Frequently Asked Questions

2023 Mackinac Island Scout Service Program
June 3-10, 2023

Host Troop: Troop 411, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Escanaba, MI, Bay Lakes Council

Cost: $325 for all Scouts

Size of Service Troop: 54 Scouts, 8 Adults. The Troop will consist of four patrols, Senior Patrol Leader and four Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders.

Scout Requirements: We will contact your Scoutmaster for approval. By submitting the application, Scouts are indicating that while participating at the Mackinac Island Service Program, they will live by the Scout Law and the Scout Oath and participate in the Patrol method. A copy of a completed Scout Physical is required by the May training. Free physicals will be offered in Escanaba.

Conduct and Appearance: Our week is one of 14 service weeks at the island. Because of the nature of this operation, our emphasis is on SERVICE. Our contingent has been selected to serve the State of Michigan and the people that visit the Fort and the island. This places a heavy responsibility upon each Scout’s appearance, conduct, and performance of our assigned duties. Each Scout will be required to march and stand at attention as part of the flag corps and assist visitors with fort and island information. There will never be a better opportunity to exemplify the Scout Oath and Law than your service week on Mackinac Island.

Duties: The troop will raise and lower 22 flags at locations throughout Fort Mackinac and nearby State Historic Park buildings. Scouts also act as guides at ten locations throughout the Fort. Scout guides mainly distribute information and answer questions from the public as well as assist State Park personnel as required. Our troop will also be responsible for a service project on the island.

Uniforms: You are required to provide your own uniform. The uniform on Mackinac Island will be a short sleeve shirt, canvas convertible pants, web belt; green crew socks, green epaulets and Troop numbers (Your Troop number in green NOT red). Full dress uniforms will be required for all Scouts during flags, guide duty, and while visiting the village. Black or brown leather dress/casual shoes or leather deck shoes will be worn with uniforms – no tennis shoes, duo-tone or hiking boots. Each Scout will be provided council shoulder patches and event patches that must be sewn onto the uniform. Each Scout will also be provided a fleece jacket, bolo tie, name tag and hat. Uniforms are the responsibility of each Scout. A Troop Class B t-shirt will be provided.

Training: Three mandatory training sessions will be held at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba. The first date is Feb. 24-26. The other dates are April 21-23 and May 12-14. Training will include marching, flag duty, guide duty and other related topics pertinent to your duties on the island. Each session will run between 6 and 8 p.m. on Friday to noon on Sunday.

Living Quarters: Scouts and adult leaders will occupy the Scout Barracks, a two-story building with
dormitory-style sleeping quarters for youth. We are accommodating both girl and boy Scouts with barriers in the dorm that have been accepted by our District and the Mackinac State Historic Parks. There is a dining hall, kitchen, lavatory, showers and first aid room. A washer and dryer are available. The barracks is located behind the Fort.

Recreational Activities: A baseball diamond and horseshoe court are at the barracks. Scouts can
also play volleyball, tennis, and hike or bike the island. Scouts are also allowed to shop downtown.

Contact: Craig Woerpel, email craig@upscouting.org, (C) 906-280-0936, www.upscouting.org

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