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Event Details

Event Type Merit Badge
Title NEGA Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama at Berkmar High School
Location 405 Pleasant Hill Rd NW, Lilburn, GA 30047  Show Map
Start Date Start Time Stop Date Stop Time
1/31/2015 8:00am 1/31/2015 3:00pm
Open for Registration Last day to Register
11/17/2014   1/21/2015
Sessions
(# badges a single scout can attend)
Fees
(cost to attend event)
For
(Who is invited)
1 $12.00 any scout who wants to attend
Council District Type Unit
Northeast Georgia Sweetwater

--- Start here for help ---

Most of your questions about payment, start and end times, and where to be are explained beneath the list of badges on this page.
Please read everything we've included in the event description. If you still have questions, contact the event manager by clicking this button.

Email Tim Maenpaa (tmaenpaa@comcast.net), the Event Manager

--- ---
Click the column header to sort by that column
ActivitySessionLocationPrerequisitesMin. AgeClass FeeMax in ClassSeats AvailableCounselor 
Aviation All Day1.159None11160 Mr Robert Jones PhD
Chemistry All Day1.203None11160 Mr William Reid
Citizenship in the Community* All Day8.1313,4,7,811160 Mr Emmett King CPA
Citizenship in the Community* All Day8.1323,4,7,811160 Lynn Butler CPA
Citizenship in the Community* All Day8.1333,4,7,811170 Jacqueline Odom
Citizenship in the Community* All Day8.1303,4,7,811160 Mr Richard Edinger
Citizenship in the Nation* All Day8.1182,3,811160 Mr Ronald Mims
Citizenship in the Nation* All Day8.1162,3,811180 Mike Layman
Citizenship in the Nation* All Day8.1172,3,811160 Rick Meinersmann VMD, PhD
Citizenship in the World* All Day8.1283a,3b,4c,5b,711181 Matt Knake
Citizenship in the World* All Day8.1273a,3b,4c,5b,711180 Mrs Rebecca Knake
Citizenship in the World* All Day8.129None11161 Mr Frank Burrow
Coin Collecting All Day1.157#911164 Mr Alan Burton
Communication* All Day8.0835,7,811160 Mr Todd Eaton
Communication* All Day8.0845,7,811160 Bob Cowdrick
Composite Materials All Day1.217None11164 Mr Art Simmons
Cooking* All Day4.1362c,5,7 bring:CampStove,Fuel,MessKit to cook11$10160 Mrs Regina Dippel MA
Cooking* All Day4.1342c,5,7 bring:CampStove,Fuel,MessKit to cook11$10120 Mr Carl Henderson
Cooking* All Day4.1142c,5,7 bring:CampStove,Fuel,MessKit to cook11$10120 Mrs Kyla Scoggins
Digital Technology All Day8.090111160 Mr Mike Child
Electricity All Day1.2152,811165 Mr Donnie Burruss
Emergency Preparedness* All Day8.0811,7,811160 Mr Nate Aab DDR
Emergency Preparedness* All Day8.0821,7,811160 Mr Walter Howell RN
Engineering All Day8.101None11160 Mr Jason Bach
Environmental Science* All Day1.209411160 Mr Scott Butler RPA
Environmental Science* All Day1.201411160 Mr Jerry Silvestrini
Family Life* All Day8.0873,4,5,6b13170 Mrs Jennifer Nguyen
Family Life* All Day8.0883,4,5,6b11160 Mr Clifford Copeland
First Aid* All Day8.1022d11161 Lisa Abercrombie
Geocaching All Day4.112None11163 Danny Haynes
Insect Study All Day1.156 11160 Mr Scott Dippel
Law All Day8.1344,611166 Randy Comins
Nuclear Science All Day1.205None11$8160 Mr Chris Lee
Personal Management* All Day8.0851,2,5,8,9,1011160 Mr William Rambow
Personal Management* All Day8.0861,2,5,8,9,1011160 Mr Ranny Burts
Public Speaking All Day8.103 11160 Mr Paul Weiss
Radio All Day1.133None11160 Mr Steve Back P.E.
Surveying All Day1.212None11164 Mr Ron Pate
Sustainability* All Day1.2141, home-based parts of #2, 5a11160 Mr Scott Houser
Traffic Safety BONUS1.157 1100 Mr Alan Burton
Truck Transportation BONUS1.156 1100 Mr Scott Dippel
Sponsor Information
 

This event is sponsored by the Sweetwater District of the BSA Northeast Georgia Council.



For questions relating to the event, registration, and payment, please contact: AAR2015@seeingstone.net

Description

NEGA Sweetwater District Advance-A-Rama 2015





The Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama is an annual one day Merit Badge clinic designed to help and encourage Scout advancement. Held at Berkmar High School in Lilburn, GA, this event is typically attended by over 500 Scouts. The Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama provides an emphasis on the path to Eagle, and offers TEN Eagle required Merit Badges. Additionally, a class on Eagle advancement will be provided for parents and adult Scout leaders.



This year, we are happy to offer a number of new badge classes. Additionally, there are TWO classes this year that offer a bonus badge (2 badges for one class). The badge classes with a bonus badge are as follows:




  • Insect Study and Truck Transportation

  • Coin Collecting and Traffic Safety



To earn one of the bonus badges, you must register a scout for the primary class listed (and the secondary class will be automatically assigned).



Registration for the event is available online, which provides convenience and up-to-date event information for the Troops and organizers. Please go to www.meritbadge.info, follow the link to online registration, and click on the SignUp link for the NEGA Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama at Berkmar High School. Complete registration and payment instructions are provided on line. This year, we are pleased to offer an on-line payment option.



Registration will open to the Troops of the Sweetwater District (only) on November 17, 2014.  On December 1, 2014, registration will be open to all registered Boy Scouts, regardless of Council or geographic location.  Registration will completely close on January 21, 2015. Each Scout may register for one class only, except as noted for special offerings, and there is a nominal participation fee for each Scout. Some of the Merit Badge classes may also require additional fees for supplies, and any additional fees will be noted in the individual class descriptions.



All Scouts who wish to be guaranteed a class seat must be pre-registered by Troop or Unit through the online system, and registration fees must be received via on-line payment or at the Lawrenceville Scout office (mail or drop off) no later than January 21, 2015. Any registration for which payment is not received by January 21 will be deleted, and the associated class seats will be made available for transfers or walk-in on event day. Walk-in registration on the day of the event will be allowed, but will be limited to only those classes with available seats, Any classes with open seats will be filled on a first come first serve basis.



The class sizes for the individual Merit Badges will be fixed, and multiple classes will be offered for the popular badges. Similar to summer camp registration, once a class becomes full, registration will be closed for that class. Additional classes may be added at a later date depending on demand and availability of qualified counselors.



Registration Dates

November 17, 2014     Advanced Registration Opens for NEGA Sweetwater District Units

December 1, 2014      General Registration Open to all Units, Districts, Councils

January 21, 2015        General Registration Closes

January 21, 2015        Registration fees due at Lawrenceville Scout office

January 31, 2015       Advance-A-Rama Event Day at Berkmar High School



Event Day Schedule

7:45am - 8:00am     Merit Badge Counselor Check in

8:00am - 8:40am    Troop Check in

8:40am - 8:50am    Opening ceremony

9:00am - 11:55am    Morning Merit Badge class session

Noon - 12:30pm    Lunch in cafeteria

12:45pm - 3:00pm    Afternoon Merit Badge class session

3:00pm    Merit Badge classes dismissed, classrooms are cleaned and restored to original order. Scouts return to the cafeteria to depart.

3:00pm - 4:00pm    Counselor check out. Staff meeting in cafeteria.

4:00pm    Staff departs.



Check-in: Check-in on the day of event by Troop is required. Failure to check in with the Registration Coordinator will result in no credit being awarded for attendance.  The safety and security of the Scouts is our top priority.



Uniform:  Full BSA Class A is the uniform of the day. The merit badge sash may also be worn (optional).



Code of Conduct:  The Scout Oath, the Scout Law, and the Outdoor Code will be the required code of conduct at the Advance-A-Rama. A Scout whose conduct is not consistent with this code will be directed to report to his Troop leaders immediately.  Adequate adult supervision is the responsibility of each participating unit, and all Troop leaders are expected to support disciplinary actions deemed necessary by the counselors or event coordinators.



Troop On-site Contact:  Each Troop is required to designate at least one registered adult leader who is responsible for check-in and check-out for all Scouts from their Troop the day of the Advance-A-Rama. The Troop On-site Contact is required to register with the Registration Coordinator the day of the Advance-A-Rama, and remain on site with the Troop, helping to maintain two deep leadership throughout the event.



Transportation:  Troop leaders must coordinate arrival and departure times as well as transportation to and from the Advance-A-Rama for their Troop.  Troops may not leave Scouts alone for pick-up by parents at a later time. All Merit Badge classes will be conducted on the Berkmar High School campus, so no off-site transportation will be required during the event. Follow the Outdoor Code and be Conservation Minded. Please carpool to conserve fuel and parking places.



Clean-up:  A Scout is Clean. We will be the guests of Berkmar High School. Our goal is to be good stewards and to Leave No Trace by keeping the high school premises and classrooms in the same condition as found. Future offerings of the Advance-A-Rama will depend on our conduct and how neatly we leave the grounds. All garbage must be properly disposed in designated containers.



Security:  During the Advance-A-Rama event, Berkmar High School is usually only open to the event organizers and attending troops. However, due to the ice and snow in previous weeks, there will be a couple of make-up sporting events held Saturday afternoon in other parts of the school. Security will not be rigid and units need to exercise vigilance.  Report any incidents to one of the event coordinators or counselors.  In the event of serious or life threatening medical situations call 911. Each unit participating must have at least two adult leaders at the event to provide proper supervision, and must assist in monitoring of hallways during classes to help ensure security. Scouts will not be allowed out of classrooms except during breaks and lunch.  



Scout Email Address and Telephone Number:  The online registration system requests the email address and telephone number for Scouts participating in the Advance-A-Rama. This is intended to facilitate the Merit Badge Counselor providing information regarding prerequisites and material that will be covered in class to the Scouts prior to the Advance-A-Rama. In the spirit of BSA Youth Protection guidelines, please provide an email address and/or telephone number for the Scout’s parents or adult leader rather than the individual Scout.



Concession Stand:  A concession stand will be available in the cafeteria throughout the day. Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the day. In the morning, doughnuts will also be available. The concession stand will be closed to Scouts during class time.



Lunch/Pizza: Troops may choose to bring their own food for lunch, or pre-order pizza at the time of registration which can be picked up at the concession stand. Pizza must pre-ordered by whole pizza only and paid with registration. The cost of pre-ordered pizzas is $8 each.  Event coordinators may make a limited quantity of extra pizzas available after the pre-ordered pizzas are distributed.  While there is no guarantee that extras will be available, if they are available, extra pizzas will be sold for $10 each. Troops are required to eat in the cafeteria, and Scouts will not be allowed out of the cafeteria during the lunch hour.



BLUE CARDS: As required by BSA protocol, we will be using official BSA Blue Cards to report Merit Badge partials and completions. It is the responsibility of the individual units to provide each of their attending Scouts with a Blue Card signed by the Unit Leader. The Merit Badge Counselor will list completed requirements on the individual Blue Cards and return these to the Scouts at the end of class. No other printed advancement records will be provided to the Unit.



Scouts must Be Prepared for class: Scouts are expected to bring paper, pencil, and a copy of the Merit Badge pamphlet. Any Scout wishing to complete the Merit Badge in class must also complete the pre-requisite requirements, which will be listed on the class registration page. Any requirements not completed in class or as pre-requisites must be completed later at the Troop level.



Merit Badge Pamphlets:  Merit Badge pamphlets are available at the Scout Store in Lawrenceville.  Go to www.nega-bsa.org for directions or call 770-962-2105.  The Scout Shop will also ship orders for a small fee.



MERIT BADGE SPECIFICS:



Cooking Merit badge:  Cooking Pre-req’s will include:




  • Scouts will need to bring a trail stove like a Pocket Rocket or similar (with fuel) in order to complete the cooking requirement.

  • Requirements #2C, #5 (all) and #7(all) will not be completed in class. 


Counselor Information

As required by BSA protocol, Advance-a-Rama will be using official BSA Blue Cards to report Merit Badge partials and completions. It is the responsibility of the individual units to provide each of their attending Scouts with a Blue Card signed by the Unit Leader.  The merit badge counselor will work with his/her class to fill out the blue card as efficiently as possible.



At the end of class, the Merit Badge Counselor will list completed requirements on the individual Blue Cards and return the blue card to each Scout at the end of class.



The Counselor will also be provided a MBClass Roster that includes each pre-registered scout in the class.  Please manually make any adjustments to your roster noting adds and/or deletes to the class.  No other written advancement records will be provided to the MBC.



There will be a counselor orientation meeting held on Thursday, January 29, 2015. During this meeting, we will review procedures for the event.



CHECK IN: All counselors must check in at the registration desk when they arrive. You will receive a a copy of your class roster for the day.



CHECK OUT and Staff Meeting:  After classes are dismissed, please return to the staff meeting area located just off the cafeteria area for final check out. At that time, you will return class roster sheets noting all scout adds/deletes and recording all partial or total completions for each Scout on your class roster.

 


Unit Sign-up Instructions


On-line registration is a quick and straightforward process.


  1. ALL UNITS MUST REGISTER AS A GROUP - To begin registration, at least one Troop leader must register in the online system. It is very important that the correct Council, District, and Unit are specified.  Have all leaders that will be attending with your Troop register in a similar manner.

  2. Sign in using your email address and password.

  3. Click the SignUp link next to the NEGA Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama event.

  4. Click the Select link next to the names off all attending leaders. At least one attending leader must be selected, or the system will not allow you to register any Scouts for your unit. Each Troop is required to register a minimum of 2 leaders for the event (always 2 deep leadership!). We recommend at least one leader or adult per 4 Scouts to help ensure order.

  5. For each Scout attending, enter their name, age, contact email & phone, and selected class. The system will only allow a class to be selected that still has seats remaining. Remember, in the spirit of BSA Youth Protection guidelines, please provide an email address and/or telephone number for the Scout’s parents or adult leader rather than the individual Scout.

  6. Once all of the Scout's information has been entered, click Add, and that Scout will appear on the roster for your Troop.

  7. After all Scouts attending have been entered and a minimum of two leaders have been selected, review the roster for accuracy. Make any changes necessary by clicking Edit for the selected Scout.

  8. Click Show & Print Roster, and print 2 copies of the registration information screen from your browser window.



Registration must be submitted By Troop Only. Registration form and all fees must be returned by the date indicated below. Otherwise, we will be forced to drop your online registration to allow other Scouts to register in your place.



Please make any updates to your Troop’s online registration prior to sending in payment. Your Troop registration coordinator may sign in at any time to make changes (addition and deletions of Scouts and adults), prior to sending in your registration form with payment, and before the close of online registration on January 21, 2015.



Many classes have pre-requisites which must be done if the Scout wishes to complete the badge during class. Some classes also have age and/or rank requirements. Unless indicated otherwise, all other requirements for the Merit Badge should be covered in class. For ALL classes, Scouts are required to READ and BRING the Merit Badge pamphlet.



PARKING: Parking will be available in any of the available lots on the Berkmar Campus. Please park busses in the lower lots.



CHECK IN: A check in area will be set up in the cafeteria and open for business from 8:00am-8:40am. The Senior Patrol Leader or designated Troop On-Site Coordinator is responsible for checking in the Troop. At check in, each Troop will receive a printed copy of their roster with a list of fees paid, name tag/stickers, and Advance-a-Rama event patch for each registered Scout. The Scout name tag stickers will have name, Troop, District, Council, Class name, and Class location. Adhere this sticker to the Scout's shirt pocket, as this will allow all to know where this Scout belongs.



BLUE CARDS:  As required by BSA protocol, we will be using official BSA Blue Cards to report Merit Badge partials and completion. It is the responsibility of the individual units to provide each of their attending Scouts with a Blue Card signed by the Unit Leader. The Merit Badge Counselor will list completed requirements on the individual Blue Cards and return these to the Scouts at the end of class. No other printed advancement records will be provided to the Unit.



EVENT SCHEDULE

8:00am - 8:40am            Troop check in

8:40am - 8:50am            Opening ceremony

9:00am - 11:55am          Morning Merit Badge class session

Noon - 12:30pm             Lunch in cafeteria

12:45pm - 3:00pm          Afternoon Merit Badge class session

3:00pm                            Merit Badge classes dismissed, classrooms are cleaned and restored to original order. Scouts return to the cafeteria to depart.

3:00pm - 4:00pm            Counselor Check out, Staff Meeting in the Cafeteria

4:00pm                            Staff departs.



Each Counselor will escort his/her class to the designated classroom. They will also make sure Scouts will not wander outside their classrooms. ALL Adult Leaders and Scoutmasters will assist our counselors and will help with noise and crowd control at all times.


Payment Instructions for the Unit

Unit Payment – On-line



YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR SCOUTS IN THE meritbadge.info SYSTEM FIRST.

Payments received for Troops that have not registered their Scouts through meritbadge.info will be voided.



Event Registration Schedule of Fees

Paid by December 31, 2014              $8 per scout

Paid Jan 1 through Jan 21, 2015       $12 per scout

Paid after Jan 21 or Walk-in             $15 per scout



Other Fees

Pizza orders (cheese or pepperoni) (Paid by January 21, 2015) -  $8 per pizza

(Limited quantities of Pizzas will be available the day of the event for $10 each)

Nuclear Science merit badge class fee       $8 per scout

Cooking merit badge class fee            $10 per scout




YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR SCOUTS IN THE meritbadge.info SYSTEM FIRST.

Payments received for Troops that have not registered their Scouts through meritbadge.info will be voided.



Recognizing that the number of Scouts attending may change during the registration period, please finalize your roster before submitting payment. No roster changes can be made on-line after the close of registration on January 21, 2015.



The following link will connect you with the on-line payment system for the NEGA Council, Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama:




http://nega-bsa.doubleknot.com/event/sweetwater-advance-a-rama-2015/1629257



Enter the following information in the form provided:




  • Council

  • District

  • Unit

  • Contact Name

  • Phone Number

  • Email Address

  • Total number of Scouts registered for event (Participants)

  • Total number of Scouts registered for the Electronics merit badge (Electronics)

  • Total number of Cheese pizzas to reserve

  • Total number of Pepperoni pizzas to reserve


Once you have verified the above information, click the Submit.



A registration fee total will be provided, and you will then be prompted to enter your credit card information. After completing the transaction, a confirmation email will be sent to the email address provided.



No on-line payments will be accepted after January 21, 2015. Unless special arrangements have been made, any unit registration for which no payment is received by the above date, will be canceled.



REFUNDS: The registration and pizza order fees are non-refundable. The amount paid will be forfeited if the Troop or Scout does not attend. However, Troops may substitute Scouts as long as the total number in the Merit Badge class does not change.

 


Unit Payment – Mail-in or Drop-off


YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR SCOUTS IN THE meritbadge.info SYSTEM FIRST.

Payments received for Troops that have not registered their Scouts through meritbadge.info will be voided.



Event Registration Schedule of Fees

Paid by December 31, 2014              $8 per scout

Paid Jan 1 through Jan 21, 2015       $12 per scout

Paid after Jan 21 or Walk-in             $15 per scout



Other Fees

Pizza orders (cheese or pepperoni) (Paid by January 21, 2015) -  $8 per pizza

Electronics merit badge class fee       $10 per scout

Cooking merit badge class fee            $10 per scout



Recognizing that the number of Scouts attending may change during the registration period, please finalize your roster before submitting. No roster changes can be made on-line after the close of registration on January 21, 2015.



YOU MUST REGISTER YOUR SCOUTS IN THE meritbadge.info SYSTEM FIRST.

Payments received for Troops that have not registered their Scouts through meritbadge.info will be voided.



  1. Please print two copies of your registration form as described in the registration section. Send one copy with complete payment. Retain the other copy for your records.

  2. On the printed copies of the registration info, indicate the total number of whole cheese and pepperoni pizzas that you would like to pre-order. Total pizza amount and add this to your registration fees (see below).

  3. Prepare a Troop or personal check for the total amount, which includes all registration and class fees, and the pizza total.

  4. Send registration form and payment to the Lawrenceville Scout office.




PIZZA ORDER and CHECK TOTAL



NUMBER of CHEESE PIZZAS:    ______________ x $8 =    ___________________



NUMBER of PEPPERONI PIZZAS:    ______________ x $8 =    ___________________



PIZZA TOTAL        ___________________



REGISTRATION TOTAL    +    ___________________



CHECK AMOUNT    =    ___________________



Please make Check Payable/Mail to:


NEGA Sweetwater District

Re: Sweetwater Advance-A-Rama 2015

203 Swanson Drive

Lawrenceville, GA 30043

All mailed or drop-off registration payments must be received at the Scout Office on or prior to January 21, 2015. Unless special arrangements have been made, any unit registration for which no payment is received by the above date will be canceled.



REFUNDS: The registration and pizza order fees are non-refundable. The amount paid will be forfeited if the Troop or Scout does not attend. However, Troops may substitute Scouts as long as the total number in the Merit Badge class does not change.

 
Directions to the Event
Berkmar High School is located at 405 Pleasant Hill Road, Lilburn GA.



View Larger Map

 
Release Information


PHOTOGRAPH/VIDEO RELEASE:



We authorize the NEGA Sweetwater District or any entity or person designated to the use or reproduction of any and all photographs, video, or other media taken of the persons named above during the classes or related activities. All photographs, videos, or other media are the property of the NEGA Sweetwater District or the entity or person designated by the NEGA Sweetwater District, and may be used for any purpose without additional consent.





Signature_________________________________________________





DISCLAIMER:



This electronic document is intended for public viewing and is solely for personal reference. It should neither be considered an authoritative source nor an official publication of the Boy Scouts of America. The above mentioned are registered trademarks of said institutions.





See you in January.



Yours in Scouting,



Tim Maenpaa

Advance-A-Rama 2015 Team

email: mailto:aar2015@seeingstone.net



For more information: Lawrenceville Scout Office - 770-962-2105

Joel Marin, staff adviser, jmarin@bsamail.org 770-962-2105
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