NEWSLETTER

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4th

7:00 ASM HELPDESK

7:30P TROOP MEETING

From the SPL


Hey Troop 77,


I hope you all are having a great week. The PLC this week is being postponed to the 10/11 meeting, so make sure if you are a patrol leader to come early next week.


The campout this weekend was a blast! In the future I definitely plan to have campfire programs to be a more regular thing.


First years: you will be running the mile on Tuesday so you can wear athletic shorts instead of scout shorts. Wear a t-shirt under your uniform shirt to run in, and running shoes. 


Finally, the Axolotls are doing a presentation on Personal Fitness. Hope to see you there!


Yours in Scouting,

Alex King

akingt77@gmail.com

(404) 679-8724

from the scoutmaster


NO PLC THIS WEEK!  THE PLC WILL BE NEXT TUESDAY (10/11) AT 6:30 PM


Hello Scouts, Leaders, and Parents (and hopefully not any invading aliens), I’M BAAACK!  While I am no Randy Quaid saving the world on Independence Day by making the ultimate sacrifice, I am officially back as Scoutmaster of Troop 77. 


CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU!


Cadhan’s SPL term has officially ended, and Alex’s term has officially begun.  CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH OF YOU!!! 


Cadhan—enjoy reflecting on your experience as SPL, being a mentor to Alex, jumping back into your role as Youth QM, and working diligently on completing your Eagle rank (if you ever want to experience driving a car!!!). 


Alex—there is a reason that “Be Prepared” is the motto of SBSA—It’s how SPLs survive and do a good job during their terms.  You have all the tools, you have surrounded yourself with a solid group of ASPLs, and the Troop is behind you.  You will quickly find your groove, and before you know it, March will be here and you will be wondering how your SPL term went by so quickly, so stop and make sure you enjoy the journey.


I think there is a font size limit that must exist, but imagine the biggest one that you can, and that’s the size I would use to say THANK YOU! to Ms. Sara Henderson for stepping up, stepping in, owning, and excelling in her role as Scoutmaster of Troop 77 for the last 6 months.  I know it was not easy, and it was making a huge commitment to a request somewhat out of leftfield.  But you  knocked it out of the park in every way possible.  You went above and beyond at every turn, and you epitomize the level of sacrifice, diligence, commitment, caring, and teaching that we could only wish all Scout Volunteer Leaders and parents could provide their Troop and Scouting.  I look forward to continuing what we have started and working with you as we go forward.  I cannot wait to see all the hard work you did have a meaningful impact on our other volunteer Leaders and parents, and I know it will have a lifetime of impact on Cadhan, the other Scouts who got to experience Scouting at Troop 77 with you at the helm, and me.  While we have slightly different styles as one would expect, we have very similar goals and desires for the Troop and Scouting and general, so this should hopefully be a relatively seamless transition for me stepping back into the Scoutmaster role.  I have learned so much by watching you help Cadhan lead the Troop, and how you guided him and the Senior Patrol.  Thank you again, and the next part of your Scouting journey is about to begin.  However, now you have a whole new perspective on the Troop and Scouting to draw upon based on the last 6 months, and I look forward to your continued leadership and help in managing the Program side of the Troop going forward.



BACK TO SCOUTING


And just that fast, it’s time for us all to reflect on the last 6 months guided by Ms. Henderson, but also get moving full speed on the next 6 months.  We probably will not know for a little while, but it has either been a really good thing or a really bad thing that Mr. Cole has been able to observe (instead of being in the middle of) the Program and operation of the Troop from a meetings and campout perspective the last 6 months.  Without giving away too much at once, change is surely in the air.  Troop 77 has always been top notch, and it was awesome under Ms. Henderson’s guidance; however, we can always be better, and I will be working hard with Alex to implement a solid Program and instituting some changes throughout the Troop to raise our standards and expectations even higher.


Out of the gate, a huge focus for me will be our meeting and campout attendance.  As the world has become busier as we slowly pull ourselves out of the craziness of the last few years, I suddenly see a significant drop-off in meeting and campout attendance, especially from our high school aged Scouts, but generally across the board from most groups except the First Years (y’all Rock!).  I do not want to start taking attendance, but each Scout has a not only an obligation, but preferably a desire, to participate in Troop meetings and campouts.   We have approximately 120 Scouts currently on our roster, and yet, we have maybe 35-40 (mostly the same Scouts) attending meetings, and the last campout less than 20 Scouts.  I know everyone is busy with school, homework, sports, video games, family, etc., but each of you owes it to yourself and the Troop to make it to every meeting and campout you can.  If you cannot make it to a meeting or campout, then that should be the exception and not the rule--not vice versa. 


Participation, repetition, teaching, and then more of each are the keys to Scouting, and if you skip the participation element, you will never reach your Scouting goals in a meaningful and long-lasting way.  We can give you  the tools to be great Scouts, great leaders, and great citizens, but if you don’t participate regularly and keep participating as long as possible (regardless of rank), your toolbox will be woefully inadequate.


One key issue that recent lack of participation has created is a deficit in the Patrol Leader position.  Being a Patrol Leader is not and should not be a burden.  It should be an honor, and it should come with knowing the rest of your Patrol will be there to support you.  We had several instances in the last election with Patrols voting when only 1 or 2 members were present, Patrol Leaders in office continuing in office because no one else was willing to step up and take on the challenge, and several Patrols that did not even elect a Patrol Leader (or tried to elect someone that was not there).  I will be reviewing the recent Patrol Leader elections, and Alex and I will be meeting with each Patrol to sort out whether there needs to be a new election.  Since I know our attendance is going to be phenomenal going forward, because everyone wants Troop 77 to be the best not only in our District but in the Council, I am hopeful that we can quickly and easily resolve most off the Patrol Leader issues and give Alex a PLC he can both count on and work with to shape the Troop for the next 6 months and beyond.


Finally, please make sure you read the whole Newsletter as there is always useful and valuable information therein.  Parents, if the Newsletter only comes to you (i.e., your Scout is not signed up for Remind or cannot access the Newsletter through the web), then please make sure your Scout either reads it with you, you print them a copy, etc. While we need everyone to read everything we put out in any form (Newsletter, Remind, Scoutbook, Email, etc.), it is super-critical that everyone reads the Newsletter and stays current on what is going on in the Troop and upcoming opportunities, etc.


 

Yours in Scouting

Clinton Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

ctcole0308@gmail.com

(678) 595-3332


OCTOBER 2022 DETAILEd cALENDAR

Note: The majority of the dates in this section are on the Troop Calendar.  If you have not done so already, please subscribe to the Troop's calendar at https://scoutbook.scouting.org/ics/17077.45861.ics.  You can also find the calendar on the Troop's website and in Scoutbook.  In addition, on the Calendar page of the Troop’s website, you will find the last update to the Annual Planning Meeting Summary, which will give you an idea of what we will be doing for the next 10 months (the AMPS is subject to change, but it should not change too much).

OCTOBER









 

NOVEMBER (some early information)












CAMPING

November Campout: 

November 12-13:  Olympic Games at Lumpkin with WEBELO (trip details coming soon)


Upcoming 2022/2023 Campouts

November 12-13: Olympic Games at Lumpkin with WEBELO (trip details coming soon)

December 10-11: Shooting Sports at Lawhorn (trip details coming soon)

January 14-15:  Caving at Tumbling Rock  (click to access campout information and register)

February 17-20: Cumberland Island Service

March 24-26: Camporee at Bert Adams

April 21-23: Survivalist Extreme

May 12-14: Backpacking

advancement



Congratulations to the following scouts who successfully completed their Board of Review for their rank.  They are: 


- Will Fell who earned his Star rank on 9/27/2022

- Smith Jensen who earned his Star rank on 9/27/2022

- Alex Lin who earned his Star rank on 9/27/2022

- Carpenter Linneman who earned his Star rank on 9/27/2022


Board of Review (BOR) - Parents we need your help this week as we have two more scouts have signed up for their BOR.  This is the last step for them to earn the rank so it is important.  To help, just sign up on the sign up genius link below. 


Scouts - If you are ready for your Board of Review, sign up here: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop 


advancement OPPORTUNITIES

CITIZENSHIP IN THE WORLD



Prior to our Troop meeting on October 18th, Mr. Brewer will be leading a Citizenship in the World Merit Badge class.  For more information and to sign up, follow the link:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA4AA2BAAF94-citizenship2 


JOTA-JOTI jamboree


Are you ready for the world’s largest Scouting event happening online and over the airwaves?  This is the world’s largest digital and radio Scout event promoting friendship and global citizenship, and everyone is invited! On the weekend of 14-16 October, join us for this year’s JOTA-JOTI, which will bring together millions of young people from around the world for a weekend full of fun, friendship and learning.

Registration for JOTA-JOTI is open now, so sign up as a Scout group or as an individual to be part of this amazing experience from anywhere in the world. Register at https://www.jotajoti.info/

TEACH CAMPING TO CUB SCOUTS

Help Teach Cub Camping Skills at the Oct 27th Pack 577 Meeting

Pack 577 has asked Troop 77 to provide scout volunteers to teach camping skills at their October pack meeting on Thursday 10/27 at 6:00 pm (you'll need to arrive a little early to set up). Scouts can earn 1.5 to 1.75 service hours. You might teach how to pitch a tent, how to arrange gear inside your tent, fire safety, the Cub Scout 6 essentials, etc. To volunteer, sign up here. 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040c4ca9af29a02-teach 


merit badge minute

Atlanta Area Council 

The AAC is offering Aviation Merit Badge class on October 15th.  Cost is $15 per Scout.  Follow this link to register:   https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays

The AAC will host its Merit Badge Summit at the Scout Volunteer Service Center on Saturday, October 29th.  Scouts can choose from over 20 merit badge offerings, including Eagle required badges such as Citizenship in the Nation, Communications and Family Life.   Classes last approximately four hours and cost $20 per course.  For more information, click here:   https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit 

Bert Adams Winter Camp

Registration is open for Bert Adams Winter Camp.  Between December 27 and 31, Scouts have the opportunity to earn up to 5 merit badges.   Cost for the 4-night event is $220.  For more information, click here:  https://www.campbertadams.org/wintercamp


Dunwoody Nature Center

Dunwoody Nature Center has updated its Merit Badge offerings for the fall.  Upcoming workshops include Forestry (October 8th).  For more information, click here: https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/

Oak grove barbecue


After going virtual for the last 2 years, we’re heading Back to the Pit with the 61st Annual Oak Grove BBQ on Saturday, October 15 from 11AM – 4PM!  In addition to being a great day filled with delicious, lip-smacking, belly-rubbing food, the BBQ is a huge fundraiser for multiple ministries – including scouting!  

Scouts have ALWAYS been a HUGE part of the Oak Grove BBQ, and we need you this year!  There are many jobs for younger scouts, older scouts and adult volunteers to cook, set up, serve, or help clean up.  All volunteers will earn service hours and the coveted, collectable Oak Grove BBQ Patch!

Wondering what the best job is for you?

 

To volunteer or to buy your BBQ Tickets, go to https://ogumc.org/event/barbecue

If you have questions OR if you’d like to be part of the Cobbler crew, please contact Adam DeLange: adamfdelange@gmail.com


winter Camp


The Atlanta Area Council is excited to offer Winter Camp at Bert Adams Scout Camp for Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews. For 5 days and 4 nights in December, Scouts BSA and Venturers will have the opportunity to camp and play at one of America's premier camps.  Our winter camp will introduce unique programs and merit badges that are not available at either of our summer camps. We've pulled together the best of our summer camp staffs for an all-star leadership team. Scouts BSA and Venturers can attend as a Troop or Crew, patrol, or as an individual provisional Scouts BSA/Venturer.  Activities include over 60 Merit Badges, Games, Cracker Barrels, an epic Klondike Derby, Cold Weather Camping Activities, Campfires, and other unique programs.

https://www.campbertadams.org/files/42668/2022-winter-camp-flyer

Important Note: If you are interested in attending Winter Camp as a Troop, then please contact Mr. Cole by email at ctcole0308@gmail.com by October 21st so we can gauge if there is enough interest to make this a Troop event or assist you with individual registration.


SCOUT DAY with the ATLANTA FALCONS

Join the excitement of Scout Day with the Atlanta Falcons!

October 30, 2022 | 1:00 PM | Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Join hundreds of your fellow Scouts and leaders at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a fun Scout Day with the Atlanta Falcons!

Cheer on the Falcons as they take on the Carolina Panthers in what should be an exciting divisional matchup! All participating Scouts will receive a Falcon's Scout Day Pennant. All $40 tickets have sold out, so act quickly! Tickets now start at $70 and can be purchased by clicking the link below.

https://offer.fevo.com/falcons-scout-day-metro-atlanta-council-5c38dfe?fevoUri=falcons-scout-day-metro-atlanta-council-5c38dfe%2F 

NYLT


Only two National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) sessions remain this year.  We strongly recommend all eligible Scouts that have not previously attended NYLT to register and take part in BSA’s preeminent Youth training opportunity.  This six-day course is designed to equip Scouts with the skills to improve their leadership in all aspects of 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.

To be eligible for NYLT, before the week you plan to attend, you must:


The remaining 2022 NYLT Session Dates are as follows:


Fall Session (Part 1) - Saturday, Nov 19 2022  -  Tuesday, Nov 22 2022

Adventure Camp (Bert Adams Scout Camp)

              -AND-

Fall Session (Part 2) - Saturday, Dec 3 2022  -  Sunday, Dec 4 2022

Adventure Camp (Bert Adams Scout Camp)


Winter Session - 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/

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.

New Brothers

Let’s congratulate Cash Hackney, Alex King, Will Fell, and Alex Lin!

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:

Additionally, our next lodge day of service is on 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.

Etowah Chapter:

The following are the elected officials (and advisor) in our Chapter:

Chapter Chief: RJ Holloway rj@rj-holloway.com

Vice Chapter Chief: Violet Todd violet.todd.7@gmail.com

Etowah Chapter Advisor: Ramus Caribbean EtowahAdviser@aacegwa.org

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

Financial Management Support LInks


Attention Parents!

There's a new Financial Management Tab on the Scout/Parent Portal to assist with tracking and management of expense reimbursement and escrow accounts.  

Please use the links on this webpage to submit expense reimbursement requests or for campout/other payments that you'd like to pay using your Scout's escrow balance.

Escrow Accounts


Expense Reimbursement Requests

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.  IF YOUR SCOUTMASTER CONFERENCE IS BEFORE 7P, ONE OF YOUR PARENTS MUST BE PREPARED TO STAY FOR THE CONFERENCE (SO THAT WE HAVE TWO ADULTS PRESENT AND NO ONE-ON-ONE CONTACT) SO THAT WE CAN REMAIN YOUTH PROTECTION TRAINING COMPLIANT.

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.

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, 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.

UPCOMING COUNCIL/DISTRICT EVENTS


community service opportunities

Click the link below to see all of the community service opportunities available now.

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