NEWSLETTER

tuesday, march 1st 

6:30 PLC

7:30 troop meeting at ogumc

from the scout patrol leader

Hello everyone,

First, PLC @ 6:30 on Tuesday. Second thing, our first years would like to know what makes a great patrol leader, so any third years and above, please fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/T81e682LQZsy5dE26. 

This week the Hedgehog patrol will be doing their final meeting of the Teambuilding and Scout Skills theme. Please have one person in each patrol bring a large tent. The Hedgehog patrol has (hopefully) learned some valuable lessons about planning this month, as I hope every patrol does when they plan meetings. This is the way things used to run before covid, and we are getting back into the swing of things. Additionally, this week we will be meal planning for our annual Golden Spoon competition that is coming up in three weeks time. See you Tuesday.

YiS,

David

from the scoutmaster


Wow--it's almost March already, and time for the final chapter to be written on David Anderson's SPL term, which ends on March 22nd.  Cadhan Cole's SPL term begins the same day, and please remember, PoRs end that day also (with a few exceptions), so if you want a non-elected PoR for the next term, you should contact Cadhan now.  

Along with Cadhan taking the helm of Troop 77 as the new SPL, another big change will occur on March 22nd.  I will be temporarily stepping down as the Scoutmaster for Troop 77, and Ms. Sara Henderson will be stepping in as our Scoutmaster on an interim basis.  The reason for this change is I do not want to be Scoutmaster overseeing the Program and coaching/mentoring the SPL, while one of my own sons is the SPL, which was a decision I made 4 years ago after talking to a lot of my mentors, Scoutmasters, former Scoutmasters and the like.  I would like to thank the Troop Leadership (especially Mr. DeLange and Mr. King) and Ms. Henderson for helping me to honor that commitment.  I also want to thank the other handful of Adult Leaders who were willing to step into the interim Scoutmaster role as well if Ms. Henderson could not do it.

While Ms. Henderson will be the Scoutmaster in charge of meetings, campouts, overseeing the Program, Summer Camp, and, most importantly, the primary coach/mentor for Cadhan, I will still be lurking in the background working on administrative aspects with and for Ms. Henderson and Troop 77.  I plan to step back into my normal Scoutmaster role at the end of Cadhan's SPL term in late September.  I will continue to attend meetings, campouts, and long-term Program planning like usual with Troop 77, but I will also be spending some of my time with Troop 177, Venture Crew 77, and pursuing some of my other Scouting interests while on this brief hiatus.  In general, you should treat me and interact with me the same way you would any Assistant Scoutmaster, and you should treat and interact with Ms. Henderson as the Scoutmaster, even if I happen to be standing right there.

Again, I harken back to some of my Scoutmaster Minutes over the last couple of months (assuming everyone was not sleeping through them) when we talked about challenges and change and embracing those opportunities instead of being afraid or shying away from them.  Ms. Henderson will do an awesome job as the Scoutmaster, and an even more awesome job if we step up to this challenge and change by giving her the support and respect any Scoutmaster deserves.

Until March 22nd gets here, I will continue with my normal Scoutmaster duties and be working with Ms. Henderson on making the switch when that time comes.

TROOP ELECTRONICS POLICY, CAMPOUT/ACTIVITY RULES, AND DISCIPLINE POLICY


For a multitude of reasons, we will be going back to strict enforcement of the Troop's ELECTRONICS POLICY at Troop Meetings, Campouts, and Other Events effective immediately.  While I personally appreciate all of those Scouts who acted appropriately in recent months while we intentionally relaxed the Electronics Policy, it has become clear that the policy needs to remain in place and be fully and effectively enforced given certain trends we have observed recently, including on our recent Cumberland Island campout.

In addition, I would remind all Scouts, Parents and Adult Leaders, to review and re-familiarize themselves with the Troop Electronic Policy, Troop 77 Campout and Activity Rules, and Troop Discipline Policy, which can be found at the following links (and are also on the last page of the Parent Guide posted on the Forms/Resources page of the Troop's website):


Troop Electronic Policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HABG3GfjuPoszwp_8LrEWqcmOe8__dB2/view

Troop 77 Campout and Activity Rules: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VIQE2jUiO92AwxPCeuSZRAwe5FaCwpKo/view

Troop Discipline Policy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/15aRRCJxpumFD5prx0lbzgUCIbRHiM5uk/view



CAMPING


MARCH CAMPOUTS 

In March, we are offering more than one campout. 

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

March 18 - 20

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

Trip Links        

Climbing Campout   

March 11 - 13

Trip Planner: Andrew Kraft

Registration Deadline: TODAY - 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

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

SCOUT CHALLENGE MARCH 18-20 AT BERT ADAMS SCOUT CAMP


Monday, February 28th is the last day to sign-up for the Scout Challenge campout.  All of 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.  Please see the Camping section of this Newsletter, the Troop's website, or the many Reminds we have sent in order to sign up.  We will be meal planning for Scout Challenge at our March 8th meeting, but we will need to be quick as the main focus of that meeting will be on Summer Camp planning

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.  

For those of you that already signed up and volunteered to help out--Thank You!.  For those of you that did not commit to volunteering some of your time to this event, I have to say I am a little disappointed and hope maybe you just hit the wrong button.  Service and Scouting are inseparable, and service is a hallmark of Troop 77.  While, admittedly, I did make volunteering optional, I have to also admit I honestly thought we would have 100% participation and willingness to lend a hand when asked.  If you inadvertently clicked "no" to volunteering, you can always change your mind and send me an email letting me know you do want to volunteer to help with our events.

advancement


Congratulations to the following scouts who earned their Life rank on February 22nd:


This week we have 3 scouts signed up for their Board of Review.  We are still in need of a couple of adult volunteers to help.  

Here is the signup for volunteers and for scouts needing a BOR:

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

Pam Crawford

Advancement

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.

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 2022-02-27.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.


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:

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.  Current eligible candidates are:

[NOTE: There are a handful of Scouts that have enough camping nights but have not completed First Class.  If you complete First Class this week, then we will add you to the list of eligible candidates.  Please contact Mr. Cole if you wish to pursue this further.]

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

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.

ADVANCEMENT SATURDAY/SCOUT SUNDAY CAMPING BEAD


This is the last week to let me know 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.  If you did, 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 a fraction of the attendees.  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.  You get a special light blue bead for this Advancement/Scout Sunday event, which we only award once a year specifically for this event.  So, make sure you get yours and wear it proudly.

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/

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.

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 DAY

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:  

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/

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