NEWSLETTER
tuesday, november 2nd
6:30 PLC
7:30 meeting outside scout hall
FROM THE SPL
Hello everybody,
This upcoming weekend we have our Cloudland campout! This is a very fun and delicious event and we are going to be wrapping up some preparation this week for it. Our first years will be advancing with Nash, working towards our goal of First Class in their first year of scouting. Our Traditional Scouts will be playing scout games and having patrol meetings about advancement with Evan and Cadhan. Our Older Scouts will be refining our cooking plans with the cooking crew. Please come if you are in the cooking crew as we will be discussing the schedule of "cooking events" over the weekend.
Additionally: PLC at 6:30. If you are a Patrol Leader, an ASPL, or the Scribe.
Yours in Scouting,
David
FROM THE SCOUTMASTER
Did someone say or hear Cloudland Canyon, WEBELOS Games or Thanksgiving Feast?!?! If not, you are not talking or paying attention to the right thing because we have a huge campout coming up next weekend. At the last count, we have almost 100 Scouts, W2s and Adults going on the Cloudland campout just from Troop 77 and our awesome feeder Packs. It’s a big operation, it takes a lot of orchestration, and more than anything, it takes everyone being flexible. At last check, it looks like highs will be in the mid-50s and overnight lows in the mid-30s, so bring those sleeping bag liners, under-quilts, long underwear and the like. I know it’s early, so don’t rest on your laurels and be vigilante about checking the weather, but let’s keep our fingers crossed that any rain stays away—right now, it shows a very low chance of rain while we are planning to be there, so let’s hope that holds true. Just a quick shoutout to the Senior Patrol and the other Adults choreographing this production—keep up the good work.
Remember that registration for our JANUARY Campout to Cumberland Island is currently open and closes on November 9th. Registration for our December Providence Canyon campout should be opening very soon. After the craziness that is the Cloudland Thanksgiving Feast campout, make sure you come to the campout in December, which should be much more low-key and “normal”.
For our Philmont 2022 Trip, thank you to Eric Van De Water, Wes Brewer and Ben Bryant for stepping up as Lead Advisor for Crews 2, 3 and 4 respectively (and I am the Lead Advisor for Crew 1). I will be sending a list around hopefully this week with some more Crew-specific information and it will be time to start shaking down gear, start (or hopefully continuing in the case of our Adults) training, and begin planning and executing some prep hikes.
For Philmont 2023, please see the note below, and I will be sending Google form around along with some preliminary information, and hopefully we can send several treks the summer after next as well.
I promise, more camping beads for this fall’s trips are coming soon. I got a little behind with all the Scout camping I was doing and then the Cloudland planning, but I’m getting back on track and hope to have most of the information to Bryan Zhao this week and he can then start distributing the beads, and I will also get everyone caught-up on their camping nights in Scoutbook. Remember, please do not enter your own camping nights in Scoutbook. Let me do that for you so everything stays consistent. If for some reason you need something entered faster then I’m getting it done for a merit badge or something, then just let me know and I can enter yours specifically and then come back and add everyone else.
I am excited where the Troop is at right now, that we are starting the recharter process, that we have had a lot of interest from Packs in the area regarding the Troop, and that some of the work I have been doing behind the scenes (and some in front) regarding future High Adventure opportunities will start to materialize into real activities soon. As part of that, you will start to hear me say that things like Fall Break, Winter Break and Spring Break are no longer going to be about the seasons. Instead, you should start calling them Scout Breaks—meaning, taking a break from school and the rest of life to do some more adventurous Scouting (NOT taking a break from Scouts).
Thanks,
Mr. Cole
Scoutmaster 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 who have ranked up the since the last newsletter:
Will Fell - First Class rank
Ethan Rutland - Star rank
Board of Review: Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop
Once you have signed up for a BOR, email photos of your scout handbook for the rank prior to your scheduled BOR. For the BOR, Scouts bring your scout handbook, a pen and dress in FULL CLASS A uniform including neckerchief and merit badge sash (if you have earned any merit badges). After the BOR, brings your signed scout handbook to the Advancement Table to have the rank processed in ScoutBook and patch prepared for Mr. Cole to hand out at the end of the meeting.
Yours in Scouting,
Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair
pamcrawford1@me.com
advancement opportunities
Are you interested in Dentistry, or maybe just want to learn how to keep all of your teeth for a lifetime? Either way, Mr. Soulimiotis is conducting a merit badge clinic prior to our Troop meeting on Tuesday, November 9th. To view the class pre-requisites and sign up, follow the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-dentistry
CAMPING
November Campout - - Cloudland Canyon Thanksgiving Feast
November 6 - 7, 2021 (*Some Scouts arrive Friday night, Nov 5)
Registration Deadline: CLOSED
Trip Links
January Campout - - Service Project on Cumberland Island
January 14 - 17, 2022
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, November 9 at 10:00 p.m.
Trip Links
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
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.
more sewing
Mrs. Todd and our fabulous group of sewers will be back at out Troop meeting this week to hand out most of the shirts, sashes, etc. that they collected last week but did not finish before the end of the last meeting. They will also be working during this meeting on old and new stuff, and I encourage anyone that needs to get patches sewn on (or ones taken off—yes, I’m talking to you Nash Booth, Ben Buxton and Michael Meschi), especially all of you that have recently switched Positions of Responsibility (if you need a PoR patch for your office, then please see Mrs. Crawford or me).
I also just want to take a moment and recognize all of the time, effort and commitment this group of sewers puts in for the Troop from Mrs. Todd to anyone that every shows up with their machine and contributes. Everyone please make sure you stop by, regardless of whether you need sewing done or not, thank these ladies (or gentlemen, if we ever get a guy in their sewing) for all the work they have done and do for the Troop. I promise you, there is a difference when you see uniforms sewn by folks that do not know what they are doing and when you see Troop 77 sewn uniforms. There is a big difference, and it’s hard to express how lucky we are to have this group helping us out routinely.
scout days NOVember 13 & 14 at georgia aquarium
On November 13 and 14, join fellow Scout families and leaders at the Georgia Aquarium for a couple of exciting Scout Days this Fall! Learn about and experience the marvels and wonders of the ocean at one of the biggest aquariums in the world! Your discounted tickets are available at the Georgia Aquarium website for our Scout Days on November 13 & 14.
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.
BLUE CARDS
At this time, unless specifically requested by a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor, we will not be issuing or authorizing Blue Cards through Scoutbook. If you make a merit badge request through Scoutbook, it will go unanswered, and you will need to make that request in person to either Mr. Cole or Ms. Crawford depending on the subject matter. If a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor asks you to use Scoutbook's Blue Card feature, then please see Ms. Crawford or Mr. Cole prior to the class for further instructions.
Also, we have become somewhat complacent on getting Blue Cards signed BEFORE a Scout starts a Merit Badge, and we plan on holding to a more strict and regular process going forward. Prior to starting any Merit Badge, you should fill out your details on the Blue Card, the name of the Merit Badge, and the name of the Merit Badge Counselor. Prior to requesting a signature to allow you to start the Merit Badge, you should have already spoken with and confirmed that the Merit Badge Counselor is willing to work with you on the Merit Badge. At that point, you should then get the Blue Card signed my one of the following: Mr. Brewer, Mr. Gupta, Mr. Narula or Mr. Cole. In the event you are attending a Merit Badge class event with a non-Troop 77 Merit Badge Counselor (e.g., Merit Badge Summit), then you should still fill out a Blue Card as above, except for the name of he Merit Badge Counselor, please insert the organization hosting the Merit Badge event. You should then get the Blue Card signed by one of the four authorized signers BEFORE attending the Merit Badge class. If you receive a new Blue Card at the Merit Badge event or if your record of completion is only available electronically (e.g., through Tentaroo for an Atlanta Area Council event), then you should see Ms. Crawford after the Merit Badge class (and bring your signed Blue Card) to ensure all the paperwork you need is received and in order for her to process your Blue Card and for me to be able to award your Merit Badge.
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.
TROOP 77 ADULT REGISTRATION ENHANCED RULE
As we enter the fall camping season with some great trips on the schedule and even more in the winter and next spring, I want to remind everyone of Troop 77's enhanced Adult registration rules. I have provided the basic rules below, but for the full text and how to register, etc., please refer to the Troop's Parent Guidebook under the Forms/Resources tab on the Troop website. A link to the full Rule can be found in the Attachments listed on Page 26 of the Troop's Parent Guidebook and referenced as "Adult Registration Rule".
The Guide to Safe Scouting states that, "All adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as leaders. The 72 hours need not be consecutive."
1. Troop 77 will continue to follow the rule above, and it is enhancing the requirement for better protection of our Scouts as well as ease of implementation.
2. On all Campouts, Summer Camps, High Adventure or the like lasting more than 72 hours (Long Term Camp), all adults present FOR ANY PORTION of the Long Term Camp must be a Registered Adult with Troop 77 at least two (2) weeks prior to the Long Term Camp, except any parent attending "Parent's Night" or the equivalent and not spending the night OR any driver to/from a Long Term Camp that is spending less than 24 hours at the Long Term Camp (including drive time) with the Troop.
3. An unregistered adult parent/responsible adult of a Scout may attend one Troop 77 Campout of less than 72 hours (Short Campout) without being a Registered Adult (however, the adult will still need to complete Youth Protection Training and Hazardous Weather Training before the first Short Campout). Before an adult can attend a second Short Campout with the Troop, they must be a Registered Adult with Troop at least two (2) weeks prior to the second Short Campout.
Please remember that these rules are in place to keep all of our Scouts safe, so we appreciate your diligence and cooperation on these matters. In order to become a Registered Adult, you will need to fill out and submit a BSA application with background check authorization, pay your dues annually, and stay current with YPT and HWT. Please contact our Membership Coordinator regarding application matters or our Training Coordinator regarding training matters.
NOTE: We are waiving Part 3 of this rule (except the requirements to be YPT and HWT trained) with respect to the upcoming Rafting Trip in August due to timing constraints and limitations on refunds by the rafting companies; however, Part 3 of the rule will be in full force and effect starting with the September Canoeing Trip and from that point forward. Remember, it is your responsibility to follow-up and register if you have been on one campout and are planning on attending a second one but have not registered. Please take that responsibility seriously, as oftentimes I do not have a chance to verify the issue until immediately prior to a campout. In that case, it might not be possible for you to get registered in time, and you might not be able to attend the trip or get a refund, so please plan ahead.
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
JUST UPDATED! 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