NEWSLETTER
TUESDAY, January 31st
7:30PM troop meeting
From the SPL
Hey Troop 77,
I hope you had a great week. This week is the Golden Spoon.
Make sure you plan for 4 judges. The budget per patrol is $25 dollars, if you go too far over budget (like $28 or $29) you will be disqualified. Finally, each judge will rank, taste, presentation, and originality, on a scale from 1-5. You will gain 5 extra points for cooking in a dutch oven and another 5 if you can provide a quality dessert. Dessert is not included in the budget, but also will only get you 5 points, so don’t go overboard.
If your patrol hasn’t planned a meal yet, I recommend you get it done asap. If you plan to cook with a dutch oven, make sure you come early so you can actually finish your meal on time.
I hope to see you there!
YiS,
Alex King
(404)-679-8724
from THE SCOUTMASTER
Our 2023 Philmont Crew 1 had a great weekend of shakedown backpacking at FDR State Park. The packs of coyotes were a little unnerving at times but were offset by Mrs. Henderson’s “backpacking lessons learned”, which were more than a little funny at times (but what happens on shakedown hikes stays on shakedown hikes!). Several of us also enjoyed the Hightower Trail District Banquet last night. Thank you to everyone that came out.
Looking forward, here are some things to be aware of:
SPL and Patrol Leader elections are coming up at the end of February/beginning of March, so start planning now. Click Election Guidelines for requirements, details, and more information on the dates below. I see *so many* qualified candidates in the troop! I hope many of you will consider putting your name in. If you have any inkling you may want to run, especially for SPL, THEN PLEASE RUN! Even if you lose, the experience will be well worth your investment, and who knows, you might win and get to hold one of the most prestigious positions in Scouting, which is even more so at Troop 77 due to our size.
Key Election Dates:
2/7 - SPL Declarations
2/14 - SPL Speeches and Announcement of ASPLs
2/21 - SPL Election
2/21 - PL Declarations
3/7 - PL Elections
3/28 (end of meeting) - New SPL and PLs installed
Order of the Arrow Elections are scheduled for February 21st (same as SPL elections). We are required to have 50% troop attendance in order to conduct the OA Elections, so all scouts should attend that night so the election is valid. A list of potential candidates will post mid-February.
YiS,
Mr. Clinton Cole
Troop 77 Scoutmaster
January and february 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).
JANUARY
1/31:
7:30P Troop Meeting (GOLDEN SPOON COMPETITION!!)
FEBRUARY
2/3: Registration Closes for Advancement Saturday @ 10 PM - Online
2/4: Eagle Scout Merit Badge Summit:
Morning Session @ 8 AM - Noon;
Afternoon Session @ 1 PM - 5 PM
VSC (Registration Closed; call AAC to see if any spots have opened)
2/7:
6:00P - Northern Tier Informational Meeting in Scout Hall
6:30P PLC - Scout Hall
7:30P Troop Meeting (including Meal Planning for Cumberland Campout)
DECLARATIONS TO RUN FOR SPL DUE BY 10 PM - SEND TO MR. COLE BY EMAIL (ctcole0308@gmail.com) AND COPY MRS. HENDERSON (sara_crofton@yahoo.com)
2/11:
Advancement Saturday @ TBD AM - OGUMC
Campout Planning Meeting @ TBD PM - OGUMC
2/11: Porsche Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge Day: Session 1 @ 7:30 AM - Noon - VSC (Registration Closed; call AAC to see if any spots have opened)
2/12: Scout Sunday @ 10:30 AM - OGUMC Sanctuary
2/14:
6:30P ASM Roundtable - Scout Hall
7:30P Troop Meeting (including SPL SPEECHES and DECLARATION OF ASPLs)
2/16: Mandatory Cumberland Island Campout Pre-Departure Meeting @ 6 PM - Scout Hall
2/17-2/20: Cumberland Island Campout and Service Project
Depart OGUMC on 2/17 @ 6 AM (arrive at trailers at least 20 minutes early; pack bagged breakfast to eat at first rest stop)
Return OGUMC on 2/20 @ ~5PM (lunch on ferry included; no stop for dinner)
2/21: Patrol Leader Declarations due by 10 PM - Please send to Mr. Cole by email (ctcole0308@gmail.com) and copy Mrs. Henderson (sara_crofton@yahoo.com)
6:30P Committee Meeting - Scout Hall
7:30P Troop Meeting (including SPL ELECTION; OA Election)
2/23: Hightower Trail District Roundtable @ 7 PM - location TBD - (planned discussion regarding youth emotional development generally and post-COVID with child psychologist; best practices discussion regarding electronics and electronics policies in Scouting)
2/25: Porsche Automotive Maintenance Merit Badge Day: Session 2 @ 7:30 AM - 3 PM - Porsche Experience Center Atlanta (Registration Closed; call AAC to see if any spots have opened)
2/28:
7:30P Troop Meeting (including ANNOUNCEMENT OF SPL ELECTION WINNER)
End of February: Registration Closes for 4/29 Merit Badge Summit (actual date registration closes is TBD)
scout sunday
Scout Sunday is coming up on Sunday, 2/12 during the 11:00 AM Traditional Service at Oak Grove UMC. All scouts and families are invited and encouraged to join the service in person in the Oak Grove UMC Sanctuary. Scouts should plan to wear FULL Class A uniform (with neckerchief). We will have the first several rows reserved for Scouts and families, so please
come fill up the seats!
Scout Sunday is one of the most visible activities we participate in each year for the greater Oak Grove UMC community, and it is a great opportunity to thank the church and its members for all they do to support our troop.
advancement saturday (february 11)
Advancement Saturday is right around the corner! Join us on February 11th at OGUMC for some great outdoor activities! Please click below for more information and to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA4AA2BAAF94-advancement1
CAMPING
February Campout:
Remaining 2022-2023 Campouts
March 24-26: Camporee at Bert Adams
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.
get ready for cumberland
An important email was sent on January 2 to those registered for the Cumberland Island campout in February. If you did not receive this email, let Andrew Kraft (akrafty@me.com know ASAP.
Northern Tier Info meeting
Join us on Tuesday, February 7 at 6:00 p.m. in Scout Hall If you have interest in learning more about joining a crew to Northern Tier High Adventure Base during the summer of 2024. Mr. Leff and others will talk about their past experience, what the next trip will be like, and answer questions. Contact Mr. Leff (mitch@leffassociates.com) with questions.
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 Advancment 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.
BOR ASSISTANCE NEEDED! - Parents - This week we have 3 Scouts signed up for a Board of Review which is the last step for them to earn their rank. It is a great way to know the scouts, what is going on in the troop, and what your own scout does when they earn their ranks. Each BOR takes 3 parents (those not already working with the troop) to meet with the scout - so if you can help at this weeks meeting, sign up on the same SignUp Genius the Scouts use (below). I have a list of questions if you are not sure what you would ask during the BOR. It is greatly appreciated!
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 Aviation Merit Badge class on April 1st. Cost is $20 per Scout. Follow this link to register: https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays
The AAC's next Merit Badge Summit is scheduled for April 29th (See below). Registration isn't open yet, but save the date now!
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 Mammal Study Merit Badge on February 26th. 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 winter and spring. DNC is offering Bird Study on February 25, 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 2 upcoming Merit Badge Summit opportunities this Spring:
February 4th: (Please note that registration for the 2/4 classes is closed, but it never hurts to check-in with the Council and see if there are any last minute openings)
April 29th: Check https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit for details as to when registration will open.
DUTY TO GOD: RELIGIOUS EMBLEM AWARD
Hey guys, this is Zander Parris the Chaplain’s Aide for the troop. One of the main things that I do as Chaplain’s Aide is help you earn the Religious emblem for your faith. Religious Emblems are awards you can get for learning more about your religion and growing stronger in your faith. Please fill out the survey below so that we can recognize your religious beliefs and help you earn the religious emblem for your faith.
https://qfreeaccountssjc1.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bBjpz5FeOrsG0jc
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.
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.
Dues
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
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: RJ Holloway rj@rj-holloway.com
Vice Chapter Chief: Violet Todd violet.todd.7@gmail.com
Etowah Chapter Advisor: Ramus Caribbean EtowahAdviser@aacegwa.org
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
Summer Camp June 18-24, 2023
Summer Camp is the week of June 18-24 at Camp Sequoyah in Delta Alabama. This is a different week and location than our original plan for summer camp in 2023. July ended up not being an option due to the timing of our Philmont crews and Woodruff (and most camps) not having an 8th week of summer camp.
Financial Management Support LInks
Attention Parents!
There's a new Financial Management Tab on the Scout/Parent Portal to assist with tracking and management of expense reimbursement and escrow accounts.
Please use the links on this webpage to submit expense reimbursement requests or for campout/other payments that you'd like to pay using your Scout's escrow balance.
Escrow Accounts
Escrow account balance report (please note "as-of" date as these balances change often)
Request Invoice Payment using Scout Escrow Balance
Expense Reimbursement Requests
Grubmaster/Cobbler reimbursement requests
Transportation/Trailer reimbursement requests
Other General Expense Reimbursement requests
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