NEWSLETTER
tuesday, october 26th
6:30 Committee Meeting
7:30 meeting outside scout hall
FROM THE SPL
Hello Scouts and Parents,
I hope everyone enjoyed the meeting last week and had fun with the axe yard. Our meetings over the next two weeks will be all about Cloudland. On Tuesday our First Years and Second Year Scouts will be practicing the WEBELOS games so that we nail them on the campout. After we play the games, the First Years will be discussing what they can do to advance at Cloudland. The Second Years will also be looking at what they can do to advance.
The Traditional Scouts will be doing a fun no match fire challenge where the first patrol with a flame will get a prize. Older Scouts will be meal planning/prep for their cooking role. Older Scouts, we will be cooking a thanksgiving meal for a large number of people in two weeks. The campout will be a blast but we need a big older scout showing.
Best,
David
FROM THE SCOUTMASTER
As usual, it was another fun but slightly chaotic meeting as we had WEBELOS and their parents visiting our Troop meeting last week. Hopefully they took away a great impression of Troop 77 and learned a lot about the Troop and Scouting in general.
While all of those Scouts will not join Troop 77, it still gave us the opportunity to get to know them and help them with some of their Arrow of Light advancement requirements. Over the weekend of November 5th - 7th, we will have the opportunity to meet with and further impress a number of those same W2s (and a few that did not make it to the meeting) at our Cloudland Canyon - WEBELOS Games campout. After a day of Scouting Skills, hiking, cooking, and the like, the entire Troop, Troop 177, and any W2s attending will come together for our Traditional Thanksgiving Feast including smoked turkeys and all the Thanksgiving sides and fixin's. If you have not experienced this campout before, it's a "must do" and if you have, you know it's a "must do again!"
Registration for the Cloudland campout closes this Monday (October 25) at 10P, and adding late registrants will not be possible due to the amount of planning, securing food, etc. that goes into this trip. Also, while for Scouts the trip technically starts on Friday night, if you cannot make it Friday but can make it early on Saturday, then please consider doing that and making it to most of the campout. The majority of W2s will not arrive until Saturday morning. If you can make the trip by coming up on Saturday instead of Friday (which needs to be the exception, not the rule, because you have something specific going on in Atlanta Friday night, like football or band at football), then please let me know so we can plan accordingly.
Please do not forget that our registration for our also typically awesome Cumberland Trip in January is out of sequence due to the need to know numbers for that trip earlier than a normal campout. That registration closes on November 9th at 10P, which is just a couple of weeks away. We have a lot happening on this trip, and it is a great opportunity to enjoy Cumberland Island while also giving back through service to a place that has meant so much to so many Scouts and other visitors over the years.
We will spend the next couple of meetings planning and working on activities related to the Cloudland campout; however, even if you are not going on the trip, you should still come to those meetings. We need all the extra hands and brains we can get to get things organized and ready, and everyone being there and lending a hand will be helpful. Along that same idea, I have noticed attendance, especially among older Traditional and Older Scouts has dropped off in recent weeks. Or, you have come to the beginning of the meeting and left early. You guys are supposed to be the leaders of the Troop, regardless of whether or not you are standing up front as part of the Senior Patrol or leading a program, etc., and your absence is felt and noticed. While I would really like to avoid restarting the attendance policy and tracking attendance. All of the higher ranks, which applies to most of this group, have a requirement to be "active in your troop" for a specified period of time. What counts as being "active" is subjective and mostly left to my discretion. Please do not put me in a position where I have to hold back your rank advancement due to lack of activity on your part or make us track your activity on a weekly basis, which is simply a pain for everyone involved and wastes time. Instead, come to meetings and stay at meetings regularly, and most importantly, participate in a positive way.
Finally, we have the second revision to the Annual Planning Meeting Summary coming out this week. The updated version will be on the Calendar page of the Troop's website beneath the calendar itself. The APMS will allow you to stay up to date with the short and longer term planning of the Troop, and it can be a very helpful tool when used in conjunction with the Troop Calendar and the Weekly 7-Part Meeting Plan.
Thanks,
Mr. Cole
Scoutmaster Troop 77
advancement
Congratulations to the following scouts who have ranked up the since the last newsletter:
Sanjith Ramalingam - Scout Rank on October 19, 2021
Henry Fonder-Kristy - Star Rank on October 19, 2021
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
Mr. Wade will be leading Oceanography Merit Badge class prior to our Troop meeting this Tuesday, October 26th. The badge will be earned over two sessions, with the second class to be held later in the fall. Oceanography merit badge qualifies for the 2021 EPA award as an Earth Science badge. For more information and to sign up, please click here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-oceanography
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: Monday, October 25 at 10:00 p.m.
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
From the COmmittee CHair
Hello Troop 77 Parents,
Troop 77 is needing additional Adult volunteers to help out in the following roles:
Secretary - supports consolidation and distribution of weekly newsletter and participates in monthly committee meetings to record minutes
Financial Bookkeeper - member of the treasury group that help manage our troop financials including processing of activity invoices/payments and other expense reimbursement requests
Service Event Coordinator - works with Troop and Community with communicating and coordinating Service Event activities
Hospitality Coordinator - supports planning and coordinating refreshments for Court of Honor ceremonies and other special events
Secondly, our October Committee meeting will be this Tuesday, October 26 from 6:30-7:30. During our Committee Meetings, our Scoutmaster and SPL typically provide a short "State of the Troop" update to the Committee and Committee leads provide update related to activities in their respective areas (i.e. Membership, Treasury, Activities Planning, etc.). During Tuesday's meeting we will also be focused on getting our membership renewals and 2022 Recharter activities officially kicked off.
All parents are welcome to participate in the monthly Committee meetings and encourage anyone interested in helping out to come to Tuesday's Committee meeting.
Kind regards,
Bruce King
Committee Chair
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.
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.
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
The Atlanta Area Council will be offering its Merit Badge Summit on October 30th. Look here for additional information: https://www.atlantabsa.org/caabmb
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