NEWSLETTER
tuesday, march 29th
6:30 PLC
7:30 troop meeting
From the SPL
Hey Troop 77,
Over the weekend we held Keegan Cole's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, which went very well. Thank you to everyone for attending and supporting our Eagle Scouts. This week's meeting will mostly be about restructuring and reorganizing patrols. The Kraken Patrol is the service patrol - please arrive at 7:15 pm and plan to stay a few minute after dismissal. Here is the link to the meeting plan sheet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nYxl7f2MrgM-Ah0we35MOvUwlKrB_2EB/view?usp=sharing
See you Tuesday!
Thanks,
Cadhan
from the scoutmaster
The time has come! This Tuesday marks the start of Cadhan Cole's SPL term and my first week as Scoutmaster of Troop 77. It is my honor to serve in this role and I will do my very best to serve Cadhan and the troop well. As Mr. Cole has mentioned in previous newsletters, we'd appreciate some grace in coming weeks as we settle into our new roles.
Now, some reminders....
1) Summer Camp registration closes this Tuesday, March 29th! See the Summer Camp section below and visit the Summer Camp page for all the details https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-.https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/campingoutings/Summer-Camp
2) Review the Trip Sheet and sign up for the Standing Indian Backpacking Trip April 22-24. Registration for the trip closes Monday April 11th at 10:00 pm. Visit the troop Camping Page for more info https://sites.google.com/troop77bsa.com/scout-parent/campingoutings
2) Many health forms (A, B1, B2, C, Insurance Card, Covid vaccination proof if applicable) are due in the next few weeks. You should have received an email from me recently if yours are expiring. If you're unsure, shoot me an email.
4) The Annual Planning Meeting is May 1st, 12:30 to 5:00 pm, when we put together the Troop calendar and general schedule for the next 12-18 months. Every scout who is a sitting member of the PLC is expected to attend. Cadhan will be inviting other scouts and leaders to participate, but if you'd like to attend please email me ASAP.
Mrs. Sara Henderson
Scoutmaster
sarasoccersweeper6@gmail.com
sara_crofton@yahoo.com
PHILMONT 2022 - PROCESS AND EQUIPMENT TRAINING
Starting at 6P on April 12th, Mr. Cole will be hosting a meeting for our 2022 Philmont Scouts and Adults to introduce you to using and maintaining most of the actual equipment we will be bringing to Philmont, and I will also be showing you how to use and set up equipment similar to what Philmont will provide. Most of you will not need to bring any equipment; however, both Scouts and Adults need to decide in advance who they are planning on tenting with for the trip. All youth will sleep in the Philmont provided 2-person tents, unless your crew has an odd number of youth, in which case, the solo youth can opt to bring a 1-person tent from home, or they can use a Philmont tent, and then carry half of it while dividing up the other half as Crew gear. Adults can opt to tent solo in tents brought from home, in pairs using Philmont tents, or in pairs in a larger tent brought from home (I recommend no more than a 3-person tent and a total weight under 7lbs). If you are going to be either a Scout or Adult solo tenting, then please bring your 1-person tent with you on April 12th if you have already purchased it. Or, if you are an Adult and planning on pairing up and using a 3-person tent, then please bring that tent with you on 4/12 as well. Remember, SCOUTS CANNOT SHARE A TENT WITH THEIR PARENTS!
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
Backpacking Campout at Standing Indian State Park
Registration Deadline: Monday, April 11 at 10:00 p.m.
April 22 - 24
Trip Planners: Jon Becker and Jeff Rogers
Trip Links
Current Mask and Covid Policy, but this can change prior to the campout
Survivalist Campout
Trip info and signup will be published in April
May 6 - 8
advancement
Congratulations to the following scouts who completed their Board of Review on March 22nd, 2022:
Smith Jensen - First Class Rank
Zander Parris - First Class Rank
Board of Review
Troop 77 Scouts you have been working hard on your rank advancement! If you need a Board of Review (BOR) sign up here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop If the sign up is full and you need me to add a slot for you, let me know.
Once again I need a few volunteers to help with Board of Reviews for the scouts this week. Thank you to the volunteers who have been helping with the Board of Reviews! I appreciate your help. If you can help, sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop
Pam Crawford
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, I know 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.
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.
Elections
Congratulations on the following scouts who are now candidates of the Order of the Arrow:
Bryan Ackerman
David Anderson
Andrew Booth
Charles Fell
Henry Fonder Kristy
Evan George
Harrison Hackney
Alexander King
Alex Lin
Neal Narula
Davis Van De Water
Here is a link for the candidates that contains helpful OA information: https://aacegwa.org/candidates/
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. Here are the dates for the upcoming Induction Weekends and the registration deadlines:
Spring Induction May 6-8, 2022 at Woodruff Scout Camp; register by April 26, 2022
August Induction August 26-28, 2022 at Bert Adams Scout Camp; register by August 16, 2022
Fall Induction November 4-6, 2022 at Bert Adams Scout Camp; register by October 25, 2022
Additionally, Lodge days of service are on the following Saturdays, May 21, July 9, and October 8, 2022.
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.
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
PARENT OVERVIEW MEETING – TUESDAY, APRIL 26 @ 7:45
Please mark your calendar for our next Troop 77 Parent Overview meeting on Tuesday, April 26 at 7:45 pm after opening flags of our regular Tuesday night Scout meeting.
The parent overview meeting will provide new (and renewing) parents an overview of:
What to expect from Troop 77 Scouting
Who’s involved with supporting the program
General advice from other Scouting parents regarding their experiences and “lessons learned”
After a brief and informal presentation, we will have an open Q&A session for folks to get answers to their questions and to meet other parents who are active in Troop 77
TROOP 77 NEEDS ADDITIONAL ADULT VOLUNTEERS!
Troop 77 is seeking some new Parent Volunteers to help fill the following positions:
Secretary – responsible for taking meeting minutes during the Monthly Committee Meeting and recapping them at the following Committee Meeting
Hospitality Coordinator – Responsible for supporting food and other supplies for Troop celebratory and occasionally service events (e.g. Courts of Honor, Advancement Weekend, Summer Fun event)
Social Media Coordinator – responsible for making sure our social media content is appropriate and supporting our Scouts with periodic postings and refreshed content
In addition, our high-volume activities, advancement, financial, and google/website support groups would appreciate additional support as well.
If you can assist with supporting any of these functions, then please contact our Committee Chair, Bruce King, at commchair@troop77bsa.org
upcoming scout days
Scout Day with the Braves - Sunday, May 29 @ 1:20 PM
The lockout is finally over and baseball is officially back! See the World Series Champion Atlanta Braves take on the Miami Marlins Sunday, May 29th at Truist Park! Tickets start at $13 with a portion of each ticket sale going back to Metro-Atlanta Scouting! https://offer.fevo.com/atlanta-braves-scout-night-561fffc?fevoUri=atlanta-braves-scout-night-561fffc%2F
Scout Day with the Dream - Friday, June 3 @ 7:30 PM
Take part in our very first Scout Day with the Atlanta Dream and watch as they face off against the reigning WNBA Champion Chicago Sky on Friday, June 3rd at the Gateway Center Arena! Tickets start at $25 with a portion of each ticket sale going back to Metro-Atlanta Scouting! https://offer.fevo.com/atlanta-dream-vs-chicago-sky-ozf4elw-a86e142?fevoUri=atlanta-dream-vs-chicago-sky-ozf4elw-a86e142%2F
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.
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:
Learning knots, including how to tie a climbing and rappelling harness
Climbing, belaying and rappelling on various features, starting out small and leading up to a night rappel
Learning how to construct a rope bridge as part of a team and night rope bridge competition
Land navigation as part of a team using a map and compass
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.
MUST BE 14 OR OLDER (OR 13 AND COMPLETED THE 8TH GRADE). REGISTRATION IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
** REGISTER ON YOUR OWN USING THIS FORM: https://www.nega-bsa.org/files/29905/2022-ranger-camp-flyer
** NOTIFY CHRIS HENDERSON IF YOU’VE REGISTERED (chris@difco.us.com).
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.
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:
13 or older
First Class
Completed ILST
Have the recommendation of your Scoutmaster
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
IOLS Scouts BSA Outdoor Leader Training - April 30 - May 1, and October 8 - 9 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - April 23, 2022, August 20, 2022, September 24, 2022, and November 5, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/youthtraining)
Wilderness First Aid - (https://www.atlantabsa.org/wildfirstaid)
SOLO - Spring 2022 - Advanced Course April 2-3, 2022, and Basic Course April 23-24, 2022
Allatoona Aquatics Merit Badge Days - Registration Opens April 22, 2022 - Saturday, June 4, 2022; Saturday, June 11, 2022; Saturday, June 18, 2022; Saturday, June 25, 2022; Saturday, July 9, 2022; Saturday, July 16, 2022; Saturday, July 23, 2022; Saturday, August 5, 2022; and Saturday, August 13, 2022
Merit Badge Summits - Saturday, Apr 30, 2022; Saturday, Aug 27, 2022; and Saturday, Oct 29, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgesummit)
National Youth Leadership Training - Session 1 Sunday, May 29 2022 - Friday, Jun 3 2022; Session 2 Sunday, Jun 5 2022 - Friday, Jun 10 2022; Session 3 (Part 1) Saturday, Nov 19 2022 - Tuesday, Nov 22 2022 and (Part 2) Saturday, Dec 3 2022 - Sunday, Dec 4 2022; and Session 4 Monday, Dec 26 2022 - Saturday, Dec 31 2022 (https://aacnylt.org)
OA August Induction & Fellowship Weekend - August 26 - 28, 2022
OA Fall Fellowship - September 9 - 11, 2022
University of Scouting - September 24, 2022
OA Fall Induction & Fellowship Weekend - November 4 - 6, 2022
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.
merit badge minute
Atlanta Area Council:
The Atlanta Area Council is offering Aviation Merit Badge on April 16th. For more information and to sign up, follow this link: https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays
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/
Allatoona:
Registration for this summer's Aquatics Merit Badge Days at Allatoona will open on April 22nd. Scouts may choose from a handful of badges, including canoeing, swimming, lifesaving and motorboating. Classes can fill up fast so, if interested, be ready to sign up when registration opens. Click here for more information: https://www.atlantabsa.org/caabmb
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 –
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