2011 International Scout Rally

Pictures from this year's ISR are posted on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/Hiawathaland

Dewey's Graduation Party

See a report on my Graduation Party on my personal blogsite, http://deweyandsusan.blogspot.com/

Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp

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Under Cubstruction- 2011 Cub Day Camp

Eagle Scout Service Project of the Year

Reed Payant of Troop 356 received the 2011 Adams Eagle Scout Project of the Year from the National Eagle Scout Association. His project involved erosion control and trail maintenance on the trail to Morgan Creek Falls in Marquette. Reed is shown with Marvin Gibson, NESA representative, and Chris LaMarche the recipient of the award in 2010.

Scout Day at the UP State Fair

Scouts took part in all the activities at the fair in addition to the activities in the activities tent. Loren Woerpel used Lucas Burk as a helper during his presentation on Native American customs.

Dick Oslund presented fire starting and other Scout skills.

Ramparts EMS instructed on First Aid.

Troop 466 provided a monkey bridge.

Eagle Scout Brennan Wade

Eagle Scout Brennan Wade of Troop 302 is shown with his Eagle Mentor Barb Jason-Buchkoe and Scout Master Fred Anderson.

The Pirates of Bunting Lake

Program Director Sam leads his crew to a fun week for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Cub Scout Resident Campers Area 2 visitation team leader Fred Bond presents the accreditation pennent to camp director Mike Alberts and Resident Camp director Barb Dupras.

World Jamboree bound

Michael Edwards from Troop 360, Chris Held, Troop 207, and Lucas Burk, Troop 578 depart for the World Jamboree in Sweden. Lucas served as assistant senior patrol leader for the troop made up of Scouts from Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Chris was a patrol leader. Travis Wooley (right) was the 3rd assistant scoutmaster for the troop.

New Shelter

Thanks to the troop from Lake Orion which constructs patrol shelters every summer while they are at summer camp.

Eagle Scout Travis Wooley

Travis Wooley presented the Eagle Mentor pin to his brother Macon as his parents watch at Camp Hiawatha. Troop 105 Scoutmaster Stan Newill (left) and Travis's dad John (right)

Support from Rotary West

Thanks to the Rotary West Club for its continuing support of Scouting. This year's grant will be used to purchase new radios for Camp Hiawatha.

Camp Improvements

Andrew Wahlner presents a check from Grandchamp, McBride, and Prophet accountants for the shooting sports program at Camp Hiawatha. The firm also purchased a new clay pigeon thrower for the Jeff Wallner Range. Shown with Andrew are past camp director Joe Erickson and camp director Mike Alberts. Another improvement is the new flagpole which was dedicated to the memory of Eagle Scout Ralph Koehler who died while on active duty with the US Navy.

Ralph Koehler's parents Suzanne and Dan (right) are shown with his Scoutmaster Al Winfield.

Another successful camp visitation

Area 2 visitation team leader Fred Bond presents the camp accreditation pennant to Program Director Sam Ledebuhr and Camp Director Mike Alberts. Congratulations to them, the staff, and the Camp Committee for having the program and facility in great shape.

Shock and Awe- Catapault Wars

The catapault wars are a highlight at camp.

Honoring Don and Paddy Fitch

It was a privilege to be present as Don and Paddy Fitch were honored by friends and colleagues as Don received the Physician of the Year Award from the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. Speaker after speaker referred not only to Don's long involvement in Boy Scouts but also how he exemplifies the principles of Scouting in his life.

2011 National Youth Leadership Course

Thanks to Scoutmaster Mark Rice, Assistand SM Dennis Merkel, and Senior Patrol Leader Tyler Rice for a great NYLT course.

The staff.Heading out to the outpost overnight.

The Red Patrol.

The Purple Patrol. The Orange Patrol.

The Green Patrol.

The Blue Patrol.

Dedication of Memorial Tree for Garrett "Gary" Lee

Garrett "Gary" Lee was an Eagle Scout from Troop 510 in Kingsford, MI. He went on to Northern Michigan University where he became president of Iota Chi Chapter of the national service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega which was founded on the principles of the Boy Scouts. After graduating, he moved to Chicago where he began his career. He was drafted in to the Army and sent to Vietnam with the First Cavalry. He was killed in action in the Battle of Ia Drang on November 17, 1965.

This is Gary's Court of Honor with Scoutmaster Floyd Schultz on the right of the Scouts.

Gary's APO brothers felt there should be a memorial on campus to Gary to remind future generations of his valor, sacrifice, and service. The NMU foundation has recently began a memorial tree program. Through a major contribution from Chapter 380 of the Vietnam Veterans of America and other gifts from APO members, Scouters, and friends of the family, the memorial became a reality. It was dedicated on June 25, 2011.

The most recent Eagle Scout from Troop 510, Richard Louys III, learned of Gary's youth from his relatives and related stories of Gary's sense of adventure and bravery.

Larry Collister, who earned his Eagle Award in Pennsylvania, commanded the color guard for the VVA. He presented a letter from Lt Gen (ret) Hal Moore to Gary's sister, Carol Gayan, and brother, Don Lee. Gen Moore commanded the 1-7th Cavalry in the Battle of Ia Drang and authored the book, "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young." The book was subsequently made into the movie of the same name. Veteran Scouter Marvin Gibson represented the Council.

Larry Collister eloquently spoke on behalf of the veterans.

Al Salmi, an Eagle Scout from Rock, APO brother of Gary, and ride captain for the Patriot Guard Riders was the primary initiator of the memorial. He spoke movingly of the purpose of the Patriot Guard and conveyed condolances to the family.

The bothers of Alpha Phi Omega joined in the fraternity's song.