NEWSLETTER
tuesday, january 18th
7:30 meeting at Twin Lakes Swim & Tennis (info below)
FROM THE Scoutmaster
As many of the Scouts have heard me say lately, change comes frequently and you have to be prepared to react and either walk toward the change with a positive attitude or run and hide from it. As Scouts, we obviously encourage walking toward the change and embracing it.
Please read this Newsletter in detail from top to bottom and parents please make sure your Scouts read it too. There is a lot going on in Troop 77 and a lot of information in this Newsletter. From changes to meeting location, to changes in our Cumberland trip, to changes to Advancement Weekend and Scout Sunday, and many others. Of course, a lot of things stay the same, but make sure you read those sections too as we continue to add and update them over the next few weeks and get bck to a full and robust Newsletter.
A couple of quick reminders that you will be seeing more on in this Newsletter or upcoming ones as plans and logistics get finalized:
We will be meeting at Twin Lakes Swim & Tennis located at 2841 Briarlake Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345 the next two Tuesdays (January 18th and January 25th) under the sheltered area in the pool complex. Scoutmaster Conferences will occur in that same location at the times you signed up for, and meetings will start at 7:30P like usual in that same location. Parking will be somewhat limited, so be courteous and respectful of others as TL is letting us use the facility for free. We will have restrooms available (the main reason we are not just meeting outside at OGUMC) and lighting.
We will be handing out three Eagle Patches at the end of this week's meeting, so remember there will be no Advancement or Scoutmaster Minute at the end of that meeting. Please do not leave early, and instead stay and pay these guys the respect they deserve for such a monumental accomplishment.
We will be having our Annual Campout Planning Meeting during the afternoon of Advancement Day on Saturday February 5th. All mememberr of the PLC or their designates should try to attend along with Older Scouts and Adults that are regular campers with the Troop. Patrol Leaders, you should be talking to your Patrols and getting their input on the types and locations of campouts they would like to see happen from Summer 2022 through late spring 2023.
A revised Annual Planning Meeting Summary (APMS) is posted under the Calendar on the Troop website. I recommend everyone check the APMS every few weeks to stay abreast of what's currently happening at meetings, campouts, etc. in a summary format.
Ben Buxton and Brandon Rutland will be having a joint Eagle Court of Honor on Sunday January 30th at 3P in the OGUMC Sanctuary. There will be no reception afterward, but we are happy that the Church decided to honor this pre-scheduled commitment and allow the ceremony itself to occur while the Church is closed. Please wear masks inside the Church at all times, and please depart the Church quickly after the ceremony and do not enter other areas such as the Great Hall, Scout Hall, etc.
It's hard to believe, but SPL elections are right around the corner. Declarations 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 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. Remember, Patrol Leader elections will also be February 22nd as well. The new SPL and PLs will officially take office and be sworn in on March 22nd, and the majority of PoRs will end that same day with a few exceptions (those started recently, Troops Guides and Quartermasters). There will be more coming in the next Newsletter on the SPL candidate requirements, election rules, etc.
OA Elections are also 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, 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 list of eligible OA candidates published in the Newsletter as soon as registration closes for the new Cumberland Island Trip over President's Day Weekend because those camping nights may make some additional Scouts 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.
We will be hosting swim tests throughout the spring; however, since our Trip to Okefenokee Swamp has been cancelled, the necessity for completing those swim tests immediately is less. Some people will need to complete them before Survivalist as that will have a water element this year, and everyone going to Philmont in 2022 will need to complete one as we will be staying at a location with a large pool facility that you will likely want to take advantage of. In addition, people will want to get the swim tests done before Lake Allatoona's Merit Badges Days begin. Just remember that the swim tests we take in Atlanta WILL NOT be valid for Summer Camp at Camp Daniel Boone. Due to the cold water in the CDB lake, each person that wants to take an Aquatics Merit Badge or the like must pass the swim test in the colder lake water (about 62 degrees - brrrrr!)
I think we've given you enough to chew on this week, but next week look for information on Scout and Adult Training opportunities (ILST, NYLT, etc.); the newest Eagle Required Merit Badge - Citizenship in the Society; opportunities to participate in Council merit badge and training activities; Scout Challenge and Rock Climbing Campouts in March, and many other bits of new, old and updated information.
upcoming eagle court of honor
ADVANCEMENT SATURDAY
Please mark your calendars for Advancement Saturday, coming up on February 6th.
We will be offering a total of seven merit badges. For the morning session, we have instructors lined up for Camping, Citizenship in the Nation, Cooking and Communications. In the afternoon, we will offer Family Life, Personal Fitness and Citizenship in the World. All are Eagle-required. As such, badges will not be earned during this single session and will require the Scouts to complete additional assignments following their classes.
We will also have stations set up for First Aid (working on both rank and merit badge requirements) and Orienteering (First Class requirement #4a).
Additionally, the Help Desk will be open for those Scouts working on rank requirements.
Finally, we will hold a pair of planning meetings. In the morning, Older Scouts will meet to discuss the instructor program, outstanding merit badges and Venture Crew recruitment. After lunch, we will hold a campout planning meeting for anybody interested in sharing ideas for future outings.
We will not be camping at OGUMC this year. Nonetheless, Scouts are expected to participate in Scout Sunday services on February 6th, either at OGUMC or at their own place of worship.
A Sign-Up Genius will be circulated via Remind later in the week. Stay tuned!
Please e-mail Mr. Brewer (wesbrewer@hotmail.com) with any questions.
advancement
Congratulations to the following scouts who ranked up this week:
Hudson Kraft - Tenderfoot Rank on January 11, 2022
Spencer Wise - Second Class Rank on January 11, 2022
Andrew Booth - Life Rank on January 11, 2022
Matthew Wang - Life Rank on January 11, 2022
Board of Review - The sign up genius has been updated with slots for January 2022. If you need a BOR, sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop
Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair
pamcrawford1@me.com
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
Trip Sheet- Updated (1/17/2022 for this February trip with new info)
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
summer 2022 bert adams camp staff opportunities
Would you like to have all the fun and excitement of a summer camp experience and get paid in the process? The Atlanta Area Council is searching for excellent leaders, just like your Scouts, to serve on the staff at Bert Adams Scout Camp and Woodruff Scout Camp for Summer 2022. 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.
As a member of Camp Staff, Scouts will work in one of the many exciting program areas like aquatics, shooting sports, nature, COPE, climbing, handicraft, dining hall, or the trading post. In these areas, Camp Staff will teach merit badges, provide program, and serve the thousands of other Scouts who come through the summer camps.
Click here for more information and apply today!
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST) is the first in the series of youth leadership training courses. This workshop is designed to teach Scouts about leadership positions within their troop, understand their responsibilities and to equip them with organizational and leadership skills to fulfill those responsibilities.
The Atlanta Area Council will be hosting an ILST course during the University of Scouting Event on March 12, 2022 at Life University. For more information and to register, please visit https://www.atlantabsa.org/university
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.
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:
On January 22nd, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering Environmental Science Merit Badge. This is a great opportunity, as we don't usually offer Environmental Science (Eagle Required) within the Troop. Cost is $45 per Scout. If interested, please sign up by this Thursday (!): https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/event/environmental-science-merit-badge-2/
On February 27, the Chattahoochee Nature Center is offering Mammal Study Merit Badge. For more info, click here:
https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/event/mammal-merit-badge-2/
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
Solve this number/word riddle and be the first to email Mr. Cole at ctcole0308@gmail.com and win a prize. Parents/Adults - no helping and no telling your Scout this is down here. Please just give your Scout access to the Newsletter online and let's see if they can find this hidden message and if they can solve the puzzle too.
32 = D __ __ __ __ __ __ F __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ at which W __ __ __ __ F __ __ __ __ __ __
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