NEWSLETTER

tuesday, november 9nd

6:30 asm roundtable

7:30 meeting outside scout hall

FROM THE SPL


Hi everybody,

I hope everyone had fun at the campout and enjoyed the thanksgiving feast. (I think the 90 pounds of potatoes was a little much but there is always next year to refine our cooking skills and math.) This week we will have a Leave No Trace presentation and game by the Titan Patrol.

Yours in Scouting,

David

FROM THE SCOUTMASTER


It was a GREAT weekend for Scouting.  Awesome trip to Cloudland Canyon.  Great food, fun hiking, excellent fellowship, and not too cold!  My thanks again to all of our Scout and Adult participants from Troops 77 and 177, and a special thanks to our area WEBELOS, leaders and parents who came out and made it an even more exciting trip.  A huge thanks to Mrs. Sara Henderson (Troop 77's WEBELOS Liaison) for her countless hours of work, guidance, preparation, communication, form chasing, and everything else.  Without new WEBELOS joining the Troop next spring, the Troop will get smaller and not be as fun and exciting, and Sara went above and beyond to do everything she could to make that potential for WEBELOS from area Packs to join Troop 77 next spring a reality.  A big thanks to all of our Adult organizers, grubmasters, cooks, etc. for all you did before, during, and after the trip.  While we continue to transition events like this to give the Scouts even more responsibility and follow the Scout-led model, without the help and guidance of these key adults, that goal never becomes a true reality.  Also, our Senior Patrol and youth cooks did a great job in general, and kudos to David Anderson and Nash Booth in particular for all of their work, planning, and practice to make this event a reality from both the Troop and WEBELOS activities.  Finally, awesome job by the Krakens and youth leaders who ran the WEBELOS Games and Hike. Way to step up, and your confidence and behavior had an obvious impact on the WEBELOS and helped them have a great time and limited any behavior issues to the bare minimum--you cannot ask for much more than that.

While I will miss the entertainment the WEBELOS provided, I am definitely looking forward to a fun Troop only campout at Providence Canyon in December.  Please sign-up for that trip and let's enjoy some time together as a Troop exploring one of the "Seven Wonders of Georgia" and have a bit more of a traditional (and a little more relaxing) Troop 77 campout!

Thanks,

Mr. Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

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


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 three classes left for 2021:

Last call for Dentistry merit badge, this Tuesday, November 9th, with Dr. Soulimiotis.  We have a few spots left.  Class will start at 6:30.  Sign up here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-dentistry

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

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       


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.  

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.

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.

https://www.atlantabsa.org/woodbadge

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):

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 –

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