NEWSLETTER
tuesday september 6th
6:30-7:20P PLC
7:00-7:30P ASM HELPDESK
7:30P TROOP MEETING
From the SPL
Hey troop 77 I hope you had a great weekend. This week's meeting will be about knife sharpening with Mr. Gilmer, so bring your pocket knife and totin' chip. Also a reminder there will be a PLC at 6:30, so patrol leaders make sure to attend that.
Here's the meeting plan for the week: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1RVYk0zK4Gl1GTo-OBPYKKzRd8Dcypti0uZWfuOj-P8k/edit
Cadhan Cole
cadhantroop77@gmail.com
(678) 613-0304
from the scoutmaster
We had a great Court of Honor last week with a ton of rank advancement, merit badges, and awards/training acknowledgement. If you were unable to attend, please see Mrs. Crawford to pickup your packet of completed badges, partial blue cards, etc. Virginia Wise did an outstanding job as MC and props to Sam Henderson for volunteering to read names aloud. Carpenter Linneman did a great job pulling together photos for the slideshow. Big thanks also to Mrs. Crawford, Mr. Brewer, Mrs. Todd, and Mrs. Yeung for all their hard work for all their hard work preparing awards. Props also to our Hospitality Committee for the delicious post-ceremony refreshments! There are always a few awards that get missed at these things so if we missed something for you, please let us know and we will get it resolved.
September Trip: SPL Cadhan Cole collected patrol meal plans on 8/23 for the September trip and he’ll get those back to patrols this week so grubmasters can shop. Swim tests: if you’re signed up to tube or kayak next weekend but have not completed your swim test this year, contact Mr. Cole ASAP at ctcole0308@gmail.com to arrange. If you haven’t completed your waiver for the trip, please turn in a hard copy to the Black Box on Tuesday.
The September PLC is scheduled for this Tuesday, September 6, 6:30 - 7:20P. By now, everyone should know whether their Position of Responsibility requires PLC attendance. If unsure, email Cadhan at cadhantroop77@gmail.com.
Also on this Tuesday, we will hold Patrol Leaders elections during the meeting. Electing Patrol Leaders is a very important decision, so I encourage each patrol to have as many members present as possible this week.
Lastly, reminder that if you helped at the Bike Rodeo, I’m holding a short debrief this Tuesday at 7:45 at the picnic tables outside Youth Hall. I will also be available to sign off your service hours.
Yours in Cheerful Service,
Mrs. Sara Henderson
Troop 77 Scoutmaster
sara_crofton@yahoo.com
678-641-9427
august and september 2022 DETAILEd cALENDAR
Note: The majority of the dates in this section are on the Troop Calendar. If you have not done so already (or if the dates are not showing up--there was a recent issue between Scoutbook and our Google Calendar), 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.
September
9/6 - 6:30 - PLC
9/6 - 7:400P - Fishing MB bookwork with Mr Rogers
9/6 - Bike Rodeo Debrief - immediately after opening flags
9/6 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting/PL elections
9/9 to 9/11 - September Paddling Campout on Etowah River (camp Fri and Sat or just Sat; see Camping page for details)
9/13 - 6:30P - ASM Roundtable at 6:30P
9/13 - 7:30P - Troop Meeting
9/20 - 6:30 to 7:30P - E-Prep MB with Mr. Brewer
9/20 - 6:30P - Committee Meeting
9/20 - 7/30P - Troop Meeting
CAMPING
October Campout: September 30 - October 2
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 16 at 10:00 p.m.
Trip Planner: Andrew Kraft and Mike Henry
Trip Links
Map and directions to Appletree Campground
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Planned 2022/2023 Campouts
advancement
Advancement Packets Available - The Court of Honor went very well last week. For those who missed the meeting, you need to drop by the Advancement table to pick up your summer advancement packet. It will have your merit badges and any awards you have earned.
Uniform Patches - Advancement has almost all the patches you need in stock for your uniform. The troop has almost all the patches you need on hand so make sure to check with us before going to the Scout Shop - for both Scouts and Adults! We have Patrol Patches, Leadership Patches, Trained Patches, and more on hand.
Trained Patches - If you have completed your ILST (Scouts) or IOLS (Adults), bring your completion card to the Advancement Table so we can enter the training and get your "Trained" patch to you.
Cyber Chip, Totin Chip, Fire'm Chit - If you have earned / completed your training please let the Advancement Table know so you can get the award information entered in Scoutbook and receive recognition at the Court of Honor. These items require a separate entry in Scoutbook by Advancement so please make sure we know you have earned these awards.
Parents - If your scout does not have a cover for his scout handbook, I urge you to get one for them. I have seen several very tattered Scout Handbooks recently. It is easy to lose the rank advancement pages once they have torn. It takes a lot of time to go back and get the information and unfortunately we can't always confirm the work was completed which creates more work for your Scout. The handbook cover is approximately $12.50 at the Scout Shop.
Board of Review (BOR) - Scouts to sign up for a BOR go here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D44AEAD29A7FF2-troop
Parents if your scout is having a BOR to advance in rank, consider signing up to help for other scouts' BOR. It is a great way to get to know other adults in the troop as well as it helps the scouts!
advancement opportunities
Want to earn the Fishing merit badge? Come to join Mr. Bryant and Mr. Rogers next Tuesday, September 6 after the opening ceremony in Scout Hall to complete the classroom requirements for the fishing merit badge. Those who attend the campout the weekend of September 9-11 can earn the hands-on requirements and complete the merit badge. Even if you cannot attend the campout or are doing tubing on the campout, come earn the classroom requirements to begin the fishing merit badge. Future opportunities will be made available to complete the hands-on requirements. For questions email jeffrogers0422@gmail.com. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA4AA2BAAF94-fishing
Prior to our Troop meeting on Tuesday, September 20th, Mr. Brewer will be leading an Emergency Preparedness catch-up class for those that have already started the badge. For more information and to sign up, follow the link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054FA4AA2BAAF94-emergency2
new eagle required merit badge - citizenship in society
The first new merit badge for youth in the Scouts BSA program since 2017 became Eagle required over the summer. Called Citizenship in Society, it provides Scouts with opportunities to learn more about our world by encouraging them to explore information on diversity, equity, inclusion and ethical leadership — and to learn why these qualities are important in society and in Scouting.
Troop 77 needs qualified (adult) merit badge instructors to lead Citizenship in Society. Registration is now open for the next two Citizenship in Society Facilitator training sessions. They will be held on March 12th and April 23rd at the Volunteer Service Center (across from the Braves stadium). Follow the link to register: https://www.atlantabsa.org/cis-training
Please e-mail Wes Brewer (wesbrewer@hotmail.com) with any questions.
merit badge minute
Atlanta Area Council
The AAC is offering an Aviation Merit Badge class on September 17th. Cost is $15 per Scout. Follow this link to register: https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgedays
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
Chattahoochee Nature Center
The Chattahoochee Nature Center has updated its Merit Badge offerings for autumn. CNC will offer Nature Merit Badge on September 25th and Mammal Study Merit Badge on October 2nd. Please click here: https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/education/scouts/scouts-bsa/
Dunwoody Nature Center
Dunwoody Nature Center has updated its Merit Badge offerings for the fall. Upcoming workshops include Insect Study (September 17th) and Forestry (October 8th). For more information, click here: https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/
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:
Be 13 or older
Have achieved First Class or higher
Have completed ILST
Have the recommendation of your Scoutmaster
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, as they completed their August induction last week!
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:
Fall Induction November 4-6, 2022 at Bert Adams Scout Camp; register by October 25, 2022
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
South River Cleanup
Help clean up the South River! Wear yourself out with others as we have a fun and rewarding time pulling cans, bottles, and tires out of the South River! You can participate as a member of the land crew or get in a kayak or canoe and load up your boat with trash as you float down the river. Let Andrew Kraft (akrafty@me.com) know of questions and if you are interested in participating! Learn more and sign up here!
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
Escrow account balance report (please note "as-of" date as these balances change often)
Request Invoice Payment using Scout Escrow Balance
Expense Reimbursement Requests
Grubmaster/Cobbler reimbursement requests
Transportation/Trailer reimbursement requests
Other General Expense Reimbursement requests
Volunteer at Spooky-ree
It takes a large team of volunteers and staff to make Fall Family Camp an amazing experience for our Scouts. Scout BSA Troops or individual Scouts are encouraged to volunteer to help at this event. Volunteers will have all meals, lodging, and a patch, plus service hours (where applicable). If you are interested in volunteering, please register at the link below. You will receive further information from our Volunteer Coordinator closer to the event. Click here for more:
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
OA Fall Fellowship - September 9 - 11, 2022
University of Scouting - September 24, 2022
Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops - September 24, 2022, and November 5, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/youthtraining)
IOLS Scouts BSA Outdoor Leader Training - October 8 - 9 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/iols)
Merit Badge Summits - Saturday, Oct 29, 2022 (https://www.atlantabsa.org/meritbadgesummit)
OA Fall Induction & Fellowship Weekend - November 4 - 6, 2022
National Youth Leadership Training - Session 3 (Part 1) Saturday, Nov 19 2022 - Tuesday, Nov 22 2022 and (Part 2) Saturday, Dec 3 2022 - Sunday, Dec 4 2022; and Session 4 Monday, Dec 26 2022 - Saturday, Dec 31 2022 (https://aacnylt.org)
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
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 –
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