Farewell to Joe & Sue Erickson

Joe Erickson's retirement from professional Scouting was marked by an outpouring of appreciation, respect, and love for a couple who have contributed decades of service to young people in Scouting and especially the campers and staff at Camp Hiawatha. At a reception in the Snowshoe Lodge, Joe and Sue heard accolades from scores of friends in the crammed building.

Although Joe is retiring from full-time Scouting, he will continue to be involved in Scouting and making improvements at Camp Hiawatha.

Joe and Doc Jewell at the reception.

Sue makes her entrance.

Joe reflects on his years in Scouting.

Area Vice President Larry Tomlinson salutes Joe.

Bill Davis presents a gift from the Camp Committee.

Meritorious Matt

Matt Morgan receives the District Award of Merit from Copper Country chairman Kirt Schott. Matt gave exceptional leadership as Scoutmaster of National Jamboree Troop 1233 this summer. He served 4 years as Scoutmaster of Troop 209 and the last 2 years as Assistant Scoutmaster. He is Wood Badge trained.
Congratulations, Matt!

Mackinac Island Board of Review

Mackinac Island is a special place for many people, but it will always be especially memorable to Lucas and Jacob since they completed their Eagle Scout Boards of Review while serving on the Island with the Mackinac Island Scout Service Troop. Lucas (in the top picture) and Jacob of Troop 578 in Hermansville are shown with the members of their Boards of Review.

Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp

Every week a troop of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts from Michigan serve as the Mackinac Island Scout Service Troop. Our council's 56 Scouts are coordinated by Troop 411 led by Scoutmaster Craig Woerpel and 11 other adults. The troop stays in the Scout Barracks behind the fort. Its primary duties are raising and lowering the 21 flags in the vicinity of the fort and acting as guides at the fort and other historical locations. The Scouts also have a lot of activities when not on duty including bicycling around the island, baseball, frisbee, shopping, pie eating contest, merit badge opportunities, and service projects.

The troop simultaneously lowers 21 flags around the post including the garrison flag.

A service project on the Island.

Farewell for now, Schlak

Schlak has been one of the ubiquitous personalities of the Hiawathaland Council for over 17 years. He is relocating back to his hometown of Flint to help care for his parents.

He has been Scoutmaster for Troop 356 that entire time, Crew leader for 356 since its inception, summer camp staff, JLT Scoutmaster, National Jamboree staff, active OA leader, district commissioner, district training chairman, golf committee member, and the council registrar the last 4 years.

The troop and crew held a farewell last week. There I commented that he was a Scouter for all seasons...but always in shorts. Shirley Kriegel has composed lyrics for the occasion using the music from the 60's song, "To Sir, With Love." A memorable line was, "How do you tell your parents that your Scoutmaster wears a pony tail?" That pretty wells sums up Schlak, an unconventional Scouting traditionalist who was loved by a generation of Scouts and their parents
for helping them to adulthood.
See you along the trail, Schlak.