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Why should I participate in the Mackinac Island Honor Guard program?
The Mackinac Island Honor Scout Program strives to inspire Scouts to the highest ideals of self worth and dignity, that they may become caring, capable and competent young women, and to expose Scouts to diverse experiences that we hope will build and enhance their character. It is also a wonderful place to meet new people and make lifelong friendships. Mackinac Island has a magic all its own! It is our hope the experience will facilitate:
- Development of Self-Potential and Leadership Skills
- Enhancement of Communication Skills and Relationships with Others
- Development of Values and Work Ethics
- Reinforcement of Respect for our Flag and Country
- Opportunities to Serve and Contribute to our State
Is the Mackinac Island Honor Scout Service Camp a wider opportunity?
The technical answer is "yes." However, serving as the Governor’s Honor Guard is not a typical wider opportunity. This is an opportunity to serve your community and at the same time, meet new friends, travel to a beautiful part of your state, and work toward badges or service for your Silver and/or Gold Award. This program thrives on the skill and knowledge of returning Scouts. Unlike a typical wider opportunity, we encourage and expect Scouts to return every summer until they have graduated. The Honor Guard is a select, elite group of 56 Scouts in 6th-12th grades and offers an experience that is unlike any other in Scouting.
When do the Mackinac Island Honor Scouts serve on the Island and
where do they stay?
When:
Honor Scouts serve for one week (eight days) during the summer. Each year our Troop must reapply for the Scout Service Camp. If our application is accepted for the following year, we will receive notification during the month of December of the dates of our week of service for the following summer. Our tentative week of service is scheduled for the third week of August each year.
Housing:We stay in the Scout Barracks located behind Fort Mackinac. All 54 Scouts bunk in the upstairs area. Our meals are prepared by the Scouts and eaten family style in the dining room on the main level. The adults sleep in the leaders’ room located on the first floor. The Scout Coordinator (former Honor Guard Boy/Girl Scout) has separate quarters within the Barracks. The Scout Coordinator is the liaison between the State Park and the Troop and is ultimately responsible for the decision to invite our troop to return the following summer.
How do I apply for the Mackinac Island Honor Scouts?
In order to be considered for selection as an Honor Scout, you must have completed sixth grade by the time we serve on the Island.
Each fall, every new Scout who wishes to be considered for the program must submit a written application. Applications are only available on our website or Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan website .
Who leads the troop?
Our troop is run by girl leadership. We have upper leadership Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leaders and Patrol Leaders and Assistant Patrol Leaders for each patrol.
Girl Scouts learn leadership by being Leaders.
Additionally, there are eight Adult Advisors who accompany the Scouts to the Island and who attend the trainings. The adults serve as just that – advisors. The Scouts are the true leaders of this Troop.
What are the trainings like? Do I have to attend them?
Attendance at all trainings is mandatory and Scouts are expected to serve the full week on the Island to participate in the program. The training are held between January and July. The trainings are held on weekends, and there are one or two Friday to Saturday overnights. Adults and Scouts are expected to attend all the trainings. It is very important that girls and parents read all the printed information provided. Training gives you the opportunity to get to know one another and to form a cohesive Troop. Training also provides a venue to develop leadership characteristics and the skills necessary to successfully carry out our service on the Island.
Skills you will learn include flag procedures for raising and lowering flags in perfect unison, folding flags, and marching. You will be introduced to Mackinac Island geography and history, guide duty information, expectations for community living in the Scout Barracks and working as a team!
Can I earn any badges or patches while on Mackinac Island?
Yes, there are eleven specially designed Mackinac Island Honor Scout Interest Projects that you may earn, some of which may be applied toward requirements for the Girl Scout Silver and Gold Awards.
What is the cost to be a Mackinac Island Honor Scout?
The fee is $250.00 Plus uniform expenses. These fees help defray the costs of:
- Ferry transportation to and from the Island
- Lodging in the Scout Barracks
- Food
- Programs: Picked by the program committee
- Curise, Bike ride, Hikes,secret sister and other evening events
- Housekeeping necessities
- An Troop photograph taken on the Island
- Training materials
- Food and lodging for the overnight trainings
- and other miscellaneous items
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