NEWSLETTER
tuesday, november 16th
6:30 committee meeting
7:30 meeting outside scout hall
Troop 77's latest eagle
Congratulations to our latest Eagle - Michael Meschi achieved the Eagle rank on November 14, 2021!
FROM THE SPL
Hi Everyone,
This week we will be exploring deeper into leave no trace. We will be looking at examples of how to make leave no trace fires and leave no trace campsites. Additionally, we will be having patrol meetings.
YiS,
David
From the scoutmaster
Great job last week to the Titan Patrol for their LNT presentation. Everyone keep reviewing this principles as I am sure we’ll see them again in this week’s LNT presentation on fires, again by the Titan Patrol. LNT is a cornerstone of Scouting today, and everyone should be able to rattle those off as fast as they can the Scout Oath and Law.
Please keep those signups coming for both Providence Canyon and Cumberland Island.
I know it’s starting to get a little chilly, but out on an extra shirt under your Class A and let’s all try to be at this week’s meeting.
Thanks. Mr. Cole
US flag retirement box
My Eagle Scout Project was to build a U.S. flag retirement box for Oak Grove United Methodist Church. The box was installed this weekend and is located at the entrance to Scout Hall. Bring your worn-out U.S. flags and place them in the drop box so we may properly dispose of them. Troop 77 will help contribute to this project by maintaining the box. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Drew Crawford, Life Scout with Troop 77
PHILMONT 2023 AND INDIVIDUAL TREKS
It’s somewhat hard to believe given we still have not gone on our Philmont 2022 Trek yet (that will not happen until next summer), it is already time to enter the lottery and start making plans for our next Philmont trip during the the Summer of 2023. If you have any interest (no matter how remote) in attending Philmont 2023 (which will be a combined Units trip with Troop 77, Troop 177, and Venture Crew 77; although, you do not have to be in a co-ed Crew if you don’t want to be), then please email Mr. Cole at ctcole0308@gmail.com and put “PHILMONT 2023” in the Subject line. You can attend Philmont with us in 2023 if you are 14 by the Summer of 2023 time (for practical purposes, please use June 1st as our departure date; although, our actual departure date will likely be later in the summer), OR if you are 13 and have COMPLETED the 8th Grade by the Summer of 2023. While it appears travel and ancillary costs will remain relatively close in 2023 to what they are right now for our 2022 trip, Philmont is raising its prices again. My best guess estimate is your total all-in cost for 2023 (Philmont fees, Travel (air and ground) fees, Miscellaneous fees, and Souvenirs) will be approximately $2,800. Keep in mind there are a limited number of Philmont Scholarships that are available and other activities (such as fundraising) that can be done to help mitigate some of the costs. In addition, we are constantly evaluating travel options and costs to be as Thrifty as possible. As some of you may know, Philmonts’ fees remained virtually unchanged or increased nominally for decades, and the now consistent nearly 10% year-over-year fee increases are simply a normalization of what probably should have been happening for the last 20 years and wasn’t.
While on the topic of Philmont, I want to remind those Scouts that have already been before or who are Older Scouts and not sure they want to spend 10 days on the trail with some of our younger Scouts, Philmont offers a number of robust individual youth programs for you to attend, and in some cases at no or very low cost. The individual programs to check-out can be found on Philmont’s website at:
https://www.philmontscoutranch.org/philmonttreks/individualprograms/
Those programs include: OA Trail Crew, Ranch Hands, Rayado (really good to do if you think you might want to work at Philmont in the future after turning 18), Roving Outdoor Conservation School (ROCS), STEM, and Trail Crew.
advancement
Congratulations to the following Scouts:
Michael Meschi for earning his Eagle rank on November 14, 2021
Davis Van de Water for earning his First Class rank on November 9, 2021
Court of Honor - Our next Court of Honor is only a month away! It is time to finish up your merit badges, awards (including the EPA 50th Anniversary Award, Outdoor Award, etc.). If you have finished your Cyber Chip, Totin or Fire’m Chit this Fall, please make sure I know about it so you can be recognized at the ceremony.
Awards - I feel sure we have scouts who qualify for the World Conservation Award and/or the National Outdoor Award.
National Outdoor Award for Camping, Hiking, Aquatics, Conservation, Riding AND/OR Adventure - Many of our scouts qualify for one of these 5 award categories. For more info go here and let me know if you qualify.
https://www.boyscouttrail.com/content/award/national_outdoor_badges-2113.asp
World Conservation Award - Check to see if you qualify for this award. All you need are the following 3 merit badges:
1. Earned the Environmental Science OR Sustainability merit badge
2. Earned the Soil and Water Conservation OR Fish and Wildlife Management merit badge
3. Citizenship in the World merit badge
If you have the 3 merit badges needed, fill out the form found here and bring it to me at the Advancement Table and we will get the patch awarded to you:
https://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/World_Conservation_Application-Scouts-BSA-1.pdf
Rank Advancement / Board of Review - If you are close to finishing up your rank, stop by the ASM helpdesk to get the items signed off, finish your Scoutmaster conference, then schedule your Board of Remember you must have ALL requirements signed off including the Scoutmaster Conference BEFORE we can hold your BOR. I have updated the sign up genius with the available slots for November. If you need a BOR and need a date or time outside those offered, please let me know and I will work with you. To sign up for a BOR, go here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop
BOR Parents - Any parents who can help with the BOR, please go ahead and sign up even if a scout is not listed. It is very helpful to have volunteers already signed up rather than have to scramble for them each week. And, I really appreciate your help and know the scouts appreciate getting to rank up in a timely manner.
Yours in Scouting,
Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair
pamcrawford1@me.com
advancement opportunities
We have two classes left for 2021:
On Tuesday, November 16th, join Chayne Sparagowski of the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency for Emergency Preparedness merit badge. Please note that the class starts at 6:00! For more information and to sign up, click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-emergency
Our Weather merit badge class with Mr. Taylor has been rescheduled for Sunday, November 28th. If you are interested, follow the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-weather
CAMPING
December Campout - - Geology and Hiking at Providence Canyon
December 11 - 12, 2021
Registration Deadline: Monday, November 29 at 10:00 p.m.
Trip Links
Trail Map - Camping in Pioneer campsite #3
January Campout - - Service Project on Cumberland Island
January 14 - 17, 2022
Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 17 at 10:00 p.m.
Trip Links
Trip Sheet- Updated (11/12/2021) with change to transportation plan, lowering the cost of the trip. For parents and Scouts who did not experience many Troop campouts prior to COVID, you are accustomed to transporting your Scout to and from the campout. With this trip, we are returning to Attending Adults driving all Scouts and every Scout will have a ride to and from the campout. Just as we would have done on the coach bus, wearing masks are assumed at this point. As we get closer to the campout, COVID precautions will be determined.
Backpacking Gear List - If you don't have something, don't go buy it. Let your Scoutmaster or an Assistant Scoutmaster know and we will try and find gear for the weekend.
Current Mask and Covid Policy, but this can change prior to the campout
Maps showing the island and location of our camp near Plum Orchard
National Park maps showing all campsites on island
from the committee chair
Hello everyone,
A friendly reminder that our next Troop 77 November Committee meeting is this Tuesday, November 16th at 6:30 pm in Scout Hall.
For those newer to Troop 77, the Monthly Committee meetings are where Adult Committee Members and other volunteers meet to discuss and provide updates on various administration activities that support our overall Scouting program. It's a good opportunity to meet other Scout parents and we welcome all interested adults to attend.
Secondly, if you are new to the Troop or did not have a chance to complete our Troop 77 parent survey last spring, please take a few minutes to complete it at the following link: https://forms.gle/fsmZnYjMk8acFncz6
Yours in Scouting,
Bruce King
EPA/BSA 50th Anniversary Award
If your Scout is trying for the EPA/BSA 50th Anniversary Award, please e-mail Mr. Brewer (at wesbrewer@hotmail.com) so we can create a roster of candidates. For a list of the requirements, please look here: http://www.scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/512-09821_EPAAward.pdf
As far as the EPA Award service hours requirement, we will accept any hours done during the 2021 calendar year (yes, dating back to January) that are "conservation" or "public health" related. Check your Scout book.
If you still need hours, Frazier-Rowe is having its last scheduled 2021 work day this Saturday, November 13th, from 9:00 until noon. Please e-mail Mr. Brewer if you plan to attend.
OGUMC CHRISTMAS LOT
Scouts needed for the OGUMC Youth Christmas Tree Lot! The OGUMC Youth Christmas Tree lot is back in 2021! This is a great opportunity to earn service hours and to serve our chartering organization, Oak Grove UMC. There are 2 ways to serve:
Set up the lot on Saturday, November 20: DID YOU KNOW - the Christmas Tree lot supports were built as an Eagle Scout Project by Troop 77 alum Harrison Varnadoe. We need 8 scouts to set up the Christmas Tree Lot on Saturday, November 20 from 1-3 PM. Please sign up as individuals or (better yet) as a patrol HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F4FABA72AA6FD0-oakgrove
Staff the lot! Youth and adults are needed every day to staff the Christmas Tree Lot! Put your sales skills to work, and help families find the PERFECT tree! Sign up for an available shift HERE: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/16994292451940024/false#/invitation
MEMBERSHIP
It is time to collect dues for our BSA recharter and to renew memberships in the Troop. The deadline for all membership dues payments is Tuesday, November 16, 2021.
**Those scouts and adult leaders who do not renew by the November 16 deadline will be removed from the Troop 77 roster and will have to complete a new BSA application in January to rejoin the troop.
Scout dues are $175 and include Troop dues, BSA dues and Scouts Life magazine (included unless you indicate otherwise)
Adult BSA dues are $47 (there are no Troop dues for adults). All registered adult leaders must have a current Youth Protection Training certificate so please check the expiration date of your YPT certificate and update your training as necessary.
If you are not renewing your membership, then please let us know.
Payment invoices will be sent to the scout's parent's email address and to the adult leader's email address. If you do not receive an invoice for dues renewal, then please contact Bruce King at commchair@troop77bsa.org to let him know and he will resend the invoice to the correct email address. We encourage all to pay electronically in order to streamline the renewal process.
*If you have dual membership in another unit (Pack or Crew), then please let us know if you have already paid your dues through another unit.
Please contact membership@troop77bsa.org if you have any questions about membership or dues. Our troop dues are increasing so that we can continue to maintain our equipment and support our large and growing troop. Click here for more information about the increase in the BSA dues.
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!
GOLDEN EAGLE LUNCHEON
Mr. Cole is hosting a table on behalf of Troop 77 at the Atlanta Area Council’s Golden Eagle Luncheon Friday December 10th (gathering at 11:30A and event starts at 12P) at the Cobb Galleria Center. The Keynote Speaker will be Chris Womack who is Chairman, President and CEO of Georgia Power. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Scouting in Atlanta and for those with additional means to enhance and further contribute to Scouting as we continue the character building and leadership development in the the young men and women participating in Scouts BSA. If you are interested in taking part in the Golden Eagle Luncheon, please contact Mr. Cole directly or register at https://www.atlantabsa.org/ge-register and put Clinton Cole in the “Who Invited You to Attend the Luncheon” line.
winter camp 2021
Register today for 2021 Winter Camp at Bert Adams! For 5 days and 4 nights in December, Scouts BSA and Venturers will have the opportunity to camp and take part in unique programs and merit badges not available during Summer Camp. Check out our website for more information.
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.
NATIONAL YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING (NYLT)
NYLT is a week-long advanced leadership course designed to teach Scouts the tools, techniques and skills they need to be better leaders – not only in their units, but also at home, in school, and in their daily lives. Led by an exemplary, highly-trained youth staff, NYLT participants work hard and play hard together through group activities, games, and adventures as they experience Scouting at its best.
You can find additional information, details, registration links, etc. on the Atlanta Area Council's NYLT website at: https://aacnylt.org/
The remaining course sessions for 2021 are as follows (winter sessions in parking lots near Adventure Camp or Camp Emerson in Covington, GA - all sessions are proximate to Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington, GA):
Session 4 (Weekend 1): Saturday, Nov. 20 2021 8:00 am - Tuesday, Nov. 23 2021 3:00 pm AND
Session 4 (Weekend 2): Saturday, December 4 2021 8:00 am - Sunday, December 5 2021 3:00 pm
Session 5: Sunday, December 26 2021 1:00 pm - Friday, December 31 2021 5:00 pm
If you are interested in Staffing NYLT as a youth next summer, then please check the following webpage regularly: https://aacnylt.org/staff-nylt/. If you find out they are accepting youth staff applications, etc. for next summer, then please let Mr. Cole know so we can update the Newsletter and announce that information.
merit badge minute
Earn merit badges at home with the Daniel Boone Council. The course list will be continuously updated over the summer, so check back often. Scouts need a valid Cyber Chip before starting any on-line merit badge. Scouts also need approval from Mr. Brewer, Mr. Cole, Mr. Gupta or Mr. Narula before enrolling. More information through the Daniel Boone website: https://www.danielboonecouncil.org/virtual
Registration for "Conservation Weekend" at Camp Woodruff is now open. Camp will be held the weekend of November 12th and costs $95 per Scout. Scouts can earn up to 3 merit badges over the weekend, many of which fulfill EPA award requirements. https://www.campwoodruff.org/conservation
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