NEWSLETTER

tuesday, february 8th 

ASM roundtable at 6:30 

7:30 meeting at ogumc

from the Senior PatroL leader


Hi everyone,

This week we will be kicking off our team building and scout skills month, put on by the Hedgehog patrol. This week we will be focusing on First Aid and we will have a camporee game. We will also be meal planning for our Cumberland campout (again). 

Reminder for patrol leaders: Meeting plans are due on Tuesday for the rest of the year. A strike will be given to all patrol leaders who do not get it in on time.

YiS,

David

FROM THE Scoutmaster


A big CONGRATULATIONS to everyone that participated in Advancement Saturday and Scout Sunday this past weekend.  We got a ton accomplished on so many levels on Saturday, and then topped it off with an unbelievable showing and participation Sunday morning for Scout Sunday.  OGUMC was "bleeding" khaki and olive, which is a great thing to see on so many levels.  Everyone should pause for a moment and recognize how much the Church does for our Units, and at the same time, also recognize how much those Units and individuals in the Units (oftentimes even those who are members of other churches) do for OGUMC.  I know the appreciation is there from both directions.  

I do have one minor bone to pick (just joking of course)--I'm pretty sure Reverend Beth swiped my Scoutmaster Minute about facing change from a few weeks ago and turned it into a much better message and said it much more eloquently than I ever could!  In all seriousness, it really reinforces the importance of Scouting, the connection to the Church, and the commonality both organizations share.  

I also hope you all heard Michael Meschi's talk about a Scout being Reverent and his tie-in to Philmont.  Setting aside the religious message for a moment (which was spot on), for anyone out there on the bubble about Philmont 2023, or suddenly are inspired to join us in 2022 (we still have spots, especially for youth), his words were magical to me, and he almost got me to bust out a tear.  If you have not listened to it, take some time and watch the service online and make sure you catch that part (and the rest of the service which had our Scouts involved at numerous points).  There was something inspiring about Michael's words, but the more overwhelming part to me was that was exactly how I felt as a 14-15 year old on my first trip to Philmont 35 years ago, and I could see the sparkle in the eyes of many non-uniformed Adults in the audience who had been Scouts maybe 50 or 60 or maybe even 70 years ago and experienced that same Philmont magic.  Of course, Michael being Michael, he also managed to mention "pee" in front of the entire Congregation, but I would neither expect nor want anything less than that from a "tell it like it is" Scout such as Michael!

A HUGE! thank you to Mr. Brewer and all his efforts and those of our many volunteers who put together Advancement Saturday, and second a HUGE! thank you to Mr. DeLange for all his efforts and coordination regarding Scouts Sunday (and all of our Scouts who spoke, played instruments, ran the electronics, or otherwise participated in the OGUMC service).  I would also offer congratulations to my fellow Cross and Flame recipients, Teresa Keith and Jimmy Gilmore.  I know I was extremely honored for the recognition and am sure Ms. Keith and Mr. Gilmore felt the same. While we all may have some diversity in our beliefs and other elements of religion as most people do, we all embody and embrace the 12th Point of the Scout Law--a Scout is Reverent.

Advancement Saturday/Scout Sunday Camping Beads: If you participated in Advancement Saturday AND attended church service (at OGUMC or your home church) this morning in your uniform (if in person) or online, then please email me as you earned a camping bead for completing both activities.

Scoutbook Information Update:  We are still working on the Scoutbook Update Google Form, and we hope to have that out in the next couple of weeks.  You will likely be seeing several Google forms from the Troop over the next month as we cycle through one of the biggest planning times for the Troop.  Please, please, please read, fill those out, and get them submitted by the deadline.  While often about some seemingly abstract concept or something that might not happen for a year or two, your answers are incredibly important in determining the direction the Troop takes in the future and related planning.  I do not run the Troop, nor does our Committee Chair or Chartered Organization Rep--the Scouts run the Troop, and if we as Adult Leaders and Parents do not give them good information and a lot of it in order to help them make decisions, then we we are falling short and in the end the Troop will fall short.  By way of example, we sent out a poll a year or two ago about High Adventure, and we got about a 35% response rate.  As such, the Troop made its High Adventure planning based on the responses we got.  Yet, I get continually asked why we are not planning a trip to "such and such," and the answer is that of that 35% that responded, "such and such" was not a big vote getter.  Your votes, opinions, provision of information, etc. all count and shape how the Troop runs, so when you see those Google Forms, please fill them out and let the outcome reflect nearly 100% of the Troop participating versus a much smaller percentage.

Older Scouts (Including Star or Life Scouts from the Mustang or Phoenix Patrol):  Mr. Gupta and I had a solid, albeit under-attended, session on Advancement Saturday to talk about the Older Scout Program as it relates to Instructors, Merit Badges, Stray Cats, and a few other topics. We will be continuing to move ahead with that Program in the coming weeks, and I encourage any Older Scout to talk to Keegan Cole, Miles Floyd, or Myles Garber about the meeting this weekend and get caught up.

Campout Planning:  We are not quite ready to let the cat fully out of the bag yet regarding the results of our Campout Planning Meeting until T177 and the Venture Crew have a chance to review and comment on our proposed plans as well as some initial follow-up happening to make sure we can actually do what we want to do in terms of facility availability, SBSA rules, etc.  Needless to say, you should look forward to yet another robust Troop 77 Campout schedule from August 2022 through Summer Camp at Woodruff in 2023.

Thanks.  

Mr. Cole

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 successfully completed their Board of Review on January 26, 2022:

If you need a Board of Review, go here:   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop

 As always, parents if you can help with a BOR, it would be very appreciated!  


Pam Crawford

Advancement

Scout Sunday 2022 


Thank you to all the scouts and families that joined Scout Sunday at OGUMC.  Special thanks to everyone who helped lead service, including:

Congratulations to Mr. Cole, Mrs. Keith, and Mr. Gilmore (T177 Committee Chair) for receiving the Cross & Flame award!

If you missed the service, you can still view the recording at https://www.youtube.com/c/OGUMC.


SPL and PL ELECTIONS

It's hard to believe, but SPL and PL elections are right around the corner.  Declarations for approval to run for SPL and PL are due to Mr. Cole by email (ctcole0308@gmail.com) before 10P on February 8th [Note: the only way to find out if you are ready to be SPL or PL and learn about and experience the process is to run, so even if you do not think you will win, RUN]; SPL Speeches and ASPL Declarations will occur during the meeting on February 15th, and the SPL Elections will be on February 22nd.  Patrol Leader elections will also be February 22nd.  The new SPL and PLs will officially take office and be sworn in on March 22nd, and the majority of CURRENT PoRs will end that same day with a few exceptions (those started recently, Troops Guides and Quartermasters) and new PoRs will hopefully be filled and ready to take over that same day.  The current SPL and PL Election Guidelines can be found at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10JkBQ4VRJKsmtYOEWf6mZj9do37V8BI_/view?usp=sharing

  If you are interested in running for either position, you need to review this document.  FIRST YEAR PATROLS:  Remember, you will become Second Years during this election cycle, so you will be electing a Patrol Leader, and subsequently 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).

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.

CAMPING

February Campout  - - Service Project on Cumberland Island  

February  18 - 21, 2022

Trip Planner: Andrew Kraft

Registration Deadline: Monday, February 7 at 10:00 p.m.

NOTE: If you registered for the January trip, you will still need to register for this campout, ensuring that your med forms are valid. Attending adults, ensure your YPT and Haz Weather training is valid through February 22. 

Trip Links        

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.

Riddle: 29 = D __ __ __  in F __ __ __ __ __ __ __  in a L __ __ __  Y__ __ __ __

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."]

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 


Scouting prepares young people to be good citizens. Spend the day witnessing first-hand the political process in Georgia. Take on the Capitol Scavenger Hunt. Watch your legislators recognize your Scouts from the House Gallery. And have a chance to ask actual representatives your most pressing questions! 

The Capitol will provide a note explaining the activities the Scouts participated in during the day. This event starts at 7:45 AM. Please check with your school's administrative staff to determine if this will qualify as an excused absence. 

Agenda:

There may be an opportunity to enter the Senate gallery and view the Senators at work.  The time for that is yet to be determined.

Your registration fee includes:

Space for this event is extremely limited.

https://www.atlantabsa.org/ScoutCapitol

SCOUT DAYS - 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, 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


PHILMONT 2022 UPDATES


Currently, all Philmont 2022 Crews should be considering and meeting to discuss what itineraries (you need to select 6) you would like to request and making sure you are ready to submit those no later than February 16th, and I strongly recommend not waiting until the last minute.  if you do not select an itinerary, Philmont will assign you one randomly, and it will not be pretty.  If you need any help on itinerary selection, options, activities, etc., then feel free to contact Mr. Cole.  Finally, make sure you are getting those training hikes planned and on the calendar and everyone is working toward getting in shape for this summer's trip.

PHILMONT 2023 UPDATES


All current Philmont 2023 participants have paid and everything is up-to-date for now.  This is somewhat of a dead period as Philmont's focus switches back to 2022, and we will not have a lot to do with respect to our 2023 trip until early fall.  That being said, we do still have some open spots that could be filled, and we are still looking for a second Adult Female Leader over 21.  If you  know anyone interested that did not sign-up before or potential Adult Leaders, then please contact Mr. Cole.

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 


Add the following to the Riddle found above if you solve it and email to Mr. Cole: "but there are only 28 this year!"