Dear Scouters, Scouts and Scouting Families,
It is with great pride that we announce that the Scenic Trails Council and the Gerald R. Ford Council are now the
President Gerald R. Ford Field Service Council, naming our 25 counties after the only Eagle Scout President in our history.
Attached is update from the Greater Michigan Council which is the new name of state-wide council.
Also attached is an article from Michael Sulgrove our new Council Executive entitled “Platinum Level-Keeping the Promise”
The last attachment is the New Filed Service Council Boundaries.
Gerald R. Ford, 1913-2006
Gerald
Ford was the first and only Eagle Scout to become vice president and
later president. He began his Scouting career on December 17, 1924, when
he became a member of Troop 15 on his twelfth birthday, which was
sponsored by the Trinity M.E. Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A little
over two years later Ford
earned the Eagle Scout rank in 1927 as a part of Troop 15. His Eagle
badge and merit badge sash are on display at the Gerald R. Ford Museum
in Grand Rapids. He
was recognized with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award by the Grand
Valley Council at Grand Rapids, Michigan, in May 1970 for his service to
the nation and community. While president, he received the Scouter of
the Year Award on December 2, 1974, from the National Capitol Area
Council in Washington, D.C.
How did Scouting affect President Ford? He said it best:
"I
can say without hesitation, because of Scouting principles, I know I
was a better athlete, I was a better naval officer, I was a better
Congressman, and I was a better prepared President."
“One
of the proudest moments of my life came in the court of honor when I
was awarded the Eagle Scout badge. I still have that badge. It is a
treasured possession. The three great principles which Scouting
provides—self-discipline, teamwork, and moral and patriotic values—are
the basic building blocks of leadership. I applaud the Scouting program
for continuing to emphasize them.”
Visit these two sites for a short video on President Ford and Scouting:
Gerald Ford with the Eagle Scout Guard of Honor at Mackinac Island
State Park, MI. The troop guided visitors around Mackinac Island and
raised and lowered the flag each day. August, 1929
State Park, MI. The troop guided visitors around Mackinac Island and
raised and lowered the flag each day. August, 1929
“A
well-planned program, delivered by a trained leader, with a strong
outdoor program, supported by a good commissioner, attracts and retains
youth.”
Mark Ewing
District Director
BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
1499 Business Park Drive
Traverse City MI 49686
Office: 231-947-7071 ext. 106
Cell: 231-631-7490
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