in place for campouts. You can read the details on the Campout webpage.
Completion of requirements - If a participant does not have med forms or required (adult) training completed two weeks before the campout, the participant will not go.
Cancellation and Refunds - If a participant cancels their participation within two weeks of the campout, some or all of the fee will still need to be paid.
These guidelines ensure the onus is on each participant to anticipate what they need to do and to plan ahead when they register for a campout.
camp cards
It’s camp card time! Sell camp cards to your family, friends, & neighbors to help earn $ for your escrow account to offset costs for your Scouting trips - summer camp, camping trips, Philmont, etc. Cards sell for $10 each & you earn 50% commission ($5) for each card you sell. Discounts on the card include Dick’s, Waffle House, Papa John’s, Six Flags, Race Trac and more. In addition, the Online Savers Guide offers hundreds of other retailers. The sale lasts until April 1st. See Mr. Rogers at Tuesday’s meeting if you want to pick up some to sell. For questions email jeffrogers0422@gmail.com.
Health Forms - Please review and update
Parents, please check dates on your scouts' health forms (and yours if you go on camping trips) and renew them in a timely manner.
Here is the link to a Blank BSA Medical Form
A few reminders:
· At minimum, please complete Form A, Form B1, and Form B2.
· You must attach a front and back copy of your insurance card to your completed forms.
· Attach an immunization record if available.
· At minimum, you must provide a month and year for the Tetanus immunization on B2.
· Please attach a copy of the front and back of his COVID vaccination card, if he's vaccinated.
· Form C is required for any events longer than 72 hours and for high adventure treks; it must be completed by a doctor and and can take weeks or months to secure, so start NOW especially if your son plans to attend summer camp.
· BEFORE TURNING IN FORMS, PLEASE SCAN A COPY and save for your records.
For those going on the Cumberland trip, your scout (and you if you are going) must have a current "C form" (physical completed by a doctor). If a participant does not have all med forms fully completed and turned in by February 2 that person will not go to Cumberland.
Any questions, let us know.
Best regards,
Jeanne Fell
Sara Henderson
404-229-3190
Troop 77 Medical Form Coordinator team
advancement
Advancement Desk - Parents are always welcome to come hang out at the Advancement Table to get to know the process the Troop uses for scouts to rank up, earn merit badges and awards. And we can usually use a little help at each meeting - filing things, processing merit badges, etc. Feel free to stop by at the meeting any time or reach out to me with any questions.
Board of Review (BOR) - Scouts - If you are ready for your Board of Review, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop
Pam Crawford
770-891-0769
advancement OPPORTUNITIES
merit badge minute
Atlanta Area Council
The AAC is offering a number of different merit badge classes this spring:
March 25: Soil & Water Conservation Merit Badge (required if your Scout is attempting to earn the World Conservation Award) and Engineering Merit Badge
March 29: Metalwork Merit Badge
April 1: Aviation Merit Badge
April 22: Construction Merit Badge Day. Register for any one of the following merit badges: Surveying, Welding, Drafting, Electrical or Plumbing
The cost per class is $20. Follow this link to register for any of the above classes through Tentaroo:
https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays
***
AAC is holding an Open Shooting Day at Bert Adams on April 22nd. This event is only for Scouts who have already started one of the shooting merit badges, but still need help meeting the targeting requirements. For more information click here: https://www.atlantabsa.org/shootingdays
***
The AAC's next Merit Badge Summit is scheduled for April 29th. Registration opens this Tuesday, February 28th. Spots may fill up quickly! Click here for more information: https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit
***
And, finally, registration for the AAC's Aquatic Merit Badge days will open on April 4th. This is a great opportunity to earn Swimming, Lifesaving and Small-Boat Sailing merit badges (and more!) before your Scout goes off to summer camp. Stay tuned for more information.
Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering Nature Merit Badge on April 23 and Environmental Science Merit Badge on April 30. Each class costs $45. Sign up here: https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/education/scouts/scouts-bsa/
Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody Nature Center has updated its merit badge offerings for the spring and summer season. DNC is offering Nature Study on April 8, Soil and Water Conservation on May 27, and Sustainability on June 24. For more information, click here: https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/
merit badge summits
Merit Badge Summit is a quality Merit Badge program that helps Scouts learn about different fields of knowledge. By recruiting experienced professional counselors, Scouts receive an unparalleled experience. The per-class registration fee of $20 includes program materials for most classes with only a few exceptions. All classes (with a few exceptions) will be 4 hours in length. Classes will usually be offered either from 8 AM – 12 PM or 1:00 PM – 5:00PM. If you are staying all day, please bring a lunch. There is an additional cost option for Chick-Fil-A box meals for either a sandwich or nuggets at $10 per meal. Follow this link to find out more information: https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit.
There are one more upcoming Merit Badge Summit opportunity this Spring:
April 29th: Check https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit for details as to when registration will open.
DUTY TO GOD weekend: march 17-19
The Northeast Georgia Council is hosting a Duty to God Weekend at Scoutland campsite (3685 Looper Lake Rd, Gainesville, GA 30506) on Lake Lanier (~1.5 hrs from OGUMC) . The program will offer training specific to BSA Chaplains & Chaplain Aides. Anyone interested in serving in these roles should consider going. Currently, the cost is $50 per Student and includes one free adult attending per student.
The program is also offering the RP3 programs (Protestant) and NCCS Religious Activity programs (Catholic). These programs can be used to meet some/all BSA Duty to God religious emblems requirements for these two faiths. Participants will receive a patch upon completion! Adults can also participate and earn the patch. These Duty to God offerings are open to all youth from Kindergarten through 12th grade and adults. All are welcome (siblings, youth groups, etc.) as a student does not need to be a Scout to participate in these programs.
Registration includes Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner, and Sunday breakfast, course workbook, patch, and materials
For more info, go to:
BSA sign up at https://www.nega-bsa.org/DutytoGodWeekend
Protestant* at www.praypub.org/rp3
Catholic at www.nccs-bsa.org/index.php/religious-activities
If you are interested in going or already signed up, please let Mr. Wade know via the Chaplain email address: chaplain@troop77bsa.org
Jamboree band
Attention all Band folks - here is a great opportunity with the Jamboree Band!
If you play a musical instrument in your high school or college band or even just for fun and will be at least 16 on or before July 19, 2023, the Jamboree Band is a great way to experience a National Scout Jamboree at a lot less cost than it is to go with a contingent.
Scouts and young adults who are interested should contact the Jamboree Band Director, George Pinchock at pinchock@aol.com and let him know you are interested. Mr. Pinchock is the Associate Director of Music at Villanova University in Pennsylvania where he works with the concert, marching and pep bands, and advises student performing groups. He served as director of the Jamboree Band in 2013 and 2017 and is the Scoutmaster of Troop 50 in Schwenksville, PA.
Band members get to do just about everything participants do plus play concerts for thousands of Scouts and Scouters.
ORder of the Arrow
Hello everyone, this is Ryan Shimabukuro, your Order of the Arrow (OA) Troop Representative. This newsletter contains important information about current and upcoming OA events, and more.
Shoutout
Congratulations on the following scouts who were elected by their peers into the Order of the Arrow:
· Charlie Brewer
· Wesley Cowden
· Myles Garber
· Nathan Hoffman
· Smith Jensen
· Landon Keith
· Wynn Keith
· Carpenter Lineman
· Zander Parris
· Carlson Schaffner
· Franklin Schofner
· Jon Cole Tjoflat
· Spencer Wise
Please visit: https://aacegwa.org/candidates/ for more information.
Events and Registration
The link to our Egwa Tawa Dee Lodge website is https://aacegwa.org . It has a calendar of upcoming events and information on how to register for the events.
Some important upcoming dates are:
May 5-7: Spring Induction
August 25-27: Fall Induction
November 10-12: Winter Induction
Dues
Yes, there are dues in the OA. This year, and every year, dues are $25. 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. The Troop does NOT reimburse for payment of Adult or Youth OA dues, unless the Adult or Scout is actively involved in OA (e.g., attends monthly meetings, Chapter and Lodge events, Conclaves, Fellowship Events, Service Events, etc.), in which case you need to talk to me or Dr. Gilbert.
The link for paying dues is: https://www.atlantabsa.org/OAMemberRenewal
What is the Order of the Arrow?
According to the Order of the Arrow’s website (https://oa-bsa.org/ ), the Order of the Arrow is an honor organization that recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. This recognition provides encouragement for others to live these ideals as well. Arrowmen are known for maintaining camping traditions and spirit, promoting year-round and long-term resident camping, and providing cheerful service to others. OA service, activities, adventures, and training for youth and adults are models of quality leadership development and programming that enrich and help to extend Scouting to America's youth.
Etowah Chapter:
The following are the elected officials (and advisor) in our Chapter:
Chapter Chief: Andrew Lewinski drewladzin@gmail.com
Vice Chapter Chief: Ryan Shimabukuro ryanrshim@gmail.com
Etowah Chapter Advisor: Ramus Caribbean EtowahAdviser@aacegwa.org
If you have any questions about the events, you can contact me or Andrew, the current Etowah Chapter Chief.
Thanks!
Ryan
SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES
Scoutmaster Conferences for Scout, Star, Life and Eagle are conducted by Mr. Cole. You can sign-up for those Scoutmaster Conferences on the Troop's website under Scoutmaster Conferences and follow the instructions and use the Sign-up Genius link under SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCES SIGN-UP FOR SCOUT, STAR AND LIFE RANKS. IF YOUR SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE IS BEFORE 7P, ONE OF YOUR PARENTS MUST BE PREPARED TO STAY FOR THE CONFERENCE TO REMAIN YPT COMPLIANT. 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.
EAGLE COURTS OF HONOR HELP
For anyone (Scouts or Parents) who can volunteer some time to help organize a few things, get things setup, or help take things down at the end of Eagle Courts of Honor, Mrs. Cole could certainly use the help. It’s not an overwhelming amount of stuff to get done by a team, but it starts to get overwhelming if you are having to do it all by yourself. If you’re interested in helping with the Eagle Courts of Honor please contact Holly Cole (hpcole77@gmail.com or (770) 401-4992) and let her know. With a big backlog from COVID and being fortunate to have 1-2 Scouts earning Eagle a month, this is a great way to give some time to the Troop on a night other than Tuesdays and a great place to start volunteering.
community service opportunities
Click the link below to see all of the community service opportunities available now.
https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/service
Communication
Remind Application
Troop 77 Parents –
Or text @troop77p to the number 81010
Troop 77 Scouts
or text @troop77s to the number 81010
Troop 177 Parents –
Or text @troop177p to the number 81010
Troop 177 Scouts
or text @troop177s to the number 81010
Scoutbook
At least one parent/guardian MUST activate their Scoutbook account.
Only the linked parent/guardian can activate the scout's access to their Scoutbook account. (If you scout does not have an email please make them a free account at gmail.com)
To activate your Scout's account complete please click here How to activate your scout's Scoutbook account
Scoutbook has a mobile app. Search for “Scouting BSA” in the APP Store or Google Play and download today! Your login is the same as the web version.
Coming soon a scout will be able to check their escrow account, if medical forms are out of date, swim test status and much more