Michigan Scouter - Spring 2017 Edition

MICHIGAN SCOUTER Your resource for Scouting in the Mitten

2017 spring Edition

about michigan crossroads council

council staff Scout Executive Don Shepard

Executive Assistant Whitney Rann Chief Development Officer Gary Gilger Grant Writing Supervisor Alexandra Standal Grant Writer Angela Jarjis Membership Shared Services Coordinator (Registrar) Birdie Sisco Popcorn Sales Specialist Alanna Bonnar Chief Financial Officer Michael Chaffee Controller/Human Resources Deb Hartman Sr. Accountant Misty Schalk

Picture taken at Camp Munhacke

Accounting Specialist/Payroll Mary Ervin

Table of contents Meet Don Shepard, MCC Scout Executive A Fateful Journey on the Tooth of Time Roy More, Silver Antelope Recipient Good Grief! Meet Charlie Brown!

Welcome New Staff Adult Training Activities & Program Scout Salute to Mom's on Mother's Day NYLT/Eagle Resources STEM Program Boy Scout News Camp News 2017 Cub Camp Themes Camp Updates Great Lakes Field Service Council President Ford Field Service Council Southern Shores Field Service Council Water and Woods Field Service Council

Page 3 Page 4 Page 6 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 21 Page 32 Page 42 Page 53

Accounting Specialist/Accounts Payable Lauri Rodgers Director Marketing & Communications - STEM Program Kimberlee Manor Public Relations Specialist Jane Parikh Graphic Design Specialist Ashley Kraft Marketing Assistant Rosalie Petrouske Marketing Assistant Aaron Bell STEM Associate, Southeast Eric Suender STEM Associate, South Central Catherine Gorecki STEM Associate, Northeast Mike Powell

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STEM Associate, West Bridget Knight

Meet Don Shepard, MCC Scout Executive On April 29th, Don Shepard joins us officially as the Scout Executive for MCC. Staff Professionals had the opportunity to meet Don and his wife, Sara, at the Central Region All Hands Conference last week, and we know he’s looking forward to meeting Scouts, Leaders and Volunteers in Michigan as he begins his new journey with us.

“I studied the demographics of Michigan and found that Michigan is just a larger version of New Hampshire,” Shepard said. “I decided that leading the Michigan Crossroads Council given those similar demographics, coupled with the consolidation the MCC was going through was intriguing to me and that’s what sealed the deal for me to interview.”

Shepard said he thinks the MCC could serve as model for consolidation efforts in other areas of the United States where the Boy Scouts of America has a presence.

“Where it makes sense, I think leadership of the Boy Scouts of America will begin the conversation about consolidation efforts,” Shepard said. “The streamlining of the MCC and its statewide operations has created additional opportunities to provide a greater and more enhanced menu of programming and services to Scouting youth and volunteers in Michigan.”

The MCC was formed in 2012 through the merger of nine councils throughout the state’s Lower Peninsula. It is now the largest Council in the United States serving more than 67,000 youth, ages 6-20, and more than 20,000 adult volunteers in 66 counties in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula with a statewide staff of just over 100 people.

“My first priority will be to meet with Scouting families in Michigan,” Shepard said. “For me with my faith-based background Scouting is a calling.”

Ray Davis, President of the MCC Board of Directors and a Lansing-area attorney, said Shepard’s leadership style complements the unique characteristics of the MCC which is the largest Boy Scout council in the United States.

“Don has spent his entire career advocating on behalf of youth to ensure that they have the opportunity to become Scouts and learn leadership and life skills that will prepare them for success in all areas of their lives,” Davis said. “We look forward to working with him to reach even more youth and continue our core mission to give them the best possible Scouting experience.”

Shepard was attending Boy Scout meetings even before he officially became a Scout.

“My brother, who is 16 years older than me, was the Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop and I just loved going to Boy Scout meetings with him,” Shepard said. “I was all in and joined as a Cub Scout.”

He went all the way though and earned his Eagle Scout Award for the development of property at the Morrisville Community Recreation Area in Morrisville, N.Y. His project involved the construction of a roadway going into and out of the property, grass plantings, and building steps down to a beachfront.

Shepard said the project took four months to complete with 1,800 man hours. community residents and visitors to the area.

He said it still exists and is used by

Time management, delegation of duties, relationship development, and leadership are among the characteristics he learned during his years as a Boy Scout that he has continued to rely on as an adult.

“I originally wanted to be a conservation officer,” Shepard said. “While I was in the Air Force I was a security officer, but I developed a hearing impairment and was told I could no longer be an officer. My cross-training options were heavy machinery or culinary arts.”

READ MORE

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A Fateful journey on the Tooth of Time OKEMOS – A highlyanticipated trip in August 1969, to Philmont Scout Ranch, Cimarron, NM, ended in tragedy for Vance Kincaid.

More than 50 years after that fateful journey, Kincaid is working on the establishment of a permanent memorial to honor the lives of a Scoutmaster and a fellow Scout who died during a mountain trek that he was a part of. He said he would like to gather those who were involved for a 50th anniversary commemoration in August 2019 at Philmont to possibly lay a plaque on the Tooth of Time.

His efforts to honor the lives lost has pushed him to publicly recount a story that he hasn’t shared with many people. A difficult and almost forgotten story except for those who live it.

“It’s something I’ve kept to myself all these years,” Kincaid said. “The sights, smells and sounds of that day are as fresh now as the day it happened.”

However, he said that experience made him a better person because he learned early on how fragile and fleeting life can be.

“Scouting is as much about spirituality as anything else,” he said.

Kincaid, 63, a Medical Education Program Coordinator in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University, was a freshman going into his sophomore year of high school when he had the opportunity to

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spend two weeks at Philmont Scout.

The ultimate experience in Scouting.

He was living on a farm in Gobles, MI at the time and money was tight.

“Because we came from more of a rural community there wasn’t the finances to get the whole troop to Philmont. So three of us from my troop partnered with a group from Portage MI next to Kalamazoo. In those days you were on your own in terms of getting your equipment together.”

He purchased his hiking boots from the former Okum Bros. shoe store in Kalamazoo and built his backpack from scratch.

“I was so happy when I found it at our Farm, I still have that backpack,” Kincaid said.

The Kalamazoo contingent arrived at Philmont via Continental airline and Greyhound buses. At the ranch they were divided up into two groups of 13 scouts and three leaders each.

Kincaid said he was asked by one of the Scouts, who would either suffer serious injuries or die, if Kincaid would be willing to switch groups.

Kincaid, who said the passage of time has made it a challenge for him to recall the identity of that Scout, agreed and the groups began their long 12 mile climb up the mountain to the top of the Tooth of Time.

Two or three days out clouds began moving across the face of the mountain. Kincaid described what he saw as giving him a “disconcerting” feeling. The air was acrid with the strong smell of ozone.

The last morning they would be on the mountain, the groups saw large turbulent storm cells moving across the plains below.

“It was just awe-inspiring to see that,” Kincaid said. “It was an unusually

balmy morning and they didn’t want all of the Scouts to go through the narrow rocky pass on the Tooth of Time.” The elevation was about 10,000 feet.

As some of the Scouts were making their way up the switch back trail, Kincaid’s group took their midmorning break. By this time they were about 12 miles from Philmont Base Camp.

“All of a sudden two boys came tumbling down the mountain trail,” Kincaid said. “They kept repeating something that we couldn’t understand in a wild fashion. Chaos ensued as we tried to decipher what was going on.”

They were attempting to cross over a ridge on the Tooth of Time that was several hundred feet long and narrowed at the top so that the Scouts had to walk single file.

“They became lightning rods. A bolt hit from the back and moved through the entire group and the ones in the front were killed while the rest were knocked out,” Kincaid said. “As they came to they realized that some had been seriously injured and they started administering first aid. But, it became apparent that some had died and they needed immediate help.

“There were no walkie-talkies or cellphones so they sent two boys down the mountain to get help.”

Kincaid said they had been cautioned about the importance of good safety practices and drinking only purified water, but not much about lightning hazards. From the skills learned in Scouting, the boys knew that they needed to reach those who survived, including the Scoutmaster’s son who suffered severe facial cuts after the force of the lightning strike threw him against jagged rocks.

A Fateful journey on the Tooth of Time By this time, they had learned of the death of that Scoutmaster and a Scout.

The weather conditions were such that the group could smell heavy ozone in the air. The majority of the group stayed where they were because they didn’t want to risk enduring anymore lightning strikes, while the two boys continued to make their way down the mountain to get help. Late afternoon on that day, the assistant ranch director on Philmont’s staff hiked up the mountain and met them. The camp administrators were concerned that the bodies were being repelled down the face of the Tooth of Time some 3000 feet and didn’t want to risk any more injuries.

By this time local police and ambulances were converging and the National Guard also was called in.

Helicopters couldn’t fly in to recover the bodies because of lightning strikes so the group had to decide how best to get themselves and the bodies back down.

“We had climbed 3,800 feet up the face of the Tooth of Time so no one could rappel the bodies down,” Kincaid said.

“We dropped our packs and took nothing but our water bottles. For over three to four hours we climbed the rocky face and got to the precipice just as dusk was starting to fall. We found that the bodies were left there and the rest of the group had hiked down to get medical attention for the injured.”

Two Mexican nationals who worked as ranch hands at Philmont hand ridden and walked their horses to the top of the Tooth of Time just before the Assistant Director and myself reach to crest of the Tooth of Time. They had already wrapped the bodies in tarps.

They did not speak much English and carried out their task with some

reluctance because it is taboo in their culture to be near the dead and they didn’t want to handle the bodies further. Or risk injury to their horses carrying the bodies down the mountain.

Kincaid was the only Scout along with the Assistant Ranch Director and the two ranch hands to transport the bodies down the mountain. One of the bodies was on a horse and the other was carried on a stretcher.

“Every 15 minutes the four of us would rotate. It was a 12-mile trek going down 6,000 feet and some of the elevation was at a 45 degree angle.

That’s how we carried the deceased down the mountain,” Kincaid said.

“At points an arm would be exposed or the trap would pull away so we could see one of them briefly. There lifeless bodies literally dripped blood the entire way down the mountain.

A trail of red tears. It was a long exhausting journey in the dark and drizzle. Hour and hour we slowly descended. Finally at about 10 PM they reached base camp.

“I handed off my last turn at the stretcher to a waiting EMT and went into the dining hall where people were meeting with the boys. Some of the guys were joking and sort of happy-go-lucky and some didn’t realize the gravity of what had happened.”

Kincaid remembers asking the Assistant Director early on before they started down the mountain if he could see the bodies, but was told that they were very badly damaged.

“I sat down and was soaking wet and steaming,” he said. “A nurse came over and put a blanket around me and didn’t say anything. She just sat

with me.”

After speaking with their parents to assure them they were O.K., and a nice hot shower, the boys and leaders gathered to decide whether to complete their stay or go home. They stayed and the bodies were flown home along with the severely injured.

A service was held in the coming days for them back home.

To date there has never been a memorial service or laying of wreaths placed in memory of the Scoutmaster and the Scout who perished at Philmont over the years. There have been a couple informal gatherings of the group touched by these events.

Kincaid said he was never able to bring himself to go to them or back to Philmont. He would like to bring as many as possible of the remaining members back together again at Philmont for a formal Scouting remembrance. He could not hold back tears while speaking publicly for the first time about the events of the summer in August of 1969 on the Tooth of Time.

But, he said he has come to realize that this is an important story that needs to be told because it highlights the valuable lessons learned in Scouting.

“It offers a bigger picture of life and what it means and how to persevere and go on after something like that,” he said. “This memorial isn’t about me it’s more about that enough time has passed and out of respect and to celebrate the principles of Scouting, there should be some kind of observance of the sacrifices made and the lives lost.”

- Story by Jane Parikh

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Roy More, Silver Antelope Recipient ANN ARBOR – Roy More’s legacy to Scouting in Michigan will likely include the thousands of boys who grew up to be leaders under his watch.

“Among this country’s deficits,

one is leadership,” More said. “The Boy Scouts helps build leaders. We are about building stronger, healthier communities through Scouting.

We prepare kids for life.”

More has firsthand knowledge of the impact Scouting has. He has been a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America Michigan Crossroads Council (MCC) and its legacy councils for 31 years. On May 26, he will receive the Silver Antelope Award during the BSA National Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. Created in 1942, the Silver Antelope Award is awarded to those persons who give extraordinary leadership in distinguished service to youth. This award recognizes registered Scouters for their noteworthy service of exceptional character provided within the region’s territory.

“I’m humbled,” More said of the award. “It’s taken awhile to set in that only 32 volunteers are awarded annually out of more than one million.”

Almost as good as the recognition is that all three of his grown children will be with him in Orlando for the awards ceremony. With a chuckle, More said just getting them home for Christmas can often be a challenge.

His involvement in Scouting was a given. Both his father and grandfather earned their Eagle Scout awards and his grandfather also was

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Roy More, Silver Antelope Recipient a Silver Beaver recipient.

“I got involved when a friend invited me in to a Cub Scout meeting,” More said.

He achieved the rank of Life Scout and stepped away from Scouting to focus on his studies at the University of Michigan, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and later to focus on his young family and his career as a consultant to hospitals throughout the United States.

In 1986, he became re-engaged with Scouting while attending a National Order of the Arrow event at Central Michigan University, where he spent time with friends he’d made during his time as a Boy Scout in Ann Arbor.

He said the friendship and fellowship have kept him involved as an adult volunteer.

More is the recipient of numerous Scouting awards for his service to the MCC including the Silver Beaver Award, the District Award of merit, and the Scouter’s Training Award.

Melissa Stricherz, Scout Executive for the MCC’s Southern Shores Field Service Council, said More has been a major asset to her FSC because of his ability to analyze and offer strategic solutions.

“Roy has been instrumental in the continued growth of our membership at the youth and adult levels by helping us to develop creative ways to get our message out to the communities we serve,” Stricherz said. “I am very grateful to him for his willingness to share his expertise and for this reason alone I can’t think of an

individual more deserving of this recognition.”

More, who serves as Vice President of Program for the MCC, said he appreciates that Scouting continues to develop and change and evolve. He cites the MCC’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) programming for youth as an example of the Council’s commitment to delivering value-added programs that are meeting the needs of its membership.

“We have an annual STEAM event for Webelos hosted by U of M’s College of Engineering that is usually a sellout,” More said. “I think we are the premier provider of STEAM programming. Our Merit Badge program includes STEAM themes and an awful lot of our youth get exposure to future careers like digital animation, robotics and game design through Scouting.”

During his time as a Boy Scout, More said he learned many skills that he continues to use on a daily basis, among them problem-solving, working with people from diverse backgrounds, and managing his time.

After retiring in 2001 from his hospital consulting work, More again relied on those Scout-learned skills when he went to work full-time with his brother at Ashley’s Restaurants with locations in Ann Arbor and Westland.

The brothers opened the restaurants in 1983.

“We were doing craft beer before craft beer was a thing,” More said. “One of our first accounts was for Founders Brewing of Grand Rapids and one of our earliest accounts was with Larry Bell, founder of Bell’s Brewery, who would deliver beer to us in his van.”

midnight Bell’s Oberon Ale release gatherings. The restaurants also created the North American Belgian Beer Festival to showcase the complex, diverse styles available from one of the world’s most revered beerproducing nations.

For the second year running, USA Today has included the North American Belgian Beer Festival in its “10 Best” survey, where readers vote for the top 10 out of 20 nominees in different categories, such as Best Beer Festivals.

More said Scouting provided him with a firm foundation for success.

In addition to his long history with the MCC, More also serves as the Allocations Chair for the Ann Arbor Rotary Club and is involved with St. Mary’s Parish, where he worships. He said he wants to make sure that other youth continue to receive the same opportunities he had to reach their fullest potential.

“We impact kids’ and families’ lives in a positive way. We are one of the few programs where parents get to participate with their children. If you have a child in Scouting you can be participating in activities such as camps and hikes and that makes us different,” More said.

“Scouting gives kids exposure to the world.”

- Story by Jane Parikh

For decades, Ashley’s has hosted

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Good Grief! Meet Charlie Brown! who said his wife often tells him that he is a better teacher than she is. Every summer since he’s been a Ranger at Gerber he has taught a merit badge course in areas such as plumbing or mechanics.

Although he prefers not to have the spotlight on him, Brown said he does consider himself a mentor to the Scouts who visit Gerber. He said he feels an obligation to give back for what Scouting did for him as a youth.

TWIN LAKE – Charlie Brown drove semi-trucks cross country and remodeled homes to support his young family, but camp continued to hold a special plate in his heart.

So, when his wife, who is a schoolteacher, asked him to find work closer to home, he did just that at Gerber Scout Reservation.

He is now in his 17th year as a Ranger at Camp Gerber where he served as a ranger during his time at Boy Scout camp. He got the job in 2001 after his predecessor retired from a legacy council of the Michigan Crossroads Council to head west to care for his father-in-law.

“This is not a job, it’s a calling on my life,” Brown said.

In addition to fixing roofs, making sure plumbing and electrical is working and up to code, and trimming trees, Brown also assists with Troop check-ins and check-outs and just about any other issues that arise.

Among the bigger changes to Gerber since he was a camper there, are the dining halls – one that accommodates 720 Scouts and another that seats 250. He said he also installed power sources last year

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at campsites for Scoutmasters and cites the Technology Center and the increased program offerings such as sailing and snorkeling as among the opportunities he didn’t have when he camped at Gerber.

“We didn’t have Cub Scout camp when I was a Cub Scout.

Now our Cub Scouts go to summer camp and I think that’s so important,” Brown said. “Cub Scouts are so much fun and every year I can’t wait to see them.”

Last year Gerber camped 2,300 Boy Scouts and 1,000 Cub Scouts.

“My mom signed me up at school for Cub Scouts when I was in the first or second grade,” Brown said. “I always loved going to camp. I was blessed to have a Scoutmaster who was a lifetime mentor to me who recently passed away.

“I loved everything at camp.

As I got older I loved working with Ranger Pat because he was always willing to teach us things.”

That role has now fallen to Brown

“I’m able to help people and I’m able to be an example to young men by living the Scout Oath and Law,” he said. “It was important for me to give back for what my Scoutmaster gave to me when I was growing up.”

Brown earned his Eagle rank as did four of his sons. His daughter was involved in the Venturing Program.

His work schedule prevented him from serving as an adult leader for a Troop, but he managed to stay involved by being an Assistant Scoutmaster for Advancement.

“A lot of the troops I got involved with over the years didn’t know how to take the final steps to get kids to Eagle Scout. The troop my oldest son joined had only one Eagle Scout in 10 years,” Brown said. “I would see these young men stall out at Life Scout when I knew they were good enough to earn their Eagle rank.

Brown said Scouting supports the work families do at home to teach their children morals and values. He said for those youth who don’t have that type of family support system, Scouting provides a safe place for them to learn.

“I cannot think of a better program for our young people to be involved in than Scouting,” he said.

- Story by Jane Parikh

welcome new staff

Aaron Bell

MCC Digital Media Specialist Aaron Bell is a born and raised Lansing native who’s passions revolve around being a visual communicator via photography, videography, graphic design and creative consulting. He and his wife (and dog) love to travel around the world creating, and exploring the great outdoors.

Rosalie Petrouske MCC Content Manager

Rosalie Sanara Petrouske grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and moved to Grand Ledge in 1999. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Lansing Community College where she teaches writing. She is the mother of a beautiful daughter who is a member of the Air National Guard in Duluth, Minnesota. Rosalie enjoys camping, hiking, and long walks by the river. She is excited to begin her new job with the Michigan Crossroads Council.

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adult training - every scout deserves a trained leader Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills April 21 or 22 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

IOLS/OWLS April 21 or 22 (BALOO) Gerber Scout Camp in Twin Lake REGISTER HERE

Cub Scout Specifics w/ BALOO & IOLS April 21-22 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

Scoutmaster Specific w/ IOLS

Cub Scout Specifics w/ BALOO

BALOO

April 21-22 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

April 22 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

April 22 Gerber Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

STEM 101 Training

NOVA Counselor Training

Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED

April 27 Calhoun County Service Center REGISTER HERE

April 27 Calhoun County Service Center REGISTER HERE

April 28 Camp Munhacke REGISTER HERE

IOLS & IOLSW (For Webelos Leaders)

Scoutmaster specifics and Troop committee trainings

BALOO

April 28-30 Camp Munhacke REGISTER HERE

April 29 Camp Greilick in Traverse City REGISTER HERE

BALOO

Troop Committee Challenge

April 29 Rota-Kiwan REGISTER HERE

April 29 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

Cub Scout Position Specifics & Pack Committee Challenge

GLFSC Wilderness First Aid Training

April 30 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

May 5-7 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

Cub Scout Position Specifics & Pack Committee Challenge

Troop Committee Challenge

May 6 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

May 7 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

April 29 Algonac Park REGISTER HERE

Scout Master Position Specifics Training April 29 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

Leave No Trace Trainer Course May 5-7 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

Scout Master Position Specifics Training May 7 Auburn Service Center REGISTER HERE

Find more trainings at michiganscouting.org/training

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activities & Program - Fun for everyone Free Boy Scout Camping Weekend

Earth Day Spring Camporee

Flint Pinewood Derby

April 21-23 Camp Munhacke REGISTER HERE

April 21-23 Corunna-McCurdy Park REGISTER HERE

April 22 Lake Fenton High School REGISTER HERE

2017 College of Commissioner Science

Earth Day STEM Adventure

Fly Fishing Merit Badge

April 22 Stage Nature Center REGISTER HERE

April 22 Independence Oaks County Park REGISTER HERE

Scouting for Clothing

Great Lakes Loons Scout Day

April 22-27 Dauch Scout Center REGISTER HERE

April 23 Dow Diamond REGISTER HERE

Powder Horn Course - GLFSC Weekend 1

Wood Badge - PFFSC

April 22 Schoolcraft College - VistaTech Center REGISTER HERE

Cub Scout Earth Science & STEM Day April 22 Mott Community College REGISTER HERE

Lansing Lugnuts Scout Day April 23 Cooley Law Stadium REGISTER HERE

April 28-30 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

April 28-30 & May 19-20 Gerber Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

STEM Adventure at Shell Eco-Marathon - FREE

Skilled Trades STEM Merit Badge & Service Weekend

Topi Kittan OA Wilderness Hike

April 29 Cobo Hall REGISTER HERE

April 29 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

April 29 Holly Recreation Area REGISTER HERE

Venture Shooting Sports Weekend

Powder Horn Course - GLFSC Weekend 2

Cub Scout Archery Shoot

May 5-7 Cole Canoe Base REGISTER HERE

May 5-7 Silver Trails Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

Lansing BB Gun Shooting

Kettering University Robotics & Coding

May 6 Chief Okemos Sportsman’s Club REGISTER HERE

May 6 Kettering University REGISTER HERE

Cub Scout Archery Shoot

2017 Scout-O-Rama

May 6 Shiawassee Conservation Assoc.

REGISTER HERE

May 12-14 Monroe County Fairgrounds REGISTER HERE

May 6 Shiawassee Conservation Assoc.

REGISTER HERE

Open Program Weekends May 6 Gerber Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

First Aid Readiness Spring Camporee May 12-14 Veteran’s Memorial Park - Sanford REGISTER HERE

Find more events at michiganscouting.org/calendar

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activities & Program - Fun for everyone Center for Advanced Automotive Technology STEM Adventure

RK Scout and Pal 2017

Ultimate Hangout Weekend

May 12-14 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

May 12-14 Camp Rotary REGISTER HERE

Spring Fun Day 2017 - GLFSC

Dad & Lad

Sash ‘N Bash 2

May 13 Camp Rotary - Wolcott Mills Metropark REGISTER HERE

May 19-20 OR 20-21 Silver Trails Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

May 19-22 Armada Fair Grounds REGISTER HERE

Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Class

Challenger STEM Adventure

Family Camp Weekend

May 20 Kalamazoo Valley Museum REGISTER HERE

May 26-28 Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

MCC Eco-Con Summit 2017

VOA Rifle River Gauntlet

Kishahtek Summer Ordeal

June 2-3 Cole Canoe Base REGISTER HERE

June 2-4 Cole Canoe Base REGISTER HERE

June 9-11 Rota Kiwan Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

Big Camporee

White Water Rafting - WW

Toledo Mud Hens Scout Night

June 9-11 Cole Canoe Base REGISTER HERE

June 16-19 New River Gorge REGISTER HERE

June 16 Fifth Third Field REGISTER HERE

Silver Trails 3-D Archery Shoot

Toledo Mud Hens Scout Night

June 17-18 & July 29-30 Silver Trails Scout Reservation REGISTER HERE

June 17 Cole Canoe Base REGISTER HERE

Great Lakes Loons Game & Campout on the Field

Trail to Eagle XXIII

D-bar-A Ranch Hand 2017

Toledo Mud Hens Scout Night

June 25-July 1 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

July 9-15 D-bar-A Scout Ranch REGISTER HERE

July 15 Fifth Third Field REGISTER HERE

May 20 Chief Okemos Sportsman’s Club REGISTER HERE

May 13 Macomb Community College REGISTER HERE

June 23-24 Dow Diamond REGISTER HERE

CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTER FRIENDLY VERISON OF THE REGISTRATION PAGES

Find more events at michiganscouting.org/calendar

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Scout Salute to Mom's on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of the Scout Moms in Michigan Crossroads Council. We honor your tireless committment to every Scout's journey.

Hey Cubs - check out this Boy's Life article Boy's Life article about 6 Handmade Mother's Day Gifts for Cub Scouts

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National Youth Leadership Training/Eagle Resources

National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) About NYLT Leadership training is perhaps the most important opportunity available to our Scouts and Venturers. National Youth Leadership Training is a key part of the leadership development of the BSA’s youth members. NYLT is an intense, sixday experience centered on the concepts of what a leader should BE, what a leader should KNOW, and what a leader should DO.

2017 Dates for NYLT in Michigan:

June and August | North / West Michigan

REGISTER HERE

June | Southeast Michigan (Silver Trails Scout Reservation)

REGISTER HERE

June | Southwest Michigan (Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation)

REGISTER HERE

August | Northeast Michigan (Cole Canoe Base)

REGISTER HERE

The Significance of Eagle Scout

Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through the Boy Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership. This includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads, and manages.

Eagle Scouts are presented with a medal and a badge that visibly recognizes the accomplishments of the Scout. Additional recognition can be earned through Eagle Palms, awarded for completing additional tenure, leadership, and merit badge requirements.

Life to Eagle Seminars May 18 Flint Service Center

REGISTER HERE

Resources for Eagle Scouts and Scouts earning their Eagle:

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NAVIGATING THE EAGLE SCOUT SERVICE PROJECT

MERIT BADGE RESOURCES

ADVANCEMENT FORMS

JOIN NESA

EAGLE SCOUT APPLICATION PROCESS

REPLACEMENT CERTIFICAT/ MEMBERSHIP CARD

stem program STEM in Michigan Earth Day Events - April 22, 2017 Cub Scout/Webelo NOVA Session: NOVA Wild!

The morning will consist of different STEM rotations that will allow your Cub Scout/Webelos to meet each of the NOVA Wild! requirements (except the separate Belt/Webelos Adventure which should completed before attending.)

Stage Nature Center | 6685 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, Michigan 48089

REGISTER HERE

Earth Science at Mott Community College for Cub Scouts Cub Scouts will meet from 9:00 am -12:00 Noon, and will work on the Down & Dirty Nova Award. Check In Time 8:30am. We will be celebrating Earth Day the Scouting way by offering the opportunity for Cub Scouts to learn about the environment in their community and the Earth they live on, while working on a Nova Award!

Mott Community College | 1401 E Court St, Flint, Michigan 48503

REGISTER HERE

Silversides Boy Scout NOVA Whoosh! Day USS Silversides Museum 1346 Bluff St. Muskegon, MI is the place to be in West Michigan. Boy Scouts will view a live engineering demonstration focused on motion inspired technology utilizing ROV’s in the Silversides STEM Lab. Scouts will also work on basic model building and much more in this full day event. Pack a sack lunch and REGISTER NOW!

REGISTER HERE

Woldumar Nature Center STEM Day for Cub Scouts Please join us at Lansing's Woldumar Nature Center where you will have the opportunity to complete the BSA STEM Nova Wild!

Award and celebrate EARTH Day. 5739 Old Lansing Rd Lansing, Michigan 48917

REGISTER HERE

Kalamazoo Earth Day Celebration – FREE for Scouts!

Saturday, April 22 between 1:00 and 4:00 pm Come celebrate Earth Day with the Scouts! Join us at the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, where we will have lots of handson activities for the whole family to enjoy! Scouts of all ages will be able to complete requirements for the following: Boy Scout - Pulp and Paper Merit Badge Requirements 1, 4, 7 & 8 Arrow of Light - Building a Better World Requirement 8 Webelos - Art Explosion Requirements 3g and 4b Wolf - Council Fire Requirement 6a

REGISTER HERE

STEM in Scouting events are happening all around Michigan, every week. Check out the STEM Program page on the Council website here: www.michiganscouting.org/program/stem Wanted: STEM Nova Counselors and Supernova Mentors!

Trainings are happening Council wide, and are FREE. READ MORE Registration Closing Soon for these April Events!

Skilled Trades Merit Badge Day April 29th | D-Bar A-Scout Ranch Come out and complete the pre-requisites 2017 Merit Badges that you'll be completing at D Bar A this summer. Get some Community Service time in now, and even camp overnight if you're Troop wants to! Register

by Tuesday 4/ 18/17. Don't miss out!

REGISTER HERE Shell Eco-Marathon STEM Adventure April 29th | Cobo Hall, Detroit Thanks to the generosity of Shell, this STEM Adventure is FREE! We will be having high quality STEM professionals from Shell instructing our Scouts for the day as a part of "Making the Future:Shell Eco-Marathon" at Cobo Hall.

Cub Scouts/Webelos: Science Everywhere NOVA Module in the AM Boy Scouts: Electricity Merit Badge in the AM and Start Your Engines!

NOVA Module in the PM Pre-requisites, more info and registration found here REGISTER HERE

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Boy Scout News Tour and Activity Plan Terminated Beginning on April 1, 2017, the Tour and Activity Plan will be terminated. What this means for you and your Unit is that it will reduce complexity, cutting back on processes and paperwork for unit leaders. It will increase consistency with the Commitment to Safety, the Guide to Safe Scouting, Risk Assessment Strategy, as well as Camp Standards planning tools. There is no required process, although Scouters are reminded to conduct the Scouting program consistent with BSA rules, regulations, and policies. Flexible risk assessment tools are summarized in the Guide to Safe Scouting, and detailed in the Enterprise Risk Management Guidebook.

Important Links:

FAQ

COMMITMENT TO SAFETY

CAMP STANDARDS

GUIDE TO SAFE SCOUTING

RISK ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDEBOOK

Picture taken at Gerber Scout Reservation

Scoutbook Becomes a New Unit Measurement Tool As you know, a large part of helping our members succeed and advance in Scouting is to provide quicker and easier ways for them to track all rank, award, and MB completions are tracked, entered, purchased, and awarded in a timely manner.

New Electronic Tracking Tool: The BSA Advancement Team is happy to announce that updates have been made to Scoutbook (https:// www.scoutbook.com/) to allow it to become the new Unit Management Tool. Effective immediatly, this platform will automatically sync records for units using Scoutbook with ScoutNet. This means that Units using Scoutbook will no longer need to access Internet Advancement to track or report their units’ advancement (it will still be accepted though).

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Here’s a complete list of 2017 Boy Scout requirement changes

Everywhere you look, enthusiasm for the Welding merit badge is heating up

The BSA’s 2017 Boy Scout Requirements book, detailing major and minor changes to Boy Scout ranks and merit badges, is now available.

Troop 387, like all the best Boy Scout troops, is youth-led. The adults are there for support and safety.

Inside you’ll find: Modifications to the Second Class and First Class ranks The new Exploration merit badge Major changes to four merit badges Minor changes to 32 merit badges The changes are the work of volunteers and Scouting professionals who have analyzed feedback from Scouts and Scout leaders about current requirements. (Send your feedback to advancement.team@scouting. org.)

VIEW THE WHOLE ARTICLE - From Bryan on Scouting

So when the Scouts from Kingsport, Tenn., decided they wanted to earn the Welding merit badge, the adults simply said, “sounds good, how can we help?”

Help came from the good folks at Lincoln Electric. The Clevelandbased manufacturer of welding products is a fervent BSA partner.

They helped the BSA develop the Welding merit badge, released in 2012. In 2013, the BSA recognized the company with the North Star Award.

VIEW THE WHOLE ARTICLE - From Bryan on Scouting

outdoor adventures - camp news Coming this year to an MCC camp near you!

This year, each camp is excited to introduce new items that are sure to make your camping experience even more memorable! Here are just a few new things you can expect to see this summer:

Cole Canoe Base

New kayaks, an aquatics iceberg, new rifles and shot guns and a portable events grill

Camp Rotary

A new aquatics iceberg/ floating climbing wall, new full sized bows and mini-bows, muzzleloaders and an inflatable obstacle course

Gerber Scout Reservation (Cub Scouts)

A metal pinewood derby track, a street hockey/skateboard park, waterfront inflatable, gaga-pit/ human foosball and new kayaks

Gerber Scout Reservation (Boy Scouts)

A ninja warrior obstacle course, an 18-hole disc golf course, waterfront inflatable, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and a human foosball course

D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Cub Scouts)

Bouldering wall expansion, STEM pavilion, waterfront inflatable, paddle boats, horse corral and a tee pee Indian Village We’re excited to have all of these new exciting additions at our camps this summer! Which camp will you be going to?

D-bar-A Scout Ranch (Boy Scouts)

Cowboy action shooting program, STEAM Center, floating water slide, floating log rolling, blacksmith program area

Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation

New wibit expansion at the waterfront, foot golf course, BMX bikes, new cots and mattresses and computer upgrades

Camp Munhacke

Action archery range, gaga-pit, paddle boats, turtle pond and new cots and tent fly upgrades

Summer Camp Employment

Do you love the outdoors? Do you love hiking and biking and sailing. And – your good friend says you’re great with kids.

If you relate to this, then there’s the perfect place waiting for you at an MCC Boy Scout or Cub Scout Resident Summer Camp this summer. Over half a million college & high school students will find their way from their campus to camp this summer to fill openings at camps across the United States. The MCC will employ over 500 Scouts and Scouters at our camps this summer!

Imagine a job where almost anything is possible: Live, play, and work in the great outdoors, go on active adventures, experience the awesome diversity of our MCC camps, make new friends from all over — even from other countries, bank more money than you think — with few expenses, become a child’s hero & learn leadership skills.

MORE INFORMATION Upcoming Events at Camp Free Camping Weekend | April 21-23 | Camp Munhacke This event is for Troops, Posts, Ships and Crews. Contact Ron Brunt at rbmanager1@yahoo.com and he will register your unit to attend. Please include your unit #, size, patrols and equipment so that we may assigned the proper camping site for your group.

Scout and Pal | May 12-14 | Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation

REGISTER HERE

Memorial Weekend Family Camp | May 26-28 | Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation

REGISTER HERE

Dad & Lad 2017 | Scouting Around the World | May 19-20 or 20-21 | Silver Trails Scout Reservation

REGISTER HERE

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2017 cub camp themes Betty Ford Adventureland | The Next Chapter

Each program area will bring to life your child’s favorite book or series! Campers will play quidditch with Harry Potter, Battle the Gods with Percy Jackson, and test their shooting skills to survive their own Hatch plane crash!

Gerber ResidentCamp dates Cub Scout: July 30-Aug 1 August 3-5 August 6-8 August 10-12 August 13-15 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-GSRCubRes2017 Webelos: June 25-28 June 28-July 1 July 5-8 July 9-12 July 12-15 July 16-19 July 19-22 July 23-26 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-GSRWebRes2017

D-bar-A Scout Ranch | Mythology

Your child will explore mythology at D-bar-A this summer. Program areas will be themed with Scouts making pottery at the craft area, targets at shooting sports will reflect mythology and don’t forget Pegasus the horse which will give Cub Scouts the chance to learn to ride horses!

D-bar-A Resident Camp dates Cub Scout: July 23-25 July 27-29 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-DACSres2017 Webelos: July 5-8 July 9-12 July 12-15 July 16-19 July 19-22 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-dawebres2017

Camp Munhacke | Time Travel Safari

Have you brushed up on your history lately? This year at Camp Munhacke, Scouts will travel back and forth in time to visit influential characters from American History and help keep history on track. With the crazy and zany staff, a cast of nearly 40, all are here to help make your time here at Munhacke a memorable experience.

Camp Munhacke Resident Camp dates Cub: June 30-July 2 July 6-8 July 9-11 July 13-15 July 16-18 July 20-22 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-MunCubRes2017 Webelos: July 26-29 July 30-Aug 2 August 2-4 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-MunWebRes2017

Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation | Western

Welcome to the Wild Wild West! Scouts will test their knowledge of the West and explore the Oregon Trail to see who can survive this grueling expedition. Those who survive will be able to feast like kings for one meal. Do you know what it takes survive the West??

Rota-Kiwan Resident Camp dates Cub Scout: July 20-22 July 23-25 July 27-29 July 27-29 July 30–Aug 1 August 3-5 August 6-8 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-rksrcubres2017 Webelos: July 5-8 July 9-12 July 12-15 July 16-19 Register today at https://scoutingevent.com/272-rksrwebres2017

Summertime Adventure Camp

Summer camp is one of the best parts about being a kid! Playing outside, learning life-long skills, and building new friendships are a blast. Every day is an adventure full of fun and learning at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation where boys and girls ages 6 to 12 will have the experience of a lifetime! Come for one week or up to five weeks and enjoy these activities and many more! Dates are subject to change. Please visit www.michiganscouting.org for most up to date information STAC Dates: July 10-14 July 17-21 July 24-28 July 31-Aug 4 Aug 7-11 For more information visit http://michiganscouting.org/adventurecamp/

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camp updates Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation Camp Master’s Program We need you! We are now looking for adult Scouters and or with family volunteers to help by becoming a Camp Master at Rota-Kiwan Scout Reservation.

Cole Canoe Base Greetings from Cole Canoe Base!

The snow is just melting but we are already hard at work on Summer Camp. Pre-Camp Leader Meetings are in full swing and the Program staff is working diligently to ensure another successful summer.

Returning campers to Cole will be sure to notice some changes around camp. From a remodeled and expanded “Rangers Corner” area (complete with auto hoist) to the completion of the Dumas Pavilion permanent dish washing stations and new restrooms.

Improvements are being made to the program as well. Most notably, be sure to check out our latest Provisional High Adventure Options. These treks will include a 100-Mile Canoe Trip, Pictured Rocks Backpacking, and the Great Lakes Kayak Adventure, and are open to all Scouts and Scouters age 14 and up.

For questions pertaining to our High Adventure Programs, please contact Gregg at gregg.zdan2@ gmail.com for all other questions contact our Camp Director, Gus at gus.chutorash@scouting.org.

From the entire staff at Cole, we look forward to seeing you all downstream! Happy Scouting!

Great Lakes Sailing Adventure The Great Lakes Sailing Adventure Committee is excited to announce that registration is now open for its 2018 Summer Sailing programs.

The Great Lakes Sailing Adventure of the Michigan Crossroads Council is a live aboard sailing program where youth will learn the fundamentals of sailboat handling, being a helmsman, waterway navigation, sail trip, marine safety, and various cruising techniques used by seasoned sailors! Based in its home port of Mackinaw City, MI, “Retriever” will embark on excursions to various destinations in the northern Great Lakes.

The 2017 and 2018 sails are all listed online and registration is live.

VIEW DATES, DETAILS OR REGISTER

Traditional duties include but are not limited to: Arrive at camp Friday late afternoon Check in and visit with the units once during their stay Check out units on Sunday morning During your stay at camp the time is yours to enjoy the camp. Fish, hike, homework grading for those teachers, BBQ or my favorite a long afternoon nap! You’re provided two-bedrooms, sleeping up to 3, nicely equipped kitchen and full bath, making it a private residence during your stay.

It can be your wind down time or get away. Food is not provided. The average Camp Masters sign up twice a year.

Contact Program Specialist Aaron Collins at aaron.collins@scouting.org if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.

Improvement Program

Winter is coming to an end and it’s now time to get the camp ready for the spring and summer camping seasons. The second Saturday of every month, we need your help to clear fallen limbs, trees from the different program areas and buildings and set the camp up for the spring and summer activities. Please contact Larry Hayden (269-329-1926) or Aaron Collins (734-807-0201) if you can help.

Work hours are typically from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Looking forward to seeing you there!

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camp updates Munhacke for a day of service to camp. This is a great way to show Scout spirit and an opportunity to complete Scouting community service hours for rank requirements up to Life Scout.

Camp Munhacke Camp Master’s Program Camp Master’s Program We need you! We are looking for adult Scouters and or family volunteers to help by becoming a Camping Experience Ambassador at Camp Munhacke.

Traditional duties include but are not limited to: Arrive at camp Friday late

afternoon Check in and visit with the units once during their stay Check out units on Sunday morning Camp closes on Sunday at noon so you’re home in time to see the ball game!

During your stay at camp the time is yours to enjoy the camp. Fish, hike, homework grading for those teachers, BBQ or my favorite a long afternoon nap! You’re provided two-bedrooms, sleeping up to 3, nicely equipped kitchen and full bath, making it a private residence during your stay. It can be your wind down time or get away. Food is not provided. The average Camp Master signs up twice a year.

The camp has room for a few more Scouters just like you. Contact Program Specialist Ron Brunt at Camp Munhacke rbmanager1@ yahoo.com for more information.

Wolverine Engineers “Project Munhacke”

Come join us once a month at Camp

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April 29th and May 13th projects include but not limited to: remodel latrines, installing new camp signage, spring cleaning, and remove and replace landscape barriers in camp sites.

Bring a sack lunch, your favorite work gloves and a smile! We will provide the drinks. Be ready to get dirty and have fun with Scout friends. Any Unit that would like to come out and perform 6 hours per person can camp free for the weekend, just contact camp. Any inquires call: 734-368-8019

D-Bar-A Scout Ranch Greetings from the Ranch, Spring is in the air, and in no time, we’ll be riding the trails through the Ranch. Do your Scouts want to earn their Horsemanship merit badge?

We are the only working Ranch east of the Mississippi River! Our Horsemanship programs fill up fast!

Please call or email the Ranch for further details.

Have you ever worked on a ranch?

D-Bar-A offers an exclusive Ranch Hand Program. You will work our amazing 1,700 acre ranch from feeding livestock, mending fencing, pitching hay to our very own cattle drive. Secure your place now time is running out! Contact Ranch Director, Jerry Deeg at 810-245-2250 or jerry.deeg@scouting.org

Camp Rotary

Have you been wondering what all this noise is about hammock camping? Have the Scouts in your Troop been driving you batty asking if they can bring their hammocks?

Well, have we got the weekend for you!

Come on over to Camp Rotary May 12-14, 2017 and learn all there is to know about Hammock Camping! We will teach you: Youth Protection Guidelines for Hammocking Leave No Trace: Hammocking Edition Proper set-up for a hammock camping trip Building your own hammock Hammock camping in the elements Hammock safety The cost of the weekend includes Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday breakfast; as well as all program materials. Participants may opt to pre-purchase a hammock building kit as part of their registration. The Camp Rotary Trading Post will also be open for the weekend, selling your hammocking gear and your Camp Rotary swag!

All youth must attend with an adult; Youth Protection guidelines must be followed. Unit registrations are strongly encouraged!

REGISTER HERE

Great lakes field service council serving wayne, oakland and macomb counties

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council leadership Field Service Scout Executive Victor Pooler

Great lakes

Executive Assistant to the Scout Executive Wanda Bohannon Director of Field Service Justin Williams Administrative Specialist Kelly Reese Development Director Denver Laabs Development Officer Jaime Hayes Fundraising Specialist Hattie Robertson

Save the Date | June 22

Director of Support Services Andrew Tata

Upcoming Camporees Guardians of the Universe | September 29 – October 1, 2017 Wolcott Mill Metropark-Camp Rotary

Council Program Director Janssen Lemley Program Specialist Charity Davenport Field Director of the Woodward Service Area Leon Bell Field Director of the Horseshoe Service Area Bob Dewar Scout Reach Director Regina Reid Exploring Executive Brandon Brice New Unit Sales Director Gary A. Williams New Unit Sales Associate John Fort - 810-235-2537 In-School Scouting Executive Chris Prichard 1776 West Warren Avenue Detroit, MI 48208-2215 Phone: 313-897-1965

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MORE INFORMATION

For more information contact | Dave Kiger Fall Camporee Chair - East | activities@greatlakescamporee.org Wild West Camporee | October 13-15, 2017 Kensington Metropark For more information contact | Mark Bentley Fall Camporee Chair - West | mbentle2@ford.com, 248-207-4871 Sash ‘N Bash 2 On behalf of the Order of the Arrow of the Great Lakes FSC, we are inviting you to Sash ‘n Bash 2! Sash ‘n Bash is a premier camporee hosted by the OA. We are committed to bringing the values of brotherhood, cheerfulness, and service to every scout in Michigan. To do this, we’ve designed a massive weekend featuring two concerts, rock climbing, gagaball, ninja warrior, and more. And we’ll do all this while putting in over 10,000 hours of community service!

Our Friday night headliner is .... JESSIE CHRIS

REGISTER HERE CLICK HERE FOR MORE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE GREAT LAKES FIELD SERVICE COUNCIL

chippewa district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair Vacant

Spring Recruitment Our District Membership Chair Todd Richert and our District Membership Committee will begin contacting schools the week of March 6th to initiate scheduling for our Spring Join Scout Nights.

The Spring Join Scout nights are generally Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights in April and May. If your Pack, Troop or Crew has a summer program, and would like a spring JSN please send me your unit’s number, and preferred Join Scout Night date for April or May. Our District Membership Committee will work with you and the principal of the school or schools associated with your Pack, Troop or Crew to schedule the Join Scout Night. The District Committee will also work with the Principal to schedule a Boy talk as well, and flyers, to be handed out during the Boy Talk, if allowed, or at least delivered to the school so they go to kids 1-2 days prior to the JSN. We will have posters and yard signs to post at the school.

If you would like additional posters or yard signs to post in your community, please let us know.

Eco-Marathon Saturday, April 29th at Cobo Center Be a part of this annual competition sponsored by Shell, in which participants build special vehicles to achieve the highest possible fuel efficiency. You will get to meet teams from across the Americas, learn about alternative energy vehicles and explore innovation and invention! This is a FREE event thanks to a grant from Shell, we are able to connect high quality adults in STEM fields with our Scouts for the day. There is also FREE parking (Just say “Eco-marathon”) All registered Scouts will receive a limited edition STEMblem patch!

MORE INFORMATION Program Extravaganza Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 9am – 11am or 2pm – 4pm Sash N’ Bash – Armada Fairgrounds 74280 Fair St, Armada, MI 48005

REGISTER HERE

District Commissioner Joe Frey 586-855-3868 mrjpfrey@yahoo.com Field Director Horseshoe Service Area Bob DeWar 812-325-4688 bob.dewar@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Matthew Zelasko-Barrett 313-361-4227 matthew.zelasko-barrett @scouting.org District Associate Douglas Rohrabaugh 313-361-1286 douglas.rohrabaugh@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Anchor Bay, Armada, Avondale, Chippewa Valley, Clintondale, Lanse Cruse, Mt Clemens, New Haven, Richmond, Rochester, Romeo, and Uitca.

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month (Excluding June & July) 7 PM @ Utica United Methodist Church 8650 Canal Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48314

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district leadership District Chair Lou Pezet 313-585-1011 lpezet@comcast.net District Commissioner Bill Jarosz 734-250-4093 williampjarosz@gmail.com Field Director Woodward Service Area Leon Bell 517-862-3291 leon.bell@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Victor L. Marsh, Sr 313-361-1284 victor.marsh@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Gary Lippard 313-361-1269 Gary.Lippard@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Allen Park, Crestwood, Dearborn, Dearborn Hts No. 7, Ecorse, Flat Rock, Gibraltar, Grosse Ile, Huron, Lincoln Park, Melvindale/ North Allen Park, River Rouge, Riverview, Southgate, Taylor, Trenton, Westwood, Woodhaven, and Wyandotte covering the vast majority of the area known as Downriver

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ WCC-Downriver Campus (Ray Mix Room) 21000 Northline Road, Taylor, MI 48180

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Mahican district district highlights

north star district district highlights

district leadership District Chair James Trask 248-729-1215 jameshtrask@comcast.net District Commissioner Christine Pariseau 248-398-3177 chris.pariseau@gmail.com

District Award of Merit Recipients (L-R: Troy Engel, Conn Godfrey, Diane Lynn, Christopher Werner, Ethan McClure)

North Star District Recognition Dinner On March 30, 2017 we celebrated our District Dinner at Club Venetian in Madison Heights. Despite the rain, we had a phenomenal turnout and appreciate everyone who joined us. We recognized over 30 outstanding leaders, as well as the District’s achievement of Gold Journey to Excellence for 2016.

The District Award of Merit was awarded to Troy Engel, Conn Godfrey, Diane Lynn, Ethan McClure, and Christopher Werner.

READ MORE Spring Recruitment Spring is a great time of year to recruit new members for you Pack, Troop or Crew. Pack leaders, if you have not done so please look to set up a Spring JSN in April or May. Unlike the fall, spring JSNs work great with existing pack events. Do you have a rocket launch, or rain gutter regatta coming up? Would you like an opportunity to recruit kindergarteners now so they can have the opportunity to attend day camp? Talk to us about your dates and we can make sure your event is supported with marketing materials and in school Boy Talks. Not only can your new scouts have fun this spring, but you can also get a head start on recruiting that Tiger Den Leader. If they join early enough they can also even work on some Lion Cub Activities between now and the end of the school year.

Troop leaders, if you’ve had boys cross over already please make sure to turn in their transfer applications, signed by both a parent and a leader. There is no cost to transfer if they’re already a current BSA member. Troops should also think about hosting an open house for non-cub scout youth (or undecided Webelos) to check out what the program is like. Focus on making it a fun activity first. If it’s something your current Scouts will really enjoy doing they’re more likely to invite their friends.

For spring recruitment help please contact Tricia Meade at triciameade3@hotmail.com Or Keegan Springfield at keegan.springfield@scouting.org

Field Director Woodward Service Area Leon Bell 517-862-3291 leon.bell@scouting.org Unit Sevice Executive Keegan Springfield 248-229-1422 keegan.springfield@ scouting.org Unit Service Executive Megan Klagstad 313-361-1259 Megan.Klagstad@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clawson, Troy, Lamphere, Royal Oak, and Madison School Districts and the Bloomfield Hills Stake (LDS)

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month (August-June) 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM @ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church 2225 East 14 Mile Road, Birmingham, MI 48009

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district leadership

ottawa district

District Chair Vacant

district highlights

District Commissioner Mark Bentley 248-207-4871 mbentle2@ford.com Field Director Horseshoe Service Area Bob DeWar 812-325-4688 bob.dewar@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Sara Irving 313-361-1271 sara.irving@scouting.org

Regional Pinewood Derby Are you ready for the race track? Our Regional Pinewood Derby is on May 6th and the top 3 winners from each Pack are eligible to race. Registration is available until May 1st, $10 per racer. Onsite registration is available during check-in on May 5th for $15. Both check-in and the races will take place at North Congregational Church in Farmington Hills, beginning at 9 am.

Adult Awards and Recognition Please join us at Glen Oaks Country Club for our Annual District Dinner on April 27th at 6:00 PM. We will be recognizing those who have been awarded the District Award of Merit, and Ottawa Trail Blazer Award. As well, we will be having a bake sale to raise funds for camperships.

REGISTER HERE

Unit Service Executive Billye Thompson 313-361-1275 billye.thompson@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Farmington, Huron Valley, Northville, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake, and West Bloomfield

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month Fellowship-7 PM 7:30 PM @ Walled Lake Church of Christ 1367 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI 48390

https://scoutingevent.com/2722017OttawaDinner.

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pontiac-manito district district highlights Pontiac-Manito would like to welcome Pack 113 Pack 113 is from Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in White Lake (Houghton Elementary) to the district! We are very excited to have 15 new families in scouting and can't wait to have loads of fun!

You’re Invited to the Pontiac-Manito Annual District Dinner Pontiac-Manito would like to invite all the families out to our annual district dinner on April 19 at 6:30pm at Pontiac Waterford Elks Lodge. Please register on www.michiganscouting.org.

Spring recruitment is right around the corner!

Don't forget to sign up so we can have the best welcoming for the new scouts coming into the program and showing them a great time out at camp this year! If you would like to sign up to do spring recruitment, please contact Jack Cahn at plasticjack2002@yahoo.com or Danielle Wernis at dcv226@gmail.com.

district leadership District Chair Scott Kiefer 248-561-2578 scottkiefer@mac.com District Commissioner Jim Colvin 248-391-2817 boyscoutleader@att.net Field Director Horseshoe Service Area Bob DeWar 812-325-4688 bob.dewar@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Jen Jordan 313-361-1283 jennifer.jordan@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Brandon, Clarkston, Holly, Lake Orion, Oxford, Pontiac, Waterford, and the Grand Blanc Stake (LDS)

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ The Church of Jesus Christ – Latter Day Saints 5464 Waterford Road, Independence Charter Township, MI 48346

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district leadership District Chair Brian Conaway 248-462-2121 cmotley4@att.net District Commissioner Nathan Murray 248-390-0701 golfing50@att.net Field Director Woodward Service Area Leon Bell 517-862-3291 leon.bell@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Sharon Seaward 313-361-1288 Sharon.Seaward@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Detroit, Ferndale, Hamtramck, Hazel Park, Highland Park, Oak Park, and Southfield covering the entire city of Detroit

roundtable

2nd Monday of every month 7 PM @ Dauch Scout Center 1776 West Warren Avenue, Detroit, MI 48208

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renaissance district district highlights

sunrise district district highlights Volunteer of the Month: Donald Wheaton Congratulations on being awarded the Bronze Pelican from the National Catholic Committee on Scouting. As a district, we are honored to have a recipient of this prestigious award in our midst.

Eagle Scout Class of 2016 On March 2nd, GLFSC held the Building Character Celebration. 500+ people joined us in honoring the Eagle Scouts of the council. From Sunrise, we had 32 young men obtain their Eagle Scout in 2016.

Congratulations to all the Scouts who have been awarded this honor!

Volunteer Search: We are always looking for volunteers to fill various positions in our district. Do you or someone you know want to be involved with the Boy Scouts at the district level? Contact Theo or Summer and we’ll find a position for you!

Spring Membership Recruitment: Our goal this spring is to enroll 200 youth by June 30th. Help us help you by contacting us about your recruitment plans and Join Scouting Nights you’d like to schedule. Another great idea is to have your scouts wear their uniform to school and have them personally invite their friends to the JSN. Friends of Scouting: Our campaign is underway and on the right path. We currently have 67% of our units scheduled for presentations and 18% of our goal raised. We are aiming to have 100% of units scheduled by the end of March. Is your unit scheduled? Call or email you USEs, we’ll come to you!

district leadership District Chair John Nyquist 313-881-6396 john.nyquist@aam.com District Commissioner Dave Busse 586-264-4259 dbusse4@att.net Field Director Horseshoe Service Area Bob DeWar 812-325-4688 bob.dewar@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Summer Robinson 313-361-1277 summer.robinson@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Theo Rael 313-361-1264 theodore.rael@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Centerline, East Detroit, Fitzgerald, Fraser, Grosse Pointe, Harper Woods, Lakeshore, Lakeview, Roseville, South Lake, Van Dyke, Warren Consolidated, and Warren Woods

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Warren Woods Tower High School 27900 Bunert Road, Warren, MI 48088

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district leadership District Chair Gerry Bricker 248-305-5360 jbricker21@gmail.com District Commissioner Steve Sarlitto 734-459-3075 srsarlitto@gmail.com Field Director Woodward Service Area Leon Bell 517-862-3291 leon.bell@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Richard Mazyck 313-361-1258 richard.mazyck@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Stephen Grima 313-310-9295 stephen.grima@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following School Districts: Clarenceville, Garden City, Inkster, Livonia, Plymouth/Canton, Redford, Romulus, South Redford, Van Buren, Wayne/Westland, and the Westland Stake (LDS)

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ St. Aidan Catholic Church 17500 Farmington Road, Livonia, MI 48152

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sunset district district highlights

president ford field service council serving 25 counties of Northern and Western Michigan with service centers in Grand Rapids and Traverse City

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president ford

council leadership Field Service Scout Executive Kevin Nichols

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 Kent County Conservation League 8461 Conservation St., NE Ada, MI 49301

Program Director Matthew Hogg

MORE INFORMATION

Development Director, North Ryan Kriesch

WATCH AN INTERVIEW WITH DICK DEVOS HERE Nominate a Stellar Scouter for the Silver Beaver Award Today!!

Take time to recognize a Scouter who has performed distinguished service to Scouting in your community by nominating them for a Silver Beaver award! This award is the highest recognition that our council can give to a volunteer. When selecting someone please give as much detail as possible as to what separates the service this Scouter provides from the hundreds of awesome volunteers in President Ford Field Service Council for our selection committee.

Scouters can be nominated from a pack, troop, crew, district, or council positon within our council. All nominations forms are due to the DeVos Family Center for Scouting at 3213 Walker Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI no later than April 31. They can also be emailed directly to Marci Byxbe at marci.byxbe@scouting.org.

The selection committee comprised of Silver Beaver recipients will meet the week after the deadline. IF your nominee is selected you will be contact shortly after. The award will be given out at the Council Annual Awards Extravaganza on June 13 at the Holiday Inn Conference in Big Rapids, MI. Any forms received after the deadline will be reviewed next year.

NOMINATION FORM

Upcoming Trainings April 21-22: Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills/Outdoor Webelos Leader Skills (Gerber Scout Camp in Twin Lake)

REGISTER HERE

Major Gifts & Development Director, South Sarah Hotchkiss Major Gifts Specialist, United Way and Foundations Vacant Special Event Specialist Jeanne Koehler Assistant Scout Executive John Gower Scoutreach Associate Dia Noble Office Manager Kristine Racek Program Assistant Marci Byxbe Development Assistant Kimbra VanderMeulen

April 22: BALOO Training (Gerber Scout Camp in Twin Lake)

REGISTER HERE

April 28-30 Wood Badge: Advanced Leadership Training(Gerber Scout Camp in Twin Lake)

REGISTER HERE

April 28-30: Scoutmaster Complete (Camp Greilick in Traverse City)

REGISTER HERE

April 29: BALOO Training (Camp Greilick in Traverse City)

3213 Walker Avenue NW Grand Rapids, MI 49544-9775 Phone: 616-785-2662

REGISTER HERE MORE EVENTS

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President ford scoutreach Thank you to all the Community Police Officers from Grand Rapids Police Department that came to share their insight with the Exlporers of Club 2540. The Exlporers gained valuable insight on the process of pursuing a career in law enforcement.

We appreciate your time and commitment.

Club 2540 has completed its first community service project!

The Club donated approximately 600 decorated lunch bags, weighing in at 11lbs total, to Kids’ Food Basket in Grand Rapids. Kids’ Food Basket addresses childhood hunger in Michigan by providing Sack Suppers to nearly 7,500 kids a day in West Michigan.

The Sack Suppers offer well-rounded nutritious evening meals to kids and are delivered to several elementary schools in Club 2540's neighborhood.

Club 2540 at Burton Middle School really enjoyed the lesson provided by the Scoutreach Explorer Program. The program engaged the group on the Four Forces of Flight. Club 2540 was intrigued to discover that weight, lift, thrust, and drag were all forces that affect things that fly. The children were active participants when it came to learning the meaning behind the four forces of flight. By the time the group made airplanes and took them to the halls for a spin, each one understood the newly learned mechanics behind flight.

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bay trails district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair John MacNeal maculae@sondeeracine.com

Scouting Volunteer Bill Ewing Honored with National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award Scouter Bill Ewing was honored with the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award at the Building Character Celebration in Grand Rapids on Thursday night March 16, 2017!

Ewing joined at the age of 13 and credits his time as a Boy Scout withgiving him opportunities and experiences that he likely would not have otherwise had. He said the life and leadership skills he learned gave him major advantages as he embarked on his career in the military and the work he would do after his time in the service.

READ MORE EAGLE SCOUT OF THE YEAR Benjamin Bushong, Eagle Scout Class of 2016 Benjamin Bushong was reluctant to join the Cub Scouts when his parents made the suggestion.

Now, a senior at Gaylord High School, Ben said he is thankful for his Scouting journey and the opportunities it gave him, most especially the recognition he has received as Eagle Scout of the Year. He said he is very grateful to his parents Brian and Julia Bushong for their support and encouragement.

READ MORE Merit Badge Tech in Traverse City a huge success!

Approximately 300 Boy Scouts from as far away as Indiana and the Upper Peninsula spent Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Career Tech Center in Traverse City working on a selection of 30 merit badges of the 120 offered by the Boy Scouts of America. Scouts could earn two to four badges in areas ranging from wood carving and welding to citizenship and drafting.

Scouts get instruction on the screening process from instructor Tom Mills while working on the Graphic Arts Merit Badge.

District Commissioner Chris Griffin cgriffinscout@gmail.com District Director (North) Mark Ewing 231-947-7071 X3104 mark.ewing@scouting.org District Associate Chris McCauley 231-947-7071 X3105 chris.mccauley@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau Counties

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ 7:00 pm LDS Church Traverse City 3746 Veterans Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

Mike Kaskinen, instructs a Scout that is working on his Electricity Merit Badge.

Upcoming Events

EAGLE SCOUT ALUMNI MEET-UP BAY TRAILS DISTRICT/EAGLE RECOGNITION DINNER

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district leadership

eagle spirit district

District Chair Frank Novakowski f.novakowski@att.net

district highlights

District Commissioner John Friedli jlfriedli76@comcast.net District Director Briand Springett 616-785-2662 X3011 brian.springett@scouting.org District Associate Dan Conover 616-785-2662 X3020 dan.conover@scouting.org District Associate Drew DeMull 616-785-2662 X3027 drew.demull@scouting.org

service area

REGISTER HERE

roundtable

Meet the New Eagle Spirit Key 3 Eagle Spirit District is welcoming a new Key 3 team. With the departure of Brian Springett and the transition of Jim and Frank to new roles in Scouting we welcome three new individuals to support Eagle Spirit District:

Serving the following counties: Kent County and Barry County

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM-9 PM @ LDS Church 2780 Leonard Street, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

https://www.facebook. com/groups/76189868751/

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You’re Invited to the Eagle Spirit Celebration Tuesday, May 2nd Forest Hills Presbyterian Church

Eagle Spirit District Board President-elect Bill Bereza, our new District Commissioner John L. Friedli and Corey Curtiss, Eagle Spirit’s New District Director.

READ MORE PLEASE JOIN US TO HONOR OUR VETERANS On May 24, 2017, the Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts of Western Michigan will gather at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans to pay tribute to our Veterans that have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all enjoy. The Scout Oath & Law are the foundations for the values which the Scouting program strives to instill in today’s youth. Part of the Scout Oath is Duty to Country. This ceremony shows The Veterans community our appreciation for all they have done for us.

Join us as we celebrate the freedoms we all enjoy, remembering our “American Heroes”, and at the same time teaching our Youth of Today that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

MORE INFORMATION

five rivers district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair Richard Moll rpmoll@sbcglobal.net

Thursday, March 16 was the President Ford Field Service Council's annual Building Character Celebration Congratulations to all of the young men and women in the Class of 2016 who were honored that evening. As with any large event, there are a lot of individuals who help make the evening a success. This year Five Rivers was well represented. The honor guard who led the procession of Eagles into the ballroom was made up of Scouts from Troop 114 in Big Rapids. Additionally, Scouts from Troop 123 in Morley assisted with the presentation of awards as they delivered each award to the individual who presented it. All of these young men did a great job representing their local troops and communities.

We'll see many of them on the stage next year as part of the Eagle Class of 2017.

District Commissioner Vacant District Director (East) Mary Stek 616-785-2662 X3021 mary.stek@scouting.org District Associate Michelle Foster 616-785-2662 x3026 michelle.foster@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Montcalm, Mecosta, Ionia and Kent County Communities of Lowell, Sparta, Kent City and Cedar Springs

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Church of Latter-Day Saints 10700 W. Carson City Road, Greenville, MI 48838

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district leadership

lakeshore district

District Chair Tom Shipp tshipp@charter.net

district highlights

District Commissioner Bob Broene rjbroene@gmail.com Field Director (West) Frank Kule 616-785-2662 x3013 frank.kule@scouting.org District Associate Tom Sturtevant 616-785-2662 x3019 thomas.sturtevant@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Robert Silvernail 616-785-2662 x1005 robert.silvernail@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Ottawa County, Allegan County, Byron Center and Grandville

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Second Reformed Church 225 East Central Avenue, Zeeland, MI 49464

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District Picnic Mark your calendars! The annual Lakeshore District Picnic will be held on the evening of July 13th at Lawrence Street Park in Zeeland.

We will be celebrating all the hard work and accomplishments of the District volunteers, as well as present District awards. Please contact Darcy Logan and Bob Johnson if you have any questions.

If you have a person you’d like to nominate for a District Award, please send submissions to our District Commissioner, Bob Broene.

So join us for food, fun, and fellowship!

Summertime Pack Activities Looking for activities to keep your Pack and new Cubs busy over the summer?! The Lakeshore District will be working with several Packs throughout the summer to host programs and activities open to everyone that would like to attend. This is especially geared towards all the new Cubs you’ll get through your Spring Recruitment (like those Lions and Tigers). Whether it is a bottle rocket launch day, fishing in the park, or hiking the dunes in Saugatuck, we will have something every month for your Cubs to take part in. Look for a calendar of these events soon.

Volunteer Spotlight The Lakeshore Team would like to give a shout out and a big “Thanks!” to Kim Stark for all her hard work, dedication, and many long hours to make Friends of Scouting a success this year! This is Kim’s third year leading the Friends of Scouting campaign for our Scouting families, and in those years she has built a strong team to help her reach out to each and every unit in our District. While not a volunteer position that works directly with our youth, the lead for Friends of Scouting ensures that Scouting as an organization is supported financially and can offer all the programs you have come to know and love. Kim has certainly made sure that everyone hears the message of supporting Scouting each year. In addition to her role in Friends of Scouting, Kim also volunteers as a Unit Commissioner and Merit Badge Counselor. Grab a conversation with her, and you will quickly realize the passion and drive she has for Scouting and what it does for our families and communities. Thank you Kim!

northern trails district district highlights Northern Trails to Host District Awards Dinner The Northern Trails District Awards Dinner will take place Thursday, April 20 at Petoskey High School. Dinner is at 6 p.m. (arrival around 5:30) with program to follow. The awards dinner is an opportunity to honor the top volunteers throughout Northern Trails on a unit and district level. Members of the last Wood Badge course will also receive their beads at the annual event.

Pinewood Derby Season Shifts into Overdrive Northern Trails Packs took to the tracks to determine who would be too fast and furious at the Pinewood Derby. Several Packs teamed up to host dual derbies with individual unit and overall winners.

Top finishers moved on to the District Derby in Charlevoix and the Regionals at Traverse City. Pictured are participants at the Harbor Springs Pack 55 Pinewood (top) and a dual Pinewood hosted by Pack 187 Cheboygan with Pack 2 Pellston and Pack 3383 Mackinaw City (bottom)

district leadership District Chair Blaine Rawson blaine_rawsonmd@yahoo.com District Commissioner Jim Mansen ajmansen@yahoo.com District Director (North) Mark Ewing 231-947-7071 X3104 mark.ewing@scouting.org District Associate Chris McCauley 231-947-7071 X3105 chris.mccauley@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego Counties

roundtable

1st Thursday of every month 7 PM @ LDS Church in Petoskey 707 Alcan Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770

Harbor Springs to Host Camporee Troop 55 Harbor Springs will host a Shooting Sports Camporee May 5-7. For more information please contact Bob Kieliszewski at kielis@att.net.

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district leadership District Chair This could be you!

District Commissioner Dennis Heidel 616-212-1577 djheidel@ameritech.net Field Director (West) Frank Kule 616-785-2662 x3013 frank.kule@scouting.org District Associate Andrea Fearnley 616-785-2662 x3024 andrea.fearnley@scouting.org District Associate Tom Sturtevant 616-785-2662 x3019 thomas.strutevant@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Robert Silvernail 616-785-2662 x1005 robert.silvernail@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ First Evangelical Lutheran Church 1206 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445

https://www.facebook.com/ groups/355265787921327/

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pere marquette district district highlights Dutch Oven Cook-Off Mark your calendars! The annual Pere Marquette Dutch Oven CookOff will be held on the evening of May 11th (our usual round table night) at Gerber Scout Reservation. We will also be having a campfire and learning about how to conduct a campfire program. So join us for food, fun, and fellowship! Questions? Contact Robert Silvernail at 517-488-3597 or Robert.Silvernail@scouting.org Summer Programs Looking for activities to keep your Pack and new Cubs busy over the summer?! The District will be working with several Packs throughout the summer to host programs and activities open to everyone that would like to attend. This is especially geared towards all your new Cubs you’ll get through your Spring Recruitment (like those Lions and Tigers). Whether it is a bottle rocket launch day, fishing in the park, or hiking the dunes in Saugatuck, we will have something every month for your Cubs to take part in. Look for a calendar of these events soon.

river trails district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair Nathan Piwowarski nathan@mwplegal.com District Commissioner Dan Campbell dpcbsa@gmail.com District Director (East) Mary Stek 616-785-2662 X3021 mary.stek@scouting.org District Associate Michelle Foster 616-785-2662 x3026 michelle.foster@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Benzie, Missaukee, Manistee, Osceola, and Wexford counties

roundtable

2nd Wednesday of every month 7 PM @ United Methodist Church 1020 E. Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601

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southern shores field service council serving 11 counties of Southern Michigan with service centers in Ann Arbor and Battle Creek

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southern shores 2017 Silver Beaver Award Recognition - June 3rd 2017 The Silver Beaver Award is the council-level distinguished service award of the BSA, and is given to those who made an impact on the lives of youth in southern Michigan through service given to the Council and Scouting. Congratulations to our 2017 Silver Beaver Award Recipients: David Beck – Huron Trails, Mary Corder – Three Fires, John Hauck Jr – Huron Trails, Andrew Hull – Chief Lenape, Edna Kinsey – Running Waters, Edward St. John – Cascades, Doug Weingart – Wabano.

PRE-REGISTER HERE

Eagle Recognition Brunch The Southern Shores FSC will recognize the Class of 2016 Eagles Scouts and their families at a special brunch on Saturday, May 20th at Gene Davis & Sons Event Center in Jackson at 9am. All are welcome to come help celebrate the accomplishments of our Eagle Scouts. Pre-registration is required.

PRE-REGISTER HERE

2 National Outstanding Eagle Scout Awards to be presented June 3rd at the Council Recognition Dinner Congratulations to our two newest recipients of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award: Dr. Thomas M. Kellogg, DDS and Ed O. Wilson.

Dr. Kellogg earned the rank of Eagle on December 27,1973 from Troop 63 in Howell, MI. Ed Wilson earned the rank of Eagle from Troop 231 in Belleville, MI. For their outstanding service to the local community and their continued embodiment of the Scout Oath and Law, we are pleased to present each of them with this award. Their actions and accomplishments are a shining example of the values of the Eagle Scout Rank.

council leadership Field Service Council Scout Executive Melissa Stricherz Assistant Field Service Council Executive Dominic Gualtieri Program Director Nick Hosler Exploring Executive Kelly Houle Field Director – Team East James McClelland Field Director - Team West Christian Townsend Customer Service Representative Mary Howard Customer Service Representative Peggy Etheridge Scout Shop Manager (Battle Creek) Julie Atherton

REGISTER HERE

Program Kickoffs May 9, 10, 11 Join us on Tuesday May 9th at 1st Presbyterian Church in Jackson, or Wednesday May 10th at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, or onThursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year!

Registration is requested for the May 11th Kickoff and every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Cristina with any questions! Register here! https://www.scoutingevent. com/272-ProgKickoffEast

3914 Bestech Dr Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Phone: 734-971-7100

Because these sessions will be taking place during the second week of the month and it is a can’t miss event there will not be a regularly scheduled Roundtable for the month of May.

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southern shores stem/exploring stem

exploring

Let’s 1-2-3 Go! Cub Scouts worked on earning the mathematics NOVA Award at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. The Scouts designed hovercrafts to float in a windtunnel, made and decoded messages and ciphers, explored surface tension, volume, and what they’d weigh on other planets! Scouts also had an amazing time exploring the museum! Interested in joining more events like these?

Check out all that STEM has to offer at [link to STEM page].

Join us at one of our upcoming events!

Bedford Exploring Post 547 to host Mock Disaster On May 27th the Bedford Fire/Rescue Exploring Post will be hosting their annual mock disaster. Exploring Posts are welcome to attend and compete in the competition, or attend as ‘victims’! For more information, contact the Bedford Explorers at bedfordexplorers547@gmail.com.

Join us April 22 for Free Family Fun! Come celebrate Earth Day with the Scouts! Join us at Kalamazoo Book Arts, where we will have lots of hands-on activities for the whole family to enjoy! Drop in any time during the event to experience the steps of the paper-making process, add a leaf to the Earth Day Tree, and help create a 5-foot globe from recycled paper! There will be opportunities for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to complete several requirements. Don't miss out - RSVP today!

REGISTER HERE

Calling all Boy Scouts and Venturers: Astronauts Needed!

Join us at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum where we give Scouts the controls! Scouts will get hands-on experience operating simulators of NASA spacecraft and Mission Control. This 3 hour program combines team-building activities, a Full Crew Mission, and a post-mission debriefing that will energize Scouts. The group is divided in two, with half of the participants assigned to Mission Control while the others are transported to the Spacecraft. At the mission’s midpoint, the teams change places so everyone can experience both simulators. The teams must work together to ensure the success of the mission. This event satisfies Space Exploration Merit Badge Requirements #1, 6, & 8. Cost is $20/youth and $5/adult chaperone and includes access to all three levels of the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

REGISTER HERE

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Kalamazoo County Sheriff Exploring Post Open House The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Exploring Post is hosting an Open House on May 1st, at 6pm for teens 14 to 20 interested in law enforcement. The Open House will be at the Sheriff’s Department, 1500 Lamont Ave, Kalamazoo.

South Kalamazoo County Fire Department to hold Pancake Breakfast The South Kalamazoo County Fire Station’s pancake breakfast will be held on June 3rd at the Vicksburg Fire Station from 7-11 am. For more information about the Pancake Breakfast and South Kalamazoo County Fire Explorers, please contact Chief Tracy McMillan at (269) 6490495.

The Kalamazoo County Sheriff Dept Explorers are planning an open house on May 1, 2017 at 6 pm at the Sheriff Department. This will provide the youth an opportunity to learn more about Exploring and how it can provide a meaningful career experience for local Kalamazoo youth.

February marked the first meeting of the Jackson YMCA Exploring club led by Michelle Pittenger. Michelle leads 16 youth every week with career programming with support of Jackson community professionals to teach soft skills, and specific hands-on career skills.

cascades district district highlights Civil War Muster - August 25-27 | Cascades Park, Jackson MI Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews are able to be a part of one of the largest Civil War re-enactments in the country! In addition to providing service to the Muster by helping with parking, program sales, litter cleanup, the Scouts have front row seats for the reenactments, included the night time artillery show!

Units will camp & cook onsite. The tentative cost is $10 per person to offset facility expenses and all registered will receive a patch.

Online registration will be available soon and look for additional information at Cascades Roundtables. You can also contact the Civil War Muster Boy Scout Coordinators: Dennis Fowler 734.396.7856 or Adam Albert jmalbert3@gmail.com Save the Date: September 30 District Training Day Save the Date September 30, 2017 Cascade District Training day.

Boy Scout and Cub Scout Training for all. Please look forward to receiving additional information.

Program Kickoffs May 9, 10 or 11 | 7pm all locations Join us on Tuesday May 9th at 1st Presbyterian Church in Jackson, or Wednesday May 10th at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, or onThursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year!

district leadership District Chair Vacant District Commissioner Bridget Holder 517-474-6806 District Director Drake (Dan) Deverell 517-812-3799 drake.deverell@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Jackson County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ First Presbyterian Church 743 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI 49201

Registration is requested for the May 11th Kickoff and every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Cristina with any questions!

Because these sessions will be taking place during the second week of the month and it is a can’t miss event there will not be a regularly scheduled Roundtable for the month of May.

REGISTER HERE Boy Scouts at the Big House!

This Spring we are running a VERY Special Spring recruitment campaign for our Boy Scouts! Any Scout that gets a friend to sign up for Boy Scouts will be invited to Tour the Big House in Ann Arbor!

Both Scouts will be invited to attend for FREE! The Tour will include a tour of the locker room, the press box and being able to run out of the tunnel and onto the field! 1 adult for every 2 scouts attending required, adults are $10! Please contact Ed St. John or Dan Deverell for more information!

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district leadership District Chair Bryan Bowers 517-902-3127 bryanbsa1@gmail.com District Commissioner Andy Hull 517-662-9065 andy@lenapescouting.org Unit Service Executive Jacob Maxson 269-832-0096 jacob.maxson@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Lenawee County and Hillsdale County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Adrian United Methodist Church 1245 W Maple Avenue, Adrian, MI 49221

chief lenape district district highlights 2017 Program Kickoff 2017 Program Kickoff will be during the second week of May. There are three opportunities for you to go to this resource filled meeting.

The first is Tuesday, May 9th at 7:00 PM held at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson (743 W. Michigan Ave.). On Wednesday, May 10th at 7:00 PM Program Kickoff will be at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo (3600 Vanrick Dr.). And on Thursday, May 11th at 7:00 PM Program Kickoff will be at Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport in Belleville (47884 D St.). Registration is requested for the May 11th Kickoff, and those that register and attend will receive 2 Free tickets to the “Thunder over Michigan” Airshow!

Because these sessions will be taking place during the second week of the month and it is a can’t miss event there will not be a regularly scheduled Roundtable for the month of May.

REGISTER HERE

Community Service and Camping Opportunity Troop 649 and Troop 707 will be hosting a weekend campout over the first weekend of May (5th, 6th, and 7th) and a conservation community service opportunity on April 15th. Both events will be held at Camp Sequoia (2675 Gady Rd., Adrian, MI 49221). The conservation project will begin at 1:00 PM and end at 4:00 PM on April 15th and check-in for the campout will begin at 5:30 PM on May 5th.

June Roundtable and Awards Dinner The June Roundtable (June 8th) for Chief Lenape will be a potluck and awards dinner. Please bring a dish to pass and help us congratulate those from Chief Lenape that are going to be recognized for their contributions to Scouting.

Immediately before the potluck we will be holding a District Meeting to approve the District Board for 2017-18. This will begin at 6:30 PM and all are invited to attend. Charter Organization Representatives are encouraged to attend so they can vote on the District Board.

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huron trails district district highlights

Eagle Board of Reviews & Project Proposals Eagle Project approval and Eagle Board of Reviews are being held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at Calvary United Methodist Church. If a scout needs a project approval or Eagle Board of Review please contact John Thomas at Thomas.john237@gmail.com or 734-476-8333.

MORE INFORMATION

Brewed Awakenings Fundraiser April 18th in Saline On Tuesday April 18th from 6:30 am-9:00 pm, Brewed Awakenings in Saline will be donating 20% of their sales to Huron Trails District.

NO flyer is required.

MORE INFORMATION

New Boy Scout Big House Tour Do you bleed Maize & Blue? Have you ever wanted to run the end zone at the Big House? Then we have just the promotion for you! If a Scout recruits a friend to join Boy Scouts, he and the new scout both receive a FREE tour of the Big House at the University of Michigan.

MORE INFORMATION

Mining in Society Merit Badge Day On Saturday May 13, 2017 Old Castle Materials will be hosting a Mining in Society Merit Badge Day.

MORE INFORMATION

Unit Program Kick off May 11th The Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run Airport is hosting our 2017 Unit Program Kick off. Although pre-registration is not required, those that do will receive two (2) tickets to the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show, Labor Day weekend featuring the US Navy Blue Angels.

REGISTER HERE

Rick Taylor of Reinhart Realtors is the 2017 Huron Trails District Sponsor! Rick has received the President’s Award each year of his 16 year career. In 2016 Rick was ranked in the top 1% of all realtors in the United States. Thank you Rick for investing in the youth of Washtenaw County!

district leadership District Chair Niki Wardner 734-973-8039 wardner35@msn.com District Commissioner Dave Kluck 734-426-6177 jdkluck@umich.edu District Director Cristina Van Putten 734-560-1283 cristina.vanputten@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Rachal Carson 517-306-8304 rachal.carson@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Barbara Read 301-857-2688 barbara.read@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Washtenaw County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ REI 970 W. Eisenhower Parkway Ann Arbor, MI 48103 (March only)

Please join us Thursday June 8th, 6:00 pm to recognize our 2016 Eagle Class, Outstanding Unit Leaders, Commissioner and District Award of Merit recipients. See the flyer for more details.

MORE INFORMATION

Calling all Nominations!!

Do you have any outstanding adult volunteers in your Scout unit?

We know that you must! Please take this opportunity to nominate a worthy person for the District Award of Merit or the Outstanding Unit Leader award.

MORE INFORMATION

https://www.facebook.com/ HuronTrailsDistrict/

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district leadership District Chair Dave Gilbert District Commissioner Scott Blanchard Unit Service Executive Christian Townsend 612-812-1026 christian.townsend@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Calhoun and Branch Counties

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Chapel Hill United Methodist Church 157 Chapel Hill Road, Battle Creek, MI 49015

nottawa trails district district highlights Program Kickoffs May 9, 10 or 11 Join us on Tuesday May 9th at 1st Presbyterian Church in Jackson, or Wednesday May 10th at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, or on Thursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year!

Registration is requested for the May 11th Kickoff and every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Cristina with any questions!

Because these sessions will be taking place during the second week of the month and it is a can’t miss event there will not be a regularly scheduled Roundtable for the month of May.

REGISTER HERE

Civil War Muster – August 25-27 - Cascades Park, Jackson MI Boy Scout Troops and Venture Crews are able to be a part of one of the largest Civil War re-enactments in the country! In addition to providing service to the Muster by helping with parking, program sales, litter cleanup, the Scouts have front row seats for the reenactments, included the night time artillery show!

Units will camp & cook onsite. The tentative cost is $10 per person to offset facility expenses and all registered will receive a patch.

Online registration will be available soon and look for additional information at Cascades Roundtables. You can also contact the Civil War Muster Boy Scout Coordinators: Dennis Fowler 734.396.7856 or Adam Albert jmalbert3@gmail.com

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pathfinder district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair Peter Copeland

Program Kickoffs May 9, 10 or 11 Join us on Tuesday May 9th at 1st Presbyterian Church in Jackson, or Wednesday May 10th at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, or on Thursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year!

District Commissioner David Blythe

Registration is requested for the May 11th Kickoff and every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Cristina with any questions!

service area

Because these sessions will be taking place during the second week of the month and it is a can’t miss event there will not be a regularly scheduled Roundtable for the month of May.

REGISTER HERE

District Dinner Picnic and Annual meeting to be held at Camp Rota Kiwan June 1 2017 Please join us on June 1, 2017 at Camp Ro ti Ki Wan Pavillion near the Cub dining Hall.. As part of the event we will hold a court of honor to Award 3 District Awards of Merit. This year’s awardees are Beth Latshaw, Jeff Rambadt, and Scott Bowman.

Unit Service Executive Vacant

Serving the following counties: Kalamazoo and St. Joseph County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church 5855 E W. Avenue, Vicksburg, MI 49094

Pathfinder is looking for a few good People! Join the District Committee Team!

Did you know that Pathfinder is one of the largest Districts in our Field Service Council? Know someone who would make a greater impact on Scouting in our area. Recommend them today for roles on our membership, recruiting, program and training teams. We need volunteers to help with the Spring and Fall membership recruitment plans. FOS, Marketing and Popcorn co mmittee people are needed to serve our growing district needs. Some of these roles are short term and episodic in nature.

PATHFINDER DISTRICT – hires previous Southern Shores staff member – Terri Perry Terri Perry will be returning to serve Scouting in southern Michigan on April 17, 2017. Terri possess tremendous scouting knowledge having first served for over 15 years as Cub Scout Leader, Day Camp Committee member and Program Director, Trainer, Unit Commissioner, and an Asst. Scoutmaster, prior to becoming the Unit Serving Executive for the Wabano District (Berrien & Van Buren counties) in March 2011. In January of 2015, Terri took a promotion to serve the Nevada Area Council in Reno, Nevada.

Welcome back Terri!

READ MORE

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district leadership District Chair Rick Kinsey 734-735-6998 rick.kinsey@mbandt.com District Commissioner Harold Schmidt hschmidt82@comcast.net Unit Service Executive Louise Malvitz louise.malvitz@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Monroe County and the city of Flat Rock

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month (September-May) 7 PM @ Ida Middle School 3143 Prairie Street, Ida, MI 48140

running waters district district highlights Program Kickoff – Thursday May 11 Join us on Thursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year! Every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Louise with any questions!

REGISTER HERE

Taste of Day Camp New Cub Scout registrants come out to the Rotary Club Nature Center, behind the Monroe Township Hall on April 22, 2017 from 3:00pm5:00pm and experience a “Taste of Day Camp” during this 2 hour FREE event. With the Day Camp theme of Bug Hunters, no bug is too big or small with the Cub Scout Bug Hunters on the lookout!

MORE INFORMATION

Running Waters District Dinner Running Waters District would like to say thank you for all you do for the youth in Monroe County and the Community of Flat Rock.

Mark your calendars for April 29th at St. Michael’s School 510 W Front St. Monroe. MI at 6pm. We will be awarding leader training knots, District Award of Merit and many other awards. So be sure to get your training awards in by April 10th. Another recognition will be the class of 2016 Eagles. There is a $5 fee and 2016 Eagles are free.

For more information and to register contact: Rick Kinsey at rick. kinsey@mbandt.com Scout-O-Rama – Lots to do for Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts!

We would like to invite you to the 2017 Scout-O-Rama held on May 12-14, 2017 at the Monroe County Fairgrounds! This will be the 86th Scout-O-Rama held in Monroe County, and 58th occasion at the Monroe County Fairgrounds location.

REGISTER HERE

Twilight Camp and Day Camp This year's Twilight and Cub Scout Day Camp will be held at Dundee Sportsman's Club. Cubs (Tiger through Webelos II) will be able to participate in BB-gun, archery, wrist rockets, cooking, nature, science, sports, Scout skills, and other fun activities.

REGISTER HERE

Webelos Invitational As a Webelos Scout, you are invited to visit as many Troops as you can in one day on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Nike Park (Newport Rd, Monroe)! From 9am – noon, there will be activities that will you complete your Scouting Adventure. The rest of the day they will show you what fun it is to be a Boy Scout!

REGISTER HERE

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three fires district district highlights Scout Night at Joe Louis Arena On Thursday February 16th, our very own Cub Scout Pack 3363 from Howell, presented the colors at the Detroit Red Wings game. They also got to take their picture with Karen Newman. What a cool experience for both Scouts and leaders! Great job representing Livingston County and the Scouting Program!

district leadership District Chair Glenn Matecun 248-613-6643 gmatecun@mtolaw.com District Commissioner Mike Sheehan 734-780-6482 dennispurdy1@aol.com District Director Cristina VanPutten 734-560-1283 cristina.vanputten@ scouting.org

Flip It, Pitch It, Cast It! Casting Clinic!

Join us on Saturday April 29th out at Bishop Lake for a fun filled day of fishing! Three Fires will be holding its 3rd Annual Casting Clinic from 10am-5pm. The Casting Clinic will run from 10am-1pm and then a Fishing Derby will be from 2-5pm, lunch will be provided!

Any Cub Scout that recruits a friend to sign up for Scouting, both Scouts will receive a free fishing pole! All other Scouts or potential Scouts are welcome! Please contact Kendra Mueller for more details at ketraining@hotmail.com.

Program Kickoffs!

Join us on Thursday May 11th at the Yankee Air Museum for our 2017 Program Kickoff! This is taking the place of May Roundtable! There will be lots of information and talking with other leaders about planning your upcoming Scout year! Every person that pre-registers for the Program Kickoff and attends will receive 2 FREE tickets to the Thunder over Michigan Air Show Labor Day weekend, featuring the USN Blue Angels! Please contact Cristina with any questions!

service area

Serving the following counties: Livingston County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month (September-June) 6:30 PM @ Livingston County EMS building 1911 Tooley Road, Howell, 48843

REGISTER HERE Volunteer of the Month!

Three fires would like to recognize Judy Boote, for joining our Roundtable team! Judy has come on to help Michelle and has been doing an AMAZING job! Thank you Judy for your time and dedication to helping our program grow!

Boy Scouts at the Big House!!!!

This Spring we are running a VERY Special Spring recruitment campaign for our Boy Scouts! Any Scout that gets a friend to sign up for Boy Scouts will be invited to Tour the Big House in Ann Arbor! Both Scouts will be invited to attend for FREE! The Tour will include a tour of the locker room, the press box and being able to run out of the tunnel and onto the field! 1 adult for every 2 scouts attending required, adults are $10! Please contact Cristina for more information!

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district leadership District Chair Jon Wallace 269-449-8972 jonrWallace@ unionhomemortgage.com District Commissioner Rosie Grzebyk 269-806-1321 irishrpg@gmail.com Unit Service Executive Nathan Mashman 616-260-6223 nathan.mashman@ scouting.org

wabano district district highlights

2017 PROGRAM KICKOFF This is the most important unit level event for the year. Please make sure at least one senior leader from your unit attends this event.

Wednesday May 10th 7.00 pm. Wings Event Stadium – 3600 Vanrick Dr, Kalamazoo.

MORE INFORMATION

CUB SCOUT FALL RECRUITMENT PLANNING SESSION - IMPORTANT Cub Scout Roundtable – Thursday April 13th at 7 pm - Van Buren Conference Center, 490 South Paw Paw Street, Lawrence, MI Find out about how to prepare your unit for Fall Recruitment and how this year will be quite different from last year. PLEASE make sure a senior leader from your unit attends this important event.

CUBMOBILE 2017 Saturday June 3rd 2017 - Lane Automotive, 7181 Red Arrow Highway, Coloma.

service area

Helmets and closed toe shoes a must. We can’t wait to see you race!

roundtable

WABANO DISTRICT DINNER 2017 Thursday, June 8, 2017 | 6:30 p.m. – approx.. 8:30 p.m.

Paw Paw Lake Yacht Club | 5097 Shoreview Drive, Coloma, MI 49038 Reservations Required $15 Adults ~ ~ ~ $10 Eagle Scouts and siblings

Serving the following counties: Van Buren and Berrien County

2nd Thursday of every month (Excluding June) 7 PM @ VanBuren Conference Center 490 South Paw Paw Street, Lawerence MI, 49064

MORE INFORMATION

MORE INFORMATION

DISTRICT PINEWOOD DERBY UPDATE Over the last week I solicited input from all of the packs regarding potential interest/participation in a district pinewood derby.

Unfortunately, with the short notice for the derby and the lack of response to the opportunity, we are going to take the event off of the calendar for 2017.

MORE INFORMATION

JOIN IN THE BLOSSOMTIME PARADE 2017 This year marks the 111th celebration of the Blossomtime Festival -- the oldest and largest multi community Festival in the state of Michigan. Please join us to ensure that Scouting has a noticeable presence in the parade. We have 17 Troops, 1 Venture Crew, 1 Varsity Team, and 1 Ship – all are eligible (and encouraged) to participate!!

DATE: Saturday, May 6 TIME: Gather between 10am and 11am

MORE INFORMATION

IMPORTANT LINKS & DOWNLOADS

UPCOMING COUNCIL EVENTS MERIT BADGE COUNSELOR LISTS DISTRICT AWARD OF MERIT NOMINATION FORM

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WAter and woods field service council serving 27 counties of Northern and Eastern Michigan with service centers in Flint, Auburn, Midland, and Port Huron

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council leadership Field Service Council Executive Paul Schwartz Executive Assistant to FSC Executive Janice Dubay Program Assistant – Auburn Jean Moreau Program Assistant – Flint Ann Norris Administrative Assistant – Flint Robin Ackerman Program Director Thomas Oleniacz Program Executive Deontrae Wilson Senior Development Director Marilyn Costigan Development Director Brent Hortze Development Director Christine Adado Director of Field Service Cynthia Gaines Field Director Jack McLiver Field Director John Rouse Scoutreach – Flint Gregory Cooley Scoutreach – Lansing Corrie Groth Scoutreach – Port Huron Jack McLiver Scoutreach – Saginaw David Howe G35538 Flushing Road, Suite C, Flint, MI 48504 This address is temporary

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water and woods Upcoming Events ADULT TRAINING | APRIL 21-23 FLINT PINEWOOD DERBY | APRIL 22 GREAT LAKES LOONS SCOUT DAY | APRIL 23 LANSING LUGNUTS SCOUT DAY | APRIL 23 BALOO TRAINING | APRIL 29 SCOUTMASTER SPECIFICS AND TROOP COMMITTEE | APRIL 29 CUB ARCHERY SHOOT | MAY 6 LANSING BB GUN SHOOTING EVENT | MAY 6 WATER AND WOODS FIRST AID READINESS CAMPOREE | MAY 12-14 RIFLE SHOOTING MERIT BADGE CLASS | MAY 20 WATER AND WOODS DAY CAMPS | JUNE 3-JULY 20 AGAMING OA LODGE BIG CAMPOREE | JUNE 9-11 WATER AND WOODS RAFTING TRIP | JUNE 16-20 CAMPOUT AT DOW DIAMOND | JUNE 23 GREAT LAKES LOONS BASEBALL CAMPOUT | AUGUST 19-20

water and woods scoutreach Port Huron Scoutreach revived its annual Pinewood Derby after taking a 3-year hiatus. It was a great event for all involved. During the weeks leading up to the race, each boy had the opportunity to design their cars on paper, then transfer their design to the wooden block that would soon become their car. After the cars were designed, Scoutreach Program Aide, Gene Warren took them home and cut out each design exactly as the boys drew them up. There were pickup trucks, sports cars, skate boards, bat mobiles and some very interesting original designs. Thank you Gene for all of the hard work that was put into cutting out each car!

Some boys had the opportunity to paint their cars

during their program time at school, while some did it the morning of the race. All of the wheels and weight were put on the cars by the boys on race day. The cars were then fine-tuned to make sure each car was race ready. Over 25 boys participated in the race. They loved watching their cars race down the track and cheered each other on. We ended the race with a Pizza Party thanks to Port Huron Little Caesar’s Pizza. A Special Thanks goes out to the Pack 135 Derby Dads for setting up the track and running the race and Griswold Street Baptist Church for use of the facility. This program would not have been made possible without the support of the United Way of St Clair County.

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district leadership District Chair Ron Barnard 248-804-1156 ralcbarnard@msn.com District Commissioner Ron Irwin 810-656-1777 Field Director Jack McLiver 810-292-0081 jack.mcliver@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Lapeer County Serving the following School Districts: Davison, Lakeville, Beecher, Bentley, Clio, Flint, Flushing, Genesee, Kearsley, Mount Morris, and Westwood Heights

roundtable

2nd Tuesday of every month 7 PM @ Davison United Methodist Church 207 E 3rd Street, Davison MI 48423

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blue star district district highlights

blue water district

district leadership

district highlights

District Chair Vacant

Blue Water District Dinner Join us on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Quinn’s Catering, 5078 Lapeer Ave, Kimball (Former Angry Bull Location) for our annual District Dinner. Doors open at 6pm. Dinner/Program begins at 6:30pm.

Any volunteer, Scout, parent or staff in Blue Water District is invited to attend. The cost is $20 per person. The dinner is free for 2016 Eagle Scouts.

You may also sponsor an Eagle Scout at a $10 or $20 level.

Enjoy an evening and recognize fellow Scouters and Scouts. We will be acknowledging the Class of 2016 Eagle Scouts in the Blue Water District, District Award of Merit recipients, Chartering Organizations, Journey to Excellence recipients, and much more.

Questions? Contact Walt Reini at eaglewaterandwoods@gmail.com or at 810.300.1434 or Jody Kitchen at jkitchenscouts@gmail.com or at 810.334.4501.

REGISTER HERE

Save the Date for our Kickoffs Program Kickoff - Wednesday, May 17th at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, Port Huron. Doors open at 6:00pm. Dinner will be provided Popcorn Kickoff - Wednesday, August 2nd at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, Port Huron. Doors open at 6:00pm. More information to come in the upcoming months.

Membership Kickoff - Wednesday, August 9th at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church, Port Huron. Doors open at 6:00pm. More information to come in the upcoming months.

February Eagle Scouts Congratulations to the following Scouts who earned their Eagle in the month of February: Jacob Nelson - Troop 328 of Marlette Blake McClelland - Troop 322 of Croswell Benjamin Totten - Troop 322 of Croswell Jarod Graham - Troop 178 of Port Huron

District Commissioner Jim Kaski 810-334-8893 jimkaski@gmail.com Unit Service Executive Joey Koehn 810-216-7002 joseph.koehn@scouting.org Exploring Executive Jeremie Brettin 810-824-6744 jeremie.brettin@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: St. Clair and Sanilac Counties

roundtable

2nd Wednesday of every month 7 PM @ First United Methodist Church 828 Lapeer Avenue, Port Huron, MI 48060

Blue Water District Silver Beavers Congratulations to Walt Reini, Kathy Graham and Mark Eschenburg for receiving the Silver Beaver Award on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the annual Water and Woods FSC Council Dinner. Thank you for everything that you do for Scouting and the Blue Water District!

2017 Klondike Derby at Silver Trails Scout Reservation This year’s theme was mountain men, many of the activities supported this theme. Let’s also thank the volunteer staff from Ma’iingan chapter of Agaming Maangogwan, Water and Woods OA Lodge who made the event possible, they were supported by other OA members and Scouters from other councils. Last but not least several adult scouters from some of the troops in attendance who also selflessly shared their time for the good of all.

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district leadership

Chief okemos district

District Chair Nathan Triplett ntriplett@gmail.com

district highlights

District Commissioner Tim Ekola timothy.ekola@hotmail.com Field Director Corrie Groth 517-816-7758 corrie.groth@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Sarah Hulett 517-816-7761 sarah.hulett@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties Serving the following School Districts: Portland

Congratulations to the 2016 Chief Okemos District Silver Beaver Recipients: · Romy Fitschen Troop 2 East Lansing · Tim Musson, Troop and Crew 2 East Lansing · Scott Pierpont, Troop 43 Dimondale (not pictured) Special thanks to Jim Doyle, Chief Okemos District Training Chair who organized our Woodbadge Breakfast back in March. The breakfast was for current and future woodbadgers at the Chief Okemos Sportsman Club in Dimondale. Jim was surprised by (former) District Director Corey Curtiss who awarded him with his 50 year veteran pin! The veteran pin is an adult recognition signifying total years of registered tenure in Scouting. Veteran pin applications can be found: http://www. scouting.org/filestore/membership/pdf/524-701.pdf “To help other people at all times…”

Say hello to Zephan (Pack 260-Wacousta) and his pup Ralphie! Zephan chose to collect donations for the Capital Area Humane Society as a community service project!

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Grace United Methodist Church 1900 Boston Boulevard, Lansing, MI 48910

Scout Anniversary Day on February 8th was made special by Dicks Sporting Goods. Dick’s has become a local sponsor for the Chief Okemos district by providing us with financial support as well as some really fun giveaways for our Scouts! On Feb. 8th they offered a 20% discount to all Scouts and Scouters who shopped at their Lansing and Okemos store locations. They also helped us host a Facebook “Selfie” contest where Scouts were randomly selected to win camping equipment! Dicks donated a kayak, a grill and two Eno hammocks as prizes. Winners camp from Pack 516 (St. Johns), Pack 121 (Waverly) and Troop 64 (Okemos).

Top Stories in Chief Okemos

https://www.facebook.com/ ChiefOkemosDistrict/

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FRIENDS OF SCOUTING PRESENTATIONS CHIEF OKEMOS DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN BREAKFAST WE'RE MOVING BACK! SCOUTREACH IS LOOKING FOR MATERIALS FOR CRAFTS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHIEF OKEMOS DAY CAMPS & RESIDENT CAMPS

heartland district district highlights On the morning of Thursday March 9th, over 250 members of the Great Lakes Bay Region community gathered to hear the message of Scouting, and to invest in our movement. The annual breakfast was sponsored by Dow Chemical Company and Three Rivers Corporation, with the keynote speaker Rich Wells, Vice President of Operations for Canada/US North and Site Director of Michigan Operations at Dow. Mr. Wells spoke on the values he learned as a Boy Scout, and how the Scout Law has guided him as both a father and a leader.

With the efforts of table captains and board members, over $61,000 was raised to support local Scouting! A special thanks to Mike Witt and Andy Weisbrodt for chairing this year's event, and to committee members Mark Johnston and Jimmy Greene.

We have a brand new Pack in Sanford!

Pack 3776 is up and running with 26 boys! Thank you to our fantastic Charter Partner Sanford United Methodist Church for all of the support they have provided and Meridian Elementary School for being so accommodating!

district leadership District Chair Steven Lucas 989-638-6012 clucas2@dow.com District Commissioner Robert Wheeler 989-506-1098 bwheeler1008@gmail.com Unit Service Executive Megan Potts 989-824-8861 megan.potts@scouting.org Unit Service Executive Ashlee Strattan 231-420-3839 ashlee.strattan@scouting.org

service area Camperships are now available, if you or someone you know can benefit from this opportunity, don’t forget to apply before April 1! http://michiganscouting.org/camperships/ Speaking of Camperships, did you know that Camperships are funded by our Friends of Scouting Campaign? Make sure to contact Ashlee or Megan if your Unit hasn’t had a Friends of Scouting Presentation this year so that we can set one up.

Save the date, the Heartland District Dinner will be at the West Midland Family Center on April 26, 2017 at 6:00 pm! Please help us in celebrating the wonderful volunteers that we have in our District – we are so lucky to have so many passionate and generous individuals making Scouting a success in our community! The Registration link will be forthcoming.

Serving the following counties: Midland, Gladwin, Clare, Isabella and Gratiot Counties

roundtable

2nd Wednesday of every month (September-May) 7 PM @ West Midland Family Center 4011 W. Isabella Road, Shepherd, MI 48883

Cops and Doughnuts has generously donated 2,700 tree saplings for local Scouts to plant in our District this Spring! This is a great opportunity for community service! Please contact Ashlee or Megan if you have suggestions for parks or other places that could benefit from having trees planted, or if your unit, or Scout, is interested in participating.

Upcoming camporee opportunities in Heartland District Earth Day Spring Camporee - April 21-23

REGISTER HERE

Water and Woods First Aid Readiness Spring Camporee - May 12:

REGISTER HERE

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district leadership

ojibway district

District Chair Mark Johnston mark@mjohnstonconsulting.com

district highlights

District Commissioner Carol VanArsdale carol.vanarsdale@gmail.com

Join folks from across Saginaw County on May 13th, for the annual MS Walk in Frankenmuth. Volunteers are needed for the event to help at the finish line with cheering on runners and handing out finisher pins. If you'd like to help please contact Lynn Kindy at lynne. kindy@yahoo.com

District Director Eric Curtis 989-266-9106 eric.curtis@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Saginaw County as well as the communities of Reese and Vassar in Tuscola County

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ First United Methodist Church 4790 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI 48638

Congratulations to our 2017 District Award of Merit Recipients, Sam Placher (left) and Joe Hughes (right). Sam has been a long time Scouter in Bridgeport, having served in various roles in both the troop and pack, and currently is the Cubmaster of Pack 3295. Joe is a new unit commissioner in Chesaning, after serving as Scoutmaster and assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 335. He has also taught for a decade, Fly Fishing merit badge during summer camp every Monday evening at Camp Rotary.

We invite ALL volunteers to this year's Annual Program Kick Off! The evening will consist of valuable training to help your unit plan out their 2017-2018 calendars, include: Ideal Year of Scouting Training, membership recruitment, local partners and their special events, and details on the 2017 Blast Into Scouting campaign!

For Cub Scout Packs, it is required that each unit send at least one representative to the kick off in order to qualify the unit to be a Blast into Scouting pack.

The Kick Off will be on Thursday May 11th at 7pm at First United Methodist Church, 4790 Gratiot Rd in Saginaw.

Congratulations to Ojibway's newest Cub Scout unit, Pack 3358 of First United Methodist Church Mens' Club, on their first Pinewood Derby race!

5 new Tiger Cubs and their parents spent February getting their cars ready for the big day. A special thanks to Troop 342 of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish for volunteering to run the event.

Looking for an Exploring Post near you? Check out the flyer at the link below with a list of all the Post's in the Great Lakes Bay Region.

EXPLORING MENU

Ojibway has some new volunteers!

Ojibway District welcomes to it's district several new board members in only the first quarter of the new year! Please welcome Mark Johnston and Carol VanArsdale as the new District Chair and District Commissioner!

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READ MORE

rivers north district district highlights Spring is right around the corner, and so is camping season! I hope you all are ready to keep the “Outing” in Scouting and head out to camp at least once this season. We have had some awesome opportunities for both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts alike. Bb-gun shoots, archery ranges, STEM events, Firebirds camp outs and much more are just a few examples of what your next adventure could be! Check out http://michiganscouting.org/outdooradventures/ for a full calendar of events and details near you!

Want an easier way to get updates and see what’s going on around our District? Follow the Rivers North District Facebook page to see new and exciting events, trainings and opportunities for all ages of Scouting. Plus, don’t be shy! Feel free to post awesome pictures of your Scouts doing service projects, activities, camping, earning advancement, eating food, and pretty much anything! https:// www.facebook.com/RiversNorthDistrict/ Attention Cub Scouts – Keep your eyes peeled to the sky as we head into the 2017 recruitment year of “Blast Into Scouting”. Scouting will take off like never before with the exciting new event and free giveaways. More details will be coming soon!

Yours in Scouting, The Rivers North District Team

district leadership District Chair Mike Thib 810-513-3120 mthibo@aol.com District Commissioner Kevin Will 810-853-2141 kewill12@att.net District Director Zachary Johnson 989-266-9110 zachary.johnson@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Shiawassee County Serving the following School Districts: Atherton, Bendle, CarmanAinsworth, Fenton, Goodrich, Grand Blanc, Lake Fenton, Linden, Montrose & Swartz Creek School Districts

roundtable

2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Mary Crapo Community Center 8197 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473

https://www.facebook.com/ RiversNorthDistrict/

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district leadership

shoreline district

District Chair Erwin Hutter 313-539-4400

district highlights

District Commissioner John Clyne 586-808-8877 jlclyne@charter.net Unit Service Executive Jacob Straub 989-600-0790 jake.straub@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Bay, Ogemaw, and Arenac Counties

roundtable

2nd Tuesday of every month 7 PM @ Bangor Lincoln Elementary School 2771 N. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706

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On Saturday March 4th, the our District Chairmen, Rev. Erwin Hutter, was formally recognized with the Silver Beaver award. The Silver Beaver is the highest award a council can give to a volunteer.

Rev. Erwin (Erv) Hutter has been a dedicated volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America for many years. Erv's time and passion with Camp Rotary's long term plan and committee will be felt for many years to come. Erv's dedication to the Boy Scouts is commendable. On behalf of the Shoreline District we thank Erv and Celebrate him receiving the Silver Beaver award.

thumb district district highlights Thumb District's 4th Annual Hunting Dinner The Thumb is having our 4th annual Hunting dinner on April 22 at the Cass City VFW hall. Doors open at 5pm with dinner following at 6pm. We are giving a crossbow to one lucky winner that evening with the cost of the dinner ticket. We will be having bucket drawings for prizes, gun raffles, and a great silent auction which is adding items daily. Tickets are available now and you can pay at the door. Funds go directly into serving youth in our area thru Friends of Scouting.

Also we are gearing up for our spring recruitment efforts. The theme this spring is “Shooting Sports.” On May 5-7 the Cass City Gun Club is hosting our Spring Camporee for the Boy Scouts. They will be shooting 22 cal. and 20 gage clays. They will be camping on the property for the weekend and doing other events too. Don’t forget to sign up!!

district leadership District Chair Kim Glaspie 989-872-5018 kimglaspie@gmail.com District Commissioner Verna Murawski 989-670-8489 v_murawski@yahoo.com Sr. Unit Service Executive Mike Herrington 989-266-9108 mike.herrington@scouting.org

Cub Scout Shoot Event in Caro May 13th at 10 am we are having a Cub Scout shoot event at camp pine acres in Caro. New scouts will be recruited that day and also all registered cubs in the thumb are invited to come and join in the fun. Event registration will be on the website. We will be offering bb, archery, and wrist rockets. Don’t miss it!

service area

Thumb Program Kickoff We will be holding our Program Kickoff in the Cass City Park on May 16th at 7pm. We will be talking about all the great events that we have to offer at our great camp properties, local events happening, trainings, and much more. Please send someone for the evening to get the proper info to your boys, so they don’t miss out.

roundtable

Serving the following counties: Huron county and most of Tuscola County

1st Tuesday of every month 7 PM @ United Methodist Church 5100 N. Cemetery Road, Cass City, MI 48726

We are excited to be able to provide new youth with a rocket to shoot for joining our program in the spring and fall thanks to our Blast on Scouting campaign. New boys may come and participate in our Fall Field Games event at the USA School on October 21st at 10am. Event will include a place to shoot your new rockets and also shoot bb and archery. Other events are planned for that day also. So get ready to Blast into Scouting Oct 21st.

Roundtable is the first Tuesday of the month at the UMC of Cass City.

Starts at 7pm. This is for all participants in your pack. Den leaders come sit by other den leaders and collect their program ideas.

Share dates and programs between towns. Attendance is needed to provide all the programs above and make sure we have enough staff to run the events above.

Meeting with the Port Austin Reef Lighthouse association to finalize plans to have thumb fall camporee on the lighthouse in August.

Programs are being planned. Stay tuned for details at our monthly roundtable.

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district leadership District Chair Michael Pangborn 989-739-5715 oldscouter@charter.net District Commissioner Robert Parent 517-282-1325 rparent87@gmail.com Field Director John Rouse 989-266-9111 john.rouse@scouting.org

service area

Serving the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, Presque Isle, and Roscommon Counties

roundtable

1st Thursday of every month 7 PM @ AuSable River Center 211 North Main Sreet., Roscommon MI 2nd Thursday of every month 7 PM @ Spratt United Methodist Church 7440 M 65 South, Lachine, MI 49753

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thunderhead district district highlights

CAMPING

CH ECK L I S T First-time Boy S cou ™ items to make y t camping? Here’s a list of rec our first campin ommended g experience su ccessful.

Camping Essentials

 Tent  Backpack  Daypack  Sleeping Bag  First Aid Kit  Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder  Mess Kit (with cup)  Headlamp or Flashlight with Batteries  Pocket Knife and Sheath  Raingear  Sunscreen  Insect Repellent  Hot Spark Fire Starter/ Matches in Waterproof Case  Compass and Case  Whistle

Camping Extras

Personal Gear

 Clothing (as recommended by your Troop)  Thorlos® Socks  Toiletries/Cleanup Kit (with hand sanitizer)  Personal Items  Phone  Watch  Camera  Swimsuit  Hat  Binoculars

 Extra Pair of Shoes

Optional

 Hammock/Straps  Ground Cloth  Camping Chair

 Sleeping Pad  Camp Pillow  Lantern  Hydration Pack

7436-104880SPE