2008 Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp
|
Hiawathaland Council has been accepted to serve at the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp as the Governor's Honor Guard from May 31 to June 7, 2008. Troop 411 in Escanaba is the host Troop.
This is a different time than this contingent is used to over the past few years. It may also conflict with school in some districts. We are working with school districts to inform them of our program. It is important that parent notify the school as soon as possible to make arraignments for the end of the school year.
Below is information on MISSC. Scouts and parents should read the Mini Manual. It provides information about going to Mackinac Island and things Scouts should know about serving at Mackinac Island. They are in pdf format.
The training for MISSC is scheduled for April 11-13 and May 2-4. It will be held at Holy Name School in Escanaba. It is about a block from the place training was held the last two years. The address is 409 South 22nd Street. Here the
map to find the school.
In 1929 the first Scout Service Camp was organized and the future president Gerald Ford was part of the Eagle Scout Contingent that served as the first Governor's Honor Guard.
Today, Scouts carry on that tradition by raising and lowering 22 flags at Fort Mackinac, the Visitor's Center in downtown, and several other historic buildings. The emphasis is service. Besides flag duty, Scouts serve as guides for visiting tourists throughout the day.
The Troop of 56 Scouts and 8 leaders will be staying at the Scout barracks behind the fort. Recreational activities include sight seeing on the island, bike riding, swimming at the Grand Hotel pool, tennis, baseball and horseshoes at the barracks. Plus there will nightly programs such as campfires.
The program is different than most Scouting activities and a great opportunity for service and experiencing the patrol method. Many Scouts list this experience as their most memorable event during their Scouting career.
