Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA

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EAGLE SCOUTS OF METRO DETROIT CRUISE TO THE OLD CLUB Wednesday, June 13, 2018

ESMD will travel by private powerboats from the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, located in

Grosse Pointe Shores on Lake St. Clair, to the Old Club. Founded in 1872, The Old Club is a prestigious private club on Harsens Island, about 15 miles from the GPYC at the northwest end of Lake St. Clair. We will enjoy a complimentary buffet lunch, and beverages will be available for purchase, but only credit cards – no cash – will be accepted for payment. After lunch there will be a brief scouting update, followed by a 20-minute talk on the history of The Old Club. You

will then be free to tour the grounds and enjoy the beautiful water view of the South Channel emptying into Lake St. Clair.

Please plan to arrive at the GPYC no later than 10:30 AM, which will allow plenty of time for parking and walking to your assigned boat. Eagle Scout-owned boats will depart the GPYC at 11:00 AM sharp. There will be one or two boats, depending on the number of participants, and both will have toilet facilities. The cruise will take approximately 45 minutes. Departure from The Old Club will be between 2:30 and 3:00 PM.

The Old Club has a dress code for members and guests that is strictly enforced. Participants must wear collared shirts and dress shorts or casual slacks; no jeans or t-shirts are allowed in the Clubhouse.

This event is limited to only 34 Eagle Scouts. We will plan to go rain or shine, but extreme weather conditions could cause departure delays on either end. Acceptable shoes to be worn aboard boats are those with soft soles, such as deck shoes and running shoes. If you find you are running late for the morning departure, please call Larry Stephenson at 313-910-9579 or register online https://www.scoutingevent.com/272-ESMDJune2018. The option of

driving is also available for those with time constraints. Harsens Island can be reached by driving to Algonac and taking the car ferry to the island.

Inside This Newsletter Calendar…….……Page 2 Exploring Program.…….Page 5 Leader Notes…..Page 3 BCC Recap………………….Page 6 Uncle Otto……….Page 4 Migisi Fire Bowl Recap..Page 8 Family Scouting..Page 5 Committee List….………..Page 9

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Mix Fix at Cole Canoe Base – Adult Service

Friday, May 18 – 20th, 2018

1356 E Greenwood Rd, Alger, MI 48610

Mix Fix at Cole is a weekend service to camp. Many of the major projects planned around this weekend, all to prepare the camp for another successful year. We have several building projects taking place this year. We could use anyone with skills in carpentry, electrical, and roofing. We’ll have many projects going on, from large to small. Meals will be provided from Saturday morning at 7:30 am through Sunday Morning. The cost is nothing to attend, please plan to tent camp due to limited bunks on the property. RSVP with Co-Chief, Bill Kamman at billkamman@yahoo.com. REGISTER ONLINE: https://scoutingevent.com/272-ESMDMay2018CCB

Cruise to Harsens Island Old Club

Starts at Grosse Pointe Yacht Club

June 13th, 2018 – 10:30 to 1:30 pm

788 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236

Dr. Larry Stephenson has made an offer that’s just too good to be true. We will pull anchor at the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and set our sights on Harsens’s Island for a light lunch at the Island’s oldest private establishment the “Old Club”. During lunch we will enjoy a wonderful presentation and then head back. Contact Larry Stephenson: ad4384@wayne.edu REGISTER ONLINE: https://scoutingevent.com/272-ESMDJune2018

Professional Networking Training Event

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018 – 6:00 to 9:00 pm 33300 Five Mile Road, Suite 212, Livonia, MI 48154

Sponsored by the Livonia Chamber of Commerce, Dan West the CEO and Eagle Scout, will walk you through some of the finer points of Networking in a business environment. This is a must for any future career focused Eagle Scouts. Dan will walk you through the key steps in networking and how to increase you chances of success. The event is free, and we are encouraging any Eagle Scout from 18-30 years old to attend. Registration is a must, so mark your calendar today! REGISTER ONLINE: https://scoutingevent.com/272-ESMDOct2018Networking

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA

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LETTER FROM THE ESMD CHAIR

We all meet special people in our daily

lives and recently I got to sit down with a few of them at the most recent gathering in Northville. Though you might wonder why we do these types of events. I’ll be honest, it’s for the enjoyment of sharing our scouting story. In the same respect, just hearing them tell you of the feeble attempt to start a camp fire or the summer they served on

camp staff is all well worth it. Many of our fellow Eagle Scouts have done some amazing things in their personal lives and careers, they have built their own personal motivation around the principles of “Do a good turn daily” and the “Scout Oath and Law. They work in manufacturing, skilled trades or own their own businesses, they are presidents, CEO’s, doctors and lawyers. The one things we all have in common is the Eagle Scout rank. A goal for all of us at one time and achieved only though the sheer determination to see it through. Likewise, our committee is determined to share those stories, establish relationships with our alumni and make a difference in the lives of current and future scouts in our community. I understand that scouting might not be the program you may have grew up in, for many the program has changed considerably, but let me be clear, it is still the same youth development program our founders envisioned. We deliver some of the most robust youth training then any other program in the country. Scouting’s principles are mimicked or mentioned in our daily lives on TV or in articles online. We should be proud of that connection in American culture. In my opinion, the scouting movement changes lives, it makes a difference and will continue to deliver the best programs for youth in our community. So, I challenge you, a fellow Eagle Scout, look back on the memories you have on scouting fondly and seriously consider helping in the program, that is were the magic happens, the youth in our tri-county area need your expertise to be the next generation of leaders our country needs. Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle! Jay S. Bottorff Class of 1988 jsbottorff@comcast.net

LETTER FROM THE ADVISER

As I spend time in and around

Southeast Michigan, I often come across individuals who have, in some way, had their lives touched by the Scouting program. Often these are the people you’d most often think of: current and alumni members of Scouting, or parents of the youth that have spent time in our program. I have a standard line that I often lead with once I’ve introduced myself to such an individual, which is “What’s your Scouting story?” For anyone that’s spent time building relationships, you’ll agree that listening is far more important than speaking when getting to know someone new. And these individuals are so apt to share the incredible experiences they or a loved one have had because of the time spent in the Boy Scouts of America. I have heard countless tales of adventure (most often), but also leadership, service, and even what they remember learning in the program. The four traits of leadership, learning, service, and adventure are the cornerstones of our brand, and they support the aims of our organization which are character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness. Speaking of our aims and Mission, I am thrilled with what the Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit have been doing to re-engage our alumni. These are not just our Eagle Scouts, but everyone listed above, who in any way have developed an affinity for this outstanding program we’ve all enjoyed. The National Eagle Scout Association and Scouting Alumni and Friends were established, in large part, to support the Mission of Scouting. My eternal thanks to the volunteers who have carried this torch of reconnecting such alumni to our cause. As you yourself consider the ways in which Scouting has impacted your life and you think back on your own Scouting story, consider not only the memories, but think of the people that helped you along the trail…and there were certainly many who did. These are leaders who gave in all forms of their time, talent, and treasure to support you. Above all else, you’d likely agree that it was principally their passion that stirred in your own self the enthusiasm you now have for the Boy Scouts. How do you continue to live the Scout Oath and Law? Do you find yourself looking for an avenue or opportunity to give back to the next generation of encouraging young leaders? Are you one who could inspire these young men and women to realize all the aims of Scouting? Consider finding a way to reengage and help to carry on the tradition and legacy of the Boy Scouts of America, right in your own community. This newsletter is full of upcoming opportunities to take the next step down the Scouting trail…. We hope to see you out there! Denver Laabs Class of 2001 Denver.laabs@scouting.org

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UNCLE OTTO HORNUNG – CLASS OF 1939

“Uncle Otto” Hornung was a colorful character in a time when Scouting was just getting on its feet. His adventures were heard around the world, as a supporter of Scouting and for his early years in Auburn, New York. It was in New York he befriended founders of the Boys Scouts of America James E. West and Ernest Thompson Seton while serving as a Scoutmaster. Growing up, he was heavily involved in the local YMCA as their physical fitness director and was known for his incredible strength, competing in championship strong man contests. He attributed much of his endurance to his job as a steel mill worker and later used his ability to craft some of the most revered neckerchief slides out of metal, wood and bone. Born July 5, 1877 in Rochester, New York, to German immigrant parents, Otto Casper Hornung or “Uncle Otto” as he later in life became affectionately known, was a member of a handful of youth groups that pre-dated the BSA. According to newspaper articles, in 1895he was a member of the Hiawatha Indians and by 1900, the American Pioneers. In late 1910, Otto moved to Detroit, Michigan, at the invitation of Dr. Edward Pense, a local pastor of the Fort Street Presbyterian Church. His role at the church was to develop a fitness program for the youth in his congregation and at the same time develop a new Scout troop for the boys. His ability to recruit youth into the movement led him to other positions along the way. For the Detroit Area Council, Otto volunteered for commissioner service in 1912, serving nearly 50 years. In 1939 at the age of 62, Otto earned the Eagle Scout Award, which was acceptable at this time, and he received the Silver Beaver in 1940.

As Otto aged, he found more notoriety and became the Scouting face for the Detroit Area Council by promoting every facet of the program: from national and world jamborees, council events and his second love, the Order of the Arrow. Well documented in local talked to youth about the next big venture. In 1947, he was voted Volunteer of the Year for Detroit by the United Community Service, which later became the United Way. In 1948, the City of Detroit named him Volunteer for the Month of May. Scouting afforded Otto the opportunity to travel to international events. He attended the first Canadian Jamboree in 1949, the world jamboree in France in 1947, and four years later in Austria. He participated in or staffed all the national jamborees from 1937 through 1960, and several national OA conferences. Due to his high-energy, engaging storytelling ability, he developed into the ‘must see character’ at events; also visiting councils across the country. As a recognized ambassador for Scouting, in 1956 the Region 7 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin) presented Otto with the Silver Antelope. One talent he loved to demonstrate was the ability to start a fire at long distances. In 1947, he placed first in the World Champion Fire Lighter competition. His flint and steel were always ready to be pulled out to show off his talent. One account stated that when Otto struck flint he could send spark ten feet away onto a pile of dry tinder and it would ignite. Professionally, Otto was a millwright, a tradesman that worked with factory machinery. He used these skills to handcraft neckerchief slides from bone that he often gave to Eagle Scouts and Vigil Honor recipients in his home lodge, Mi-Gi-Si O-Paw-Gan. In fact, photographs of E. Urner Goodman often show him wearing an Uncle Otto slide. Otto received the Vigil Honor in 1951, given the name Tindeuchen, translated as Fire Maker. At lodge events he eagerly shared his contagious Scouting spirit with other Arrowmen, often talking with new Ordeal members. The 1958 Lodge Chief Larry Dittmar shared, “Otto was a character, and he had a never-ending spirit to get the boys in Scouting motivated for the cause. He never missed an opportunity to share Scouting with others. When you came to an event, you knew if Otto was there, you could always expect a good story or his ability to keep everyone around him captivated by his speech.” In 1961, Uncle Otto Hornung received the Distinguished Service Award from the Order of the Arrow, making him the oldest recipient. Otto passed away on October 13th, 1967, at the age of 90. A man of many talents and skills, he lived an incredible life, not only as an early Scouting pioneer but also as an uncle to all Scouts.

Oldest Scout plaque, two years before Scouting

started in the US.

1958 OA Spring Conclave, left to right: Uncle Otto, Larry Dittmar, Alan Pulk, Edward

Dittmar.

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA 5

NEW FAMILY SCOUTING

BSA LAUNCHES ‘SCOUT ME IN’ CAMPAIGN,

ANNOUNCES OLDER YOUTH PROGRAM NAME Reproduced from https://scoutingwire.org/bsa-launches-scout-campaign-announces-older-

youth-program-name/ May 2, 2018

The BSA is making history with two big announcements: First, we are unveiling the new “Scout Me In” campaign

featuring girls, as well as boys, in our iconic Cub Scout program for the first time. The campaign speaks to kids and their

friends by putting them in the middle of the action. This also engages parents who are looking for ways to make the most

of the time they have with their kids and help them to be Prepared. For Life.

As we enter a new era for our organization, it is important that all youth can see themselves in Scouting in every way

possible. That is why we’re proud to announce that Scouts BSA is the new name for the Boy Scout program. Scouts BSA

perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts that the Boy Scouts of America is proud to offer. The

name change will be effective in February 2019, when Scouts BSA will begin welcoming girls and boys.

Why Scouts BSA? Because it builds on the legacy of the Scout name. The Scout meetings, Scout camp, the Scout

handbook, scouts themselves — we have more than 108 years of heritage and tradition built on the Scout name. The

organization name will continue to be Boy Scouts of America. The BSA will continue to build the future of Scouting with

Scouts BSA, as we deliver character and leadership and offer a path to the rank of Eagle Scout for boys and girls.

As we enter a new era for our organization, Scouts BSA perfectly represents the new, inclusive program for older Scouts

that the BSA is proud to offer.

EXPLORING – NEW UNIT ASSISTANCE REQUEST

Greetings NESA Members:

Exploring, the high school, college and now middle school Workforce

Development/Career Education division of the BSA under Learning for Life is

looking for your leadership and/or support in the following areas:

Alumni: You were an Explorer as a youth and had an experience that help you select or avoid a career

• Current or Prospective Leader: You are someone who has been or is willing to provide or help open a door for career

exploration of a specific area or several areas at your company, business, organization or in an area that you are connected to

in some way.

• Supporter: You are open to support Exploring's 5-fold emphasis of Career Opportunities, Leadership Experience, Life Skills,

Citizenship and Character Education in some current or other ways.

If you are open to share your past or present experience or support and/or help create new ones for our current older scouts and new

youth who are not currently involved in the program and are trying to figure out their vocational aptitude and options, please share your

information with the John Fort. John is a father of two Eagle Scouts and currently service as an Exploring Executive. E: john.fort@scouting.org O: 313-897-1965 C:313-656-9303 Thank you for being willing to expand the Mission of Scouting to help young people.

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RECENT EVENT RECAP – BUILDING CHARACTER CELEBRATION

On Tuesday, February 27, the Great Lakes Field Service Council hosted the annual Building Character Celebration. This capstone recognition event, led by the Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, (Detroit’s NESA Chapter), highlighted the accomplishments of 419 Eagle Scouts that achieved this rank in 2017. Over 400 attendees were part of this production, which featured Jeff Day, CEO of Bluewater Technologies as the Keynote Speaker, and Jamie Samuelsen, radio show host on 97.1 The Ticket, as emcee.

The purpose of the Building Character Celebration, often referred to as The Eagle Dinner, is to bring attention to the youth in our council who have exemplified the Scout Oath and Law through their top rank achievement. In addition, the youth honorees are paired with adult mentors working in a career field similar to those the new Eagles wish to pursue. Along these lines, two of the event’s corporate sponsors, Bluewater Technologies and BorgWarner, went above and beyond in even inviting groups of these Eagle Scouts to their facilities to do tours and workshops on what it is like to have a career in their respective fields. Lastly, we honored the Adams Eagle Project of the Year Award winner, John Kenny, and the five newest National Outstanding Eagle Scouts: Jay Bottorff, Jeff Campbell, Bob Johnson, Jim Keller, and Dave Oakley. A special thanks to Jim Huttenlocher and John Modetz for chairing another successful event! Thank you to all who served and provided support as sponsors and mentors. The 2019 event will take place on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the Suburban Collection Showplace. Registration is open, click here for more details: https://scoutingevent.com/272-BCC2019 A very touching component of the night was offering our Eagle Scout Scholarship award worth $4,000 to three

deserving Scouts. These gentlemen truly deserved the award for their excellent service. The annual Eagle Scout

and Silver Award Recognition dinner is a constant reminder of why we must continue to impact the lives of

children. We look forward to tracking Johnny Vellespir, Thomas Ridge and Zarin Loosli

throughout their college careers.

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA 7

RECENT EVENT RECAP – MIGISI FIRE BOWL SERVICE DAY

On May 12th, a group of 31 Eagle Scouts, Scouters, and Trail to Eagle Staff embarked on making a lasting impression on D-Bar-A Scout Ranch. They all participated in the annual Mix Fix Day which is a gathering held on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Mix Fix Day encourages dedicated scouters and skilled trade persons working together to help prepare the camp for another great year of summer camp. Some projects range from painting cabins, electrical repair, installing new program areas, or general maintenance. This year was different as the Trail to Eagle Staff, led by Mike Osvath, took upon a much larger project. Their vision was to rebuild the old Trout Lake fire bowl. A project which started 2 years ago, raising funds, a many key donation and with

a great deal of planning, it started to take shape.

With southern part of Michigan under weather advisories, the weather did not look promising going into the

weekend and the day started out a bit of grey. By the afternoon, the sun came out and the real work began. We

had three groups working on their own projects within the fire bowl. The first, led by Mike Osvath, worked on

installing the two new HD

quality projectors, wiring

to the amplifier and

installing a custom

cabinet to house all the

necessary hook ups. The

second crew, led by Kyle

Lloyd, ESMD Social

Media Chair, managed the

removal and installation of the new benches. The old bench tops were

removed and reframed then through the efforts of Kyle and one of his associates, Trex decking was installed on

top. This material is synthetic and made to last 100 years. It is said to have zero maintenance, fitting for a camp

that hosts thousands of scouts each year.

The third group was led by Jeff Campbell, and they installed three totem poles saved from the Lost Lake

Scout Reservation and installed a new custom all steel gateway which included two carved eagles which fellow

Eagle Scout Dave Oakley made for this project. Jeff’s crew also jumped in and helped with the install of a row

of new benches.

When it was done, the united group managed to complete all the projects needed to make this major facelift a

success. Many of the crew even stayed through Sunday morning to finish project. That way the camp would

have a working fire bowl. The fire bowl was official renamed as

the Migisi Fire Bowl. Migisi comes from the Chippewa

language meaning Eagle, since the Trail to Eagle Staff and

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit helped sponsor this project, the

name tied both in nicely.

We are so proud of the efforts made by everyone that

attended this Service Day for camp, with that said, there is still

more to be done to make the Migisi Fire Bowl a true experience

for all that come to D-Bar-A. If you would like to help on the

third phase of the project or attend the future rededication,

please contact Mike Osvath at mosvath@gmail.com or call him

at 248-863-8066.

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA 8

STAY CONNECTED

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS – STAY CONNECTED

One fast and easy way to reconnect to ESMD is through our Facebook and LinkedIn pages: “Eagle Scouts of

Metro Detroit”, these sites will have many of the updates on gatherings and future events and all the details you

are looking about Eagle Scout News, Scholarships and much more!

LinkedIn - Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit

Facebook – Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit

ESMD Committee Website

National Eagle Scout Association

Scouting Alumni and Friends

Eagle Scouts of Metro Detroit, NESA Great Lakes Field Service Council, BSA

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ABOUT THE ESMD

ESMD is a group of scouts/scouters/supporters who live in the Metro Detroit Area that achieved the rank of Eagle

Scout as youth who now seek to reconnect with fellow Eagle Scouts to promote camaraderie and networking

among their members while also supporting Scouts and Scouting through NESA sponsored events and mentoring

opportunities. NESA and our ESMD Chapter are part of the Scouting Alumni and Friends Committee of the Boy

Scouts of America.

ESMD COMMITTEE

Jay S. Bottorff ESMD Chair Gordon Draper Vice Chair of Awards Joe Kulwicki DESA Award Committee Ron Blaisdell - Chair Jeff Geralds Dave Elrich Alumnus of the Year Committee Brett Ditzler Brian Wheeler Adams Award Committee John Modetz Earl Moorhouse - Chair NOESA Committee Dr. Larry Stephenson Vice Chair of Alumni Events

Jim Huttenlocher John Modetz Building Character Celebration Co-Chairs Steven Grogan Vice Chair of Communications Kyle Lloyd ESMD Facebook/LinkedIn/Website Chair Mark Fobare History/Displays/Patches Chair Dave Berger Vice Chair of Membership Josh Every Alpha Phi Omega Chair VACANT Mentor Outreach Chuck Lang Rotary Chair

VACANT Vice Chair of Service Mike Osvath Service Chair– Camps VACANT Community Service Chair VACANT Sponsorships Chair Members at Large Jeff Day Jeff Dunlap Chuck Truza Brad Simmons Past Council President Denver Laabs Staff Adviser

See a position you would like to fill, contact Jay S. Bottorff at jsbottorff@comcast.net for more details. We would love to have you a part of the team of Eagle Scouts making a difference through scouting in our community! Click on a name if you have a question about being involved.

A special thank you to the following contributors to this issue: Steve Grogan, Editor; Jay S. Bottorff; Denver Laabs

and Dr. Larry Stephenson.