Mackinac Island Honor Scouts Carry On Flag Duty Tradition

Mackinac Island Governor's Honor Guard Senior Patrol Leader Nathan Snow talks about his experience serving on the historic group. CBS 62 / CW50 Senior Videographer / Editor Paul Pytlowany interviewed Snow and captured stunning images on video.

When asked about the responsibility of taking care of the flags on the island Show says, "It's the symbol of our country. It's one of those things. You fold it with respect. You gotta make sure it's done right and you do it properly."

He adds, "It takes a minimum of 16 scouts to fold. It's one of those we don't get fly that often ... only on nice days."

The Honor Scout program breathed new life into the young man's interest in scouting. He explained, "If it wasn't for this program I don't think I'd be involved in scouting anymore." He continued, " ... it finally gave me the opportunity to do something unique with scouting -- to do something that not everybody gets to see or not everybody gets to do."

A lot of scouts list the experience as one of their most memorable and Snow snow added, " ... a bunch of people who don't know each other come together, work as a group and leave here having new friends and memories."

According to the Hiawathaland Council of the Boy Scouts Of America's official site, in 1929 the first Scout Service Camp was organized and the future president Gerald Ford was part of the Eagle Scout Contingent that served as the first Governor's Honor Guard.

Today, Scouts carry on that tradition by raising and lowering 22 flags at Fort Mackinac, the Visitor's Center in downtown, and several other historic buildings. The emphasis is service. Besides flag duty, Scouts serve as guides for visiting tourists throughout the day.

The Troop of 56 Scouts and 8 leaders will be staying at the Scout barracks behind the fort. Recreational activities include sight-seeing on the island, bike riding, swimming at the Grand Hotel pool, tennis, baseball and horseshoes at the barracks. Plus there will nightly programs such as campfires.

The program is different from most Scouting activities and a great opportunity for service and experiencing the patrol method.

Learn more about the Mackinac Island Scout Service Camp.