June 2016
A Michigan Crossroads Council newsletter for volunteers, alumni and donors
highlighting great stories about Scouting in Michigan.

Don't miss these upcoming events!
Arrowmen in Action
Helping Those in Need

Check presentation to Flint Area Catholic Charities 

The Agaming Maangogwan Lodge, headquartered in Flint, Michigan, aided the local residences in need of clean water. For the past several months, they have made a concentrated effort to support the Flint population as they continue to struggle to get clean drinking water.
 
When lodge members heard of Flint's difficulty, the Lodge Executive Committee started to develop a plan to "do their part" and "help those in need."  Earlier this year, Arrowmen, working with the Michigan Crossroads Council, collected and distributed water in the neediest areas in the city. In May, the lodge continued their efforts by conducting a "Scouting for Water" bottled drive at the Spring Ordeal Induction. In doing so, over 2,100 bottles of water were collected and distributed. The latest lodge step was a donation of $1,000.00  to Flint Area Catholic Charities who purchased water filters, bottled water, and other supplies to fulfill the needs of the community.

The Agaming Maangogwan Lodge isn't showing signs of slowing down. Click here to find out more on their continuous effort to help the city of Flint.
Leadership at its Finest
Jon-Claude Howd - 2016 Summit Award Recipient

Congratulation to Jon-Claude Howd! He is the first Venturer from the Eastern region of state to earn the Summit Award. Jon-Claude successfully lead two projects at the City of Linden Fairview Cemetery. He first organized a community trash pickup and he also did a research study of the non-native invasive plants that causes deterioration and erosion in the cemetery. Approximately 50 people from the Linden community, Venurer Crew 212, Troop 212, and Troop 111 supported Jon-Claude in his efforts. Read more on Jon-Claude achievements here.
Setting the Standard...
Winners of the First Robotics Competition

Boy Scouts are prepared for life...but they are also prepared for success in technical fields.  The BSA's emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (particularly through merit badges and the Nova/SuperNova programs) not only helps Scouts advance in Scouting, it helps them succeed in careers...and in competitions such as the FIRST Robotics Challenge (FRC).

At the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy, Team 1701 (Robocubs) provides students with an FRC experience that includes designing, building, programming, and driving a robot in each year's FRC competition. The team also conducts outreach activities in the community to share their excitement about STEM. This year's team set the standard for future Robocubs; after twelve years of competition, this team brought home its first blue banner (from the Center Line District event). The team came in 5th place at the Southfield District and 5th place at the Tippecanoe District (where its alliance came in 2nd). At Center Line, the 'Cubs were the 5th seed and led their alliance to victory, claiming the coveted blue banner and a Judge's Award. They then placed 33rd at the Michigan State Championship and progressed to the Galileo Division at the World Championship where they placed 22nd out of 75. Read more on Robocups here
Former V.P. Dick Cheney Visits Ford Museum
GRAND RAPIDS - The Ford Foundation Gala, held June 6th, to celebrate the re-dedication of the Education wing for The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum was an overwhelming success with almost 800 in attendance.
Several dignitaries, including former Vice President Dick Cheney and former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld each took the time to meet with the Scouts who participated in the flag ceremony which officially celebrated the museums's rededication.
Jen Betz, Assistant Scoutmaster Troop 264, put together a few outstanding examples of young men to impress upon this influential group that Scouting was alive and well in West Michigan!  In attendance were the following Scouts representing 4 different Troops:
 
Gabriel Betz Troop 264 Life 
Thomas Betz Troop 264 Send Class
Brandyn Blehm Troop 4 Life
Joshua Denton Troop 264 Eagle 
Justin Heft Troop 4 Life
Edward Hassebrock Troop 264 Life
Eric Smith Troop 290 Eagle
Sebastian Stange Troop 264 Eagle
Baden Wackerle Troop 354 Eagle

Want to help bring Scouting to more youth?
Donate now to help support Scouting in your community!

Over $240,000 Raised to Support Scouting in Southeastern Michigan

Thank you to the 2016 Distinguished Citizen Award Recipient, Samir Salman, CEO of Continental Automotive NAFTA Region












Established by the Boy Scouts of America, the Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes noteworthy and extraordinary leadership of citizens in communities across the United States. Honoring distinguished citizens puts into place guideposts that serve to inspire our youth to lead, to accept responsibility, and to care about the principles and causes beyond self-interest.

Congratulations to Samir Salman, CEO,  Continental Automotive, NAFTA, our 2016 Distinguished Citizen!

Paying it forward to make a difference

Rick DeKam, at right, poses with Matt Adams, former Scout Executive with Southern Michigan after receiving the NOESA.
TEXAS TOWNSHIP - Rick DeKam gives back to Scouting for all that Scouting has given him.

Rick, owner of Midwest Realty Group headquartered in Portage, is a recipient of the National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award which he received in 2015 during a fundraising event at his home in. 

The event raised about $8,500 for the southern region of our council.

DeKam is also the recipient of the Boy Scouts' prestigious Silver Beaver Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the organization through their continued involvement.

"Scouting has always been a big part of my life. As a boy from a broken home, living with my  mother and two siblings, there wasn't much structure or excess money for activities like scouting," Rick said.  "Regardless, a local scoutmaster took an interest in me and made sure that I never missed a troop meeting or campout; he bought my first uniform, drove me to all functions, and paid for all campouts.
 
"This incredible selfless act of kindness has guided my life and my decision-making ever since."
 

Scouts Collect More Than 2,000 Pounds of Food!
These are just eleven of the many Scouts and friends who participated in the Scouting for Food and Tim Esch Scouting For Food Birthday Party. They worked hard at packing and hauling the 2,240 pounds of donated food items. With the additional monetary gifts the overall total will provide over 17,000 meals. This is a great help to Food Gatherers who through their 150 partner programs provide over 13,000 meals
every day to help fight hunger in Washtenaw County.
STEM Day at Sylvan Learning Center




STEM has become a one of the premiere attractions in Boy Scouts of America.
Thank you to Sylvan Learning Center of Portage for hosting STEM Day! Scouts had a great time engaging in robotics, computer coding, and engineering! Scouts used laptops to help build and power a motor that would keep a top spinning (below).

Athens Boy Scout Earns Medal of Merit
ATHENS - Michael Millirans, a Boy Scout with Troop 443, put his life-saving skills into action to save two of his brothers from downing last year in a pond on his family's property.  His actions were honored when he received the Medal of Merit from the is the Boy Scouts of America during a ceremony earlier this month. 

" What makes the honor especially meaningful is that Michael, 17, has severe learning disabilities", said his mother, Brandy.  "Despite all of that he has accomplished so much and I think it's because of Scouting," Brandy Millirans said.  "He's the one I can count on when we have emergencies and with four boys it's important for me to know I can count on him.  He just instinctively knows what to do and that's Scouting."

To read more:   http://michiganscouting.org/2016/11583/
"Seed to Life" Takes Root at Rota Kiwan
Meet our newest residents...

Cub Scouts at Rota Kiwan Scout Reservation will be learning how to grow fruits and vegetables and raise chickens this summer when they participate in the "Seed to Life" program.
A $25,000 grant from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation and a $5,000 grant from Larry Bell, founder of Bell's Brewery, provided the seed money for this pilot program.
The hoop houses are in, the chickens have taken up residence and we are set for an amazing camp adventure!

Upcoming Events

The Michigan Crossroads Council hosts a number of special events throughout the year to fund various Scouting programs and to recognize the outstanding individuals that provide those programs. Here are some events coming up this year:

34th Annual BSA Golf  Tournament
Tuesday, July 12th, Atlas Valley Country Club

Grand Blanc- Our ongoing mission is to encourage the positive development of our young  people through Scouting programs that help instill values, and prepare  them to make ethical choices that allow them to achieve their full potential  throughout their lifetime. Joining us for a day of golf helps us not only cover  costs associated with the Scouting program, but serves as your personal  promise to our Scouts today and our community tomorrow. We appreciate your  effort to participate at any level and look forward to seeing you on July 12th for  this great event. For more information, contact Marilyn Cositgan @ Marilyn.Lifsey@scouting.org

80's Trivia Night, Craft Beer and Wine Tastings Included!
Wednesday, July 13th, Tony Sacco's in Hartland

HARTLAND - Get on your 80's groove and head over to Tony Sacco's of Hartland, 10051 E. Highland Road, for an evening of Trivia and wine and craft beer tasting on July 13 from 7-9 p.m.
The event is open to anyone in Livingston County and beyond.  Tickets are $35 per person or two for $60.  The price of admission includes unlimited wine and craft beer tastings, a food buffet, and the opportunity to test your knowledge about the 1980's with other participants.  A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the Friends of Scouting campaign held annually to raise funds for Boy Scouting programs in the Livingston County area.
People can come dressed in 80's attire if they want.  Participants are able form their own teams or join in with other participants.
To order tickets or for additional information, contact Van Putten at Cristina.vanputten@scouting.org or call her at (734) 560-1283.
Boy Scout Golf Outing to Benefit Scoutreach 

Monday, July 18 at Blythefield Country Club
Your putting, chipping, and driving during the 9 th Annual Boy Scout Golf Outing on July 18 will help us all score a hole in one for inner-city and rural youth in our community who will benefit from leadership and life skills they will only get through an authentic Boy Scout experience.
As you work your way around the 18-hole course at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, you will be making a significant contribution to our Scoutreach program which gives at-risk youth opportunities to learn life and leadership skills that will positively impact their future success.  We are confident that you share our belief that any youth who wants an authentic Boy Scouting experience should have one regardless of financial challenges.
To register or to receive additional information, please contact me - Ashley Rottman, Associate Development Director, at (616) 785-2662, ext. 3012 or at Ashley.rottman@scouting.org.
Pro-Am Golf Classic  
Monday, July 18th, 2016 at Oakland University

In partnership with General Motors, Boy Scouts of America is delighted to invite you to join us for a day of golf, fellowship and fun.  All proceeds from this great event will benefit Scouting programs in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.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.The venue for this event is outstanding; the Oakland University Golf Club which features one of the finest 18 hole courses in Michigan - the R&S Sharf. Each team will be accompanied by a PGA pro to enhance the day's experience. For additional information, please contact Jaime.Hayes@scouting.org or register here:  http://michiganscouting.org/golfclassic/
Dodge for Detroit: 2nd Annual Dodgeball Tournament    
Thursday, July 28th, 2016 at Cadillac Square

Boy Scouts of America will host their Second Annual Dodgeball Tournament in the heart of downtown Detroit, Cadillac Square. This fun and active spin on happy hour will provide much needed funding for Scouting's outreach programs that provide character development, develop leadership skills, and instill lifelong values in over 4,000 of Southeast Michigan's most socioeconomically disadvantaged youth.

Ready for some dodgeball? Get your friends and coworkers together for an exciting round-robin dodgeball tournament! Teams consist of 6-10 players and are guaranteed to play at least three games, but you don't have to play to show your support. Instead, you can sit back, relax and enjoy some of the best food and drinks Metro Detroit has to offer.

For more information, contact Jaime Hayes at 313.361.1291 or at  jaime.hayes@scouting.org or register here:  http://www.michiganscouting.org/dodgeball/
Make sure you share our new  Impact Newsletters with volunteers, alumni and donors that you know. Click the "forward this email" below and send  this copy to your email contacts. 

Have a great story to share? Send your thoughts, ideas and great stories to Kerrie Mitchell Kerrie.Mitchell@scouting.org 
137 S. Marketplace Blvd.
Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 940-4210

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