President Gerald Ford was part of the Eagle Scout contingent that served as the first Governor’s Honor Guard on the island over 75 years ago. Today, Scouts carry on that tradition by raising and lowering 22 flags at Fort Mackinac, the Visitor’s Center downtown, the Fort Cemetery and several other historic buildings on the island. On nice days, we fly the large American flag at Fort Main. Tourists often stop and watch as Scouts prepare to start and end the day by raising and lowering the fort’s flags.

During the day, Scouts serve as guides throughout the fort and at several historical sites downtown. You will greet people as they enter the fort, help kids enjoy the the Kids Discovery Room, take pictures for people after the canon demonstration and help visitors find their way around the Historic State Park facilities. On Wednesday, a few Scouts serve as guides at the Governor’s Mackinac Island Residence at the top of fort hill.

Other times, we bike the island, shop downtown, or play baseball and volleyball. Every year, Scouts say they want to go again. It’s a different Scouting experience. An experience you will remember for a lifetime. Above the Scout Barracks is Fort Holmes where the British surprised the Americans in the first battle of the War of 1812. You will walk the grounds where soldiers defended our country until the 1890s. You will overlook Mackinac Island at night and be a part of its history.

Participating in the Mackinac Island Service Program is a wonderful opportunity to provide service at a historic land-mark in our state while having a lot of fun. For one week in June, you can raise and lower flags at Fort Mackinac and serve as guides at the fort and other historical buildings on the island.