NEWSLETTER


tuesday, september 7th

6:30 PLC

7:30 meeting outside scout hall


Masks Required During Troop Meetings at OGUMC


Going forward, masks are required during troop meetings and scouting activities INDOORS AND OUTDOORS on the OGUMC campus for all individuals REGARDLESS OF AGE OR VACCINATION STATUS.   

We can meet indoors when appropriate (i.e., due to weather, Court of Honor, to use AV equipment, etc.), but everyone MUST BE MASKED, including covering both your mouth and nose at all times indoors and outdoors.

As a Troop, we will also continue to encourage and enforce social distancing both indoors and outside. We also continue to encourage all eligible Scouts, Adult Leaders and anyone else eligible that may come in contact with Troop 77 Scouts to get vaccinated and help minimize the risk to the Troop and our Scouts.

Our mask policy will be strictly enforced for Troop 77. We understand the need to be flexible and recognize that Scouts will inadvertently violate the policy, but any repeated or intentional violation of the new indoor mask policy will be grounds for immediate removal from the meeting and potential suspension from future meetings.

From the Senior patrol leader


Hello everyone!

This week, Mr. Brewer has so kindly put together a program for us to work on several different merit badges, including Public Health, which is required for the BSA/EPA award that is only available to earn this calendar year.

Remember to sign up for the campout if you intend to go, sign up closes MONDAY at 10PM.

See y'all on Tuesday!

Nash

FROM THE SCOUTMASTER


I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend and will be back in Scout-mode by Tuesday night when we have several merit badge opportunities going on at the meeting.  Everyone working on the SBSA/EPA Award has been doing a great job (and special thanks to Mr. Wes Brewer for keeping us organized) and I hope to be handing a bunch of those awards out at the end of the year.

Don't forget to sign-up for our Broad River Kayaking Trip by MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6TH AT 10PM.  It's going to be a great trip and I'm looking forward to trying out a new place we have not been to in the recent past.

If you  are 14 and in the 9th grade or older and want to sign-up for my local High Adventure backpacking trip over Columbus Day weekend, then please let me know as soon as possible as spots are filling up fast.  If you have been to Philmont and want to serve in the Program Crew, please let me know what as well.  Just send me an email at ctcole0308@gmail.com and I will sort through the details with you.

I want to give a special shout out to all of our OA members that went through Induction weekend two weekends ago and a special shout out to Ryan Shimabukuro who has really embraced his role as our OA Youth representative.  Ryan is now participating on the Chapter Ceremony team, and I encourage any of you that have completed your Ordeal or Brotherhood to get with Ryan and see what options there are for you in OA.  I also encourage all of you that have been elected but not completed your induction to do so at the next opportunity.  For those of you that have been inducted at least 10 months and want to get your Brotherhood, please pay your dues and wait for the next conclave weekend to complete the Brotherhood trail.

I know several of you have indicated you are going to sign up for the Fall or Winter NYLT.  Please let me know when you actually sign up so I can complete your Unit Leader Recommendation.  The system will not allow me to complete your ULR until you are actually signed-up.  I'm supposed to get notice when that  happens, but occasionally I don't, so please let me know when you've registered.

Looking forward to everyone's continued efforts and participation in meetings and campouts through the latest COVID rules.  Hang in there and we will all get through this together.

Thanks,

Mr. Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

advancement


Congratulations to the following scouts who ranked up this week:

Here are a few Advancement tips:

Rank Advancement Process: 

Board of Review Process:

Adult BOR Volunteers - It takes 3 adults to hold a BOR.  Your help is very appreciated and we have a list of questions available if you need them.  If you are willing to spend a few minutes to help the troop sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d44aead29a7ff2-troop

Yours in Scouting,

Pam Crawford, Advancement Chair

pamcrawford1@me.com

advancement opportunities


PUBLIC HEALTH/FIRST AID MERIT BADGE NIGHT

It's LAST CALL to sign up for either Public Health Merit Badge or First Aid Merit Badge, both classes to be held during our Troop meeting this Tuesday, September 7th.  More information and sign-ups can be accessed here:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-first1

Anybody selecting Public Health needs to print out the merit badge worksheet and fill in their answers to #3 and #8 prior to class.  For #3, where the requirement calls for a "demonstration," please use the space provided to explain two ways of purifying water.  The packet can be found here: http://usscouts.org/mb/worksheets/Public-health.pdf


KAYAKING MERIT BADGE

Mr. Van De Water's Kayaking Merit Badge class is now open to ALL scouts attending the September 18th campout.  Spots are still limited, so sign up today.  For more information and to sign-up, follow this link: 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054fa4aa2baaf94-kayaking

MERIT BADGE SUMMIT - october 30


The Atlanta Area Council's Merit Badge Summit helps Scouts learn about different fields by recruiting experienced professional counselors. Registration will be opening soon for the second  Merit Badge Summit  of the fall, which will take place on October 30th at the Volunteer Service Center (where the Scout Shop is located by the new Braves Stadium).  More details on the October 30th Merit Badge Summit will be forthcoming soon.  

Follow the link for more info:  https://www.atlantabsa.org/MeritBadgeSummit

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.

Swim tests for september kayak trip


We are in the process of arranging some limited dates for conducting swim tests prior to the Broad Rive Kayaking Trip in September.  I assume most people that will be attending the trip already took the swim test at one of the five prior opportunities to do so earlier this year.  However, if you did not, then please let Mr. Cole know by email (ctcole0308@gmail.com) as soon as possible that you are planning on going on the KayakingTrip and need to take the swim test, and we will let you know the dates for us to conduct the swim tests shortly.  

You can also have the test completed yourself using the attached form and information https://filestore.scouting.org/filestore/outdoor%20program/aquatics/pdf/430-122.pdf.  Note that a Council-Approved Resource must be used to conduct the test as stated on page 2, and before you use an "etc." please contact Mr. Cole (ctcole0308@gmail.com) to verify who you want to use is acceptable.  Once the test is completed, the test administrator should fill out page 1 AND provide a copy of their current certification or credentials.  You should then scan (do not photograph) and email the completed page 1 and credentials to Mr. Cole at the email above or bring them to him at a Troop meeting.  He will then sign them and keep them with the Troop's master Swim Classification records.

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.

CAMPING


September Campout  - - Canoeing on the Broad River

September 18-19

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 6 at 10:00 p.m.

Trip Leader(s):  TBD        Trip Planner:  Andrew Kraft

Trip Links        

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

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 Outdoor Award


If you have been with the Troop for a while (or are just curious), then check out the BSA website https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/noa/  to learn more about the National Outdoor Award.  The NOA is typically pursued by older Scouts with several years of Scouting experience, but it is never too early to see what is required and set some goals for earning an NOA one day in the future.  If you qualify for any of the NOA awards or want to start tracking your progress toward an NOA, then please contact Mr. Cole as he was a spreadsheet that will help you consolidate and calculate the information needed.  If you already have an NOA, you can continue to earn additional segments, so this is a great time to review your spreadsheet and see if you qualify for additional gold and sliver honors.

If you have any questions regarding the NOA program (or any other Award programs), please let Mr. Cole or Ms. Crawford know and we will help you pursue those.

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.


SEwing


Scouts, Parents and Adult Leaders:

Ms. Todd (jantodd4@bellsouth.net) can still use some more Scouts, Parents and Leaders to join the sewing group.  I think we only had one or two people step-up to help her, and we could use several more.  Without our sewing group, you would need to get patches sewn on at the Scout Shop or elsewhere, and you often are charged $2 - $3 to have a patch sewn on, and that can really add up.  Ms. Todd and her group provide this service to us for FREE, but we also need to give back and help her out by providing more people willing to sew.

Mrs. Todd will share her knowledge, help you understand exactly where patches go, best stiches to use, etc. This is also a great volunteer job because you do not have to do the work at meetings!

So, if you have a sewing machine and some basic skills (I know some of you do because I see new patches sewn on your Scout’s shirts), please reach out to Ms. Todd and she will get things coordinated.  Uniforms are a main tenet of Scouts, and we need some additional help to get us where we need to be given the size or our Troop.

Thanks. Clinton Cole

Scoutmaster Troop 77

SCOUT DAYS WITH the falcons


Atlanta Falcons Football -- October 3, 2021 

Football season is back and you're invited to cheer on the Atlanta Falcons as they face off against the Washington Football Team. Discounted tickets will be available with a portion of each ticket sale going back to support Metro-Atlanta Scouting! Bring your friends and family to celebrate Scouting and receive an Atlanta Falcons Scout Day patch!


Please visit https://www.atlantabsa.org/scoutdays to learn more and buy tickets to both of these great events.

merit badge minute

For those interested in earning the EPA award, Dunwoody Nature Center is offering the REPTILES & AMPHBIANS merit badge on Saturday, August 28th and the INSECT STUDY merit badge on Saturday, September 11th.   Registration to open soon.  Please mark your calendars if interested.  A complete list of upcoming workshops can be found here:  https://dunwoodynature.org/scout-merit-badges/

Aquatics Merit Badge Days at Camp Allatoona Aquatics Base:  There is one more 2021 session in September. Register here!   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 –

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