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Frequently Asked Questions

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Last Updated on Thursday, 11 August 2011 09:46

 

Mackinac or Mackinaw?  Which one is right?

According to the Mackinac Bridge Authority:  The French Pronounced it "aw" but spelled it "ac". The British heard it pronounced "aw" so they spelled it that way. Whichever way it is spelled, it is always pronounced "aw"

Where do the boys stay on the Island?

The boys and adult leaders stay at the Scout Barracks.  The barracks is located behind the Fort (up "Cardiac Hill") and was constructed in 1934.  The upper level is reserved exclusively for the Scouts.  Adult leaders have seperate sleeping accomodations on the main floor.  The barracks has a large indoor dining area, bathroom and private shower facilities, and a newly renovated commercial kitchen.  The Hiawathaland Council (Upper Penisula) recently donated $10,000 for new stoves, refridgerators, and other improvements to the kitchen.  A team of volunteers run the kitchen and generally feed 70-75 people at each meal.  Troop 111 welcomes female leaders as well, and makes special accomodations at a bed and breakfast on the Island for the ladies.

A Typical Day on the Island

All Scouts participate in raising and lowering 27 flags around the Fort and other locations on the Island. Island flags are raised promptly at 9:30 am and lowered at 6:30 pm.  All flags are raised and lowered simultaneously.  Scouts rotate through guide posts, spending 45 minutes at each of their stations.  When not serving Guide Duty, Scouts may be participating in service and conservation projects on the island.  Every Scout has off duty time every day where they can explore the island, go into town, or hang out at the barracks.

Are Visitors Allowed?

Absolutely!  Let us know when you are coming and have lunch with us at the Scout Barracks. Every Scout has some free time every day, so you will have the opportunity to have some family time on the Island.

Uniform Requirements

No matter what Troop or Council you are with, while serving at Mackinaw everyone is a member of the Troop 111 Honor Guard.  Your normal Troop numerals are replaced with a special Troop 111 Honor Guard numberals patch.  Scouts will be in full Honor Guard Class A Uniforms while on duty or in town (even if off duty).  The honor guard uniform is a class A shirt, official BSA uniform shorts or long pants (with belt), red berret, short BSA socks, Troop 111 neckerchief, black shoes, name badge, green shoulder loops, Mackinac Service Camp patch, and red windbreaker (when needed).  Class B uniforms consisting of just the BSA shorts (or long pants), BSA socks, black shoes, and a t-shirt are worn for meals.  Scouts off duty who choose to explore the back of the island and wilderness areas are not in Uniform.  Troop 111 orders berrets, windbreakers, and name tags for Scouts once they are selected to be in the Honor Guard.  The Chief Okemos Council's Scout Shop also gives a 10% discount on uniform and uniform parts to Troop 111 Honor Guard participants.

How about the Food?

Your Scout will NEVER be hungry.  Half of the money you pay to send your Scout on this trip goes to food.  Dirk and his kitchen staff prepare delicious and filling meals, most boys end up gaining a little weight at Mackinaw.  Each meal has a variety of foods and is nutrionally balanced.  

Spending Money

If you have ever been to the Island, you know there are lots of shops full of all kinds of things Scouts would love to have.  Since everything is shipped in, prices tend to be higher on the Island then at home.  In 2011 most Scouts found $40-$60 more than enough to treat themselves to ice cream, shakes, fudge, carriage rides/horseback riding, souveniers, and other activities.  We ask that boys not purchase fudge to take home until at least Thursday.  By then, we have cleared out some refridgerator space.

Electronics

This is a Scouting event on a historical Island, a throw back to a simpler time.  We highly suggest leaving the electronics at home.  Things can get lost or damaged with so many boys sharing a sleeping area.  There is decent cellular service on the Island now, but again, leave the texting until you get home.

What about Adult Volunteers?

As with any Scouting activity, the Mackinaw Service Camp can't run without dedicated adult volunteers.  We need adults to help out in the kitchen and to serve as Uniformed Adult Leaders.  Adults enjoy Mackinaw just as much as the boys. 

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