Boy Scouts began serving as the “Governor’s Honor Guard” on Mackinac Island 80 years ago. In 1929, the Vice Chairman of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission obtained approval authorizing the appointment of eight Eagle Scouts as the first honor guard in Fort Mackinac. Future president Gerald Ford was a member of this inaugural group of Scouts. Joining him were fellow Eagles from across the state, including Joe McIntosh from Port Huron.

Scout barracks on Mackinac Island.

When the first group of Scouts reached Mackinac Island, they stayed in the Fort Mackinac Barracks. In 1934, as a Civilian Conservation Corps project, Scout Barracks were built just outside the fort walls. In 1974, the program was expanded to include Girl Scouts. Port Huron area boys began serving on the island starting in 1981.

Duties on the island include raising and lowering flags each day, serving downtown and in Fort Mackinac as guides, and doing a variety of service projects to better Mackinac Island State Park. Lodging is at the Scout Barracks located behind Fort Mackinac. However, it is not all work and no play. Scouts keep themselves occupied by playing games and working on merit badges at the barracks or exploring what the island has to offer. There is always something to do on Mackinac Island!

Scouts Returning from Flag Duty

Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron on the eastern end of the Straits of Mackinac between, Michigan’s pristine Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Mackinac Island is a popular tourist attraction and summer colony. Much of the island has undergone extensive historical preservation and restoration; as a result, the entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian Grand Hotel; fine dining; downtown pubs and entertainment; sightseeing; hiking; horse and carriage transportation; and its ban on motor vehicles. More than 80 percent of the island is preserved as Mackinac Island State Park which includes historic Fort Mackinac and Fort Holmes. For more information, visit http://www.mackinacparks.com

The Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s largest and most prominent values-based youth development organizations. The BSA provides a program for young people that builds character, trains them in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and develops personal fitness.

Locally, the Michigan Crossroads Council serves scouts in lower Michigan. Troop 168 is located within in the Blue Water District of the Water and Woods Field Service Council. For information on the scouting program in Michigan, visit http://www.michiganscouting.org.

For over a century, the BSA has helped build the future leaders of this country by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun. The Boy Scouts of America believes — and, through over a century of experience, knows — that helping youth is a key to building a more conscientious, responsible, and productive society.