Our Council Has a New Name

There were 300 names submitted for consideration for our New Michigan Council which were reviewed by the Naming the Council committee. After careful consideration, that list was decreased to 39 and placed on the website for selection by Scouts and Scouters. Approximately 9,530 selections were made from over 3,000 people and the overwhelming response reveals the name of the New Michigan Council:

Great Lakes Council

This name was submitted by ten people sharing this rationale:
The name represents the Great Lakes for which Michigan is known and that describe a geographical feature identifiable across the country. The Lakes are a most treasured asset for all who live and visit here. A great resource, the Great Lakes are a part of a lucrative international trade route and the connecting channels form the largest fresh surface water system on earth.

Like the Great Lakes, the youth served across this new council are our most treasured asset. As the Lakes merge from one to the other, this council will transcend diversity while building unity through its leadership and programs. The Great Lakes create of vision of adventure - fishing, boating, swimming while inspiring the opportunity to preserve the waterway environment and the richness of this resource. Scouting is about adventure, fostering citizenship and instilling values in the youth today for a stronger tomorrow.

Many thanks for all of the contributions, creativity, and inspiration. Details are coming to recognize the contributors of this name. Also, thank you to the naming task force, Marianne Simancek, Michael Morin, Tom Creech, Brad Simmons, Jeff Jacobs, and Sue Ehrlich. Your efforts are much appreciated.

Coming soon! Your chance to help design the Great Lakes Council CSP!

Buy Tix to Pistons Scout Night 11/8 & 4/2

Take advantage of these great discounts and exclusive opportunities for Scouts!

Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 1pm. Pistons vs 76ers. Tickets to this game include a postgame Pistons autograph session immediately after the game! Each scout/sibling is guaranteed an autograph from one Pistons player!

Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at 8pm. Pistons vs Phoenix Suns. Tickets to this game include a 4:15pm pregame clinic with basketball skills and motivational chalk talk on the Pistons court exclusively for Scouts.

Tickets are only $20 (reg. $40) for scouts, family and friends. Plus, each scout in attendance will receive a FREE commemorative scout patch!

*Deadline to order: Two weeks before game date

Attend both games (including the autograph session and clinic) for a great low price of only $35. Deadline to order: Friday, October 30th

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Click here for ticket order form

647 Scouts part of Detroit Pistons "Nothing But Nets" Public Service Announcement

The UN Foundation's "Nothing But Nets" Program announced that the Boy Scouts of America has joined the malaria-prevention campaign as part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration. Throughout the year, Scouts will work to raise awareness about malaria, a leading killer in Africa.The kick-off for this partnership was filmed in Detroit on August 27th.

Detroit Piston Deron Williams was present at the kick-off celebration. The Detroit Pistons have developed a Public Service Annoucement from the film taken at the kick-off celebration and our own 647 scouts Ali G., Nathan H., and Harold H. were included in the final PSA.

Click on the PLAY button above to view the PSA...

Name Your New Council Contest - Time to VOTE!

Now that all Scouting in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties is consolidating, the new council will need a new name. Over the past month, Scouts and Scouters in the tri-county area submitted suggestions. Now it is time to vote....
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The Finalist Selection Phase

Beginning on Monday, October 5 and ending on Saturday, October 31, you will be able to vote on a list of names that have been submitted which meet the criteria from the Brainstorming Phase. These submissions have been posted on the BSA web site. Use the link below to choose your favorite names from the list. These survey results will be used by the Council Naming Task Force to make its recommendation to the council executive board. Prizes will be awarded to the three finalists. And a grand prize will be awarded to the person whose submitted name is chosen.

647 Cub Scout Darryl M. submitted the name "Big 3 Area Council". Please click here to vote for Darryl's entry....

"Nothing But Nets" Partnership Annoucement

The UN Foundation's "Nothing But Nets" Program announced that the Boy Scouts of America has joined the malaria-prevention campaign as part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration. Throughout the year, Scouts will work to raise awareness about malaria, a leading killer in Africa.

The kick-off for this partnership was filmed in Detroit on August 27th. Although none of the 647 scouts made it into the final PSA, we were proud to be a part of this day and we look forward to working to raise awareness and money for "Nothing But Nets" over the next year.

Name Your New Council Contest

Name Your New Council
Submit your suggestion here

Now that all Scouting in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties is consolidating...
We need to have a name for our new council!

All Scouts and Scouters in the tri-county area have the opportunity to submit their suggestions for our new council name. The selection process will be in two phases:

The Brainstorming Phase
This is your chance to have an active part in naming our new council. Send us your idea and why you believe that it should be the name for the council. Please be sure to include your name, phone number and an e-mail address, as everyone who submits a suggestion will become eligible to win a prize.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, September 30, 2009.

Here are the criteria for evaluating the names submitted. The name must be one that:
<>Is inclusive of the entire council, people and constituents
<>Translates into strong graphics
<>Is something to which everyone in the council can relate
<>Expresses something unique about this council
<>Makes sense
<>Has a sense of adventure
<>Is easy to say
<>Is memorable, distinctive
<>Resonates well with donors and supporters
<>May have historical or geographical significance

The Finalist Selection Phase
Beginning on Monday, October 5 and ending on Saturday, October 31, there will be a list of names that have been submitted which meet the criteria from the Brainstorming Phase. These submissions will be posted on this web site. There will also be a link to a “Select a Name” area, where you will be able to click a button to choose your favorite names from the list. These survey results will be used by the Council Naming Task Force to make its recommendation to the council executive board. Prizes will be awarded to the three finalists. And a grand prize will be awarded to the person whose submitted name is chosen.

We look forward to your input!

647 Scouts march in Community Action Parade

Today, the 647 scouts marched in a Community Action Parade. The scouts led the parade, which started at the Apollo Foods at Seven Mile and Evergreen, and ended at Historic St. James Church at Evergreen and Plainview. At the church there was a community program on crime prevention and scouting, followed by a community picnic.

When the people in the neighborhood saw the scouts marching in the parade, people stopped some of the parents to find out what was going on. When we told them, they told us we should be really proud of our kids. Without a doubt, our scouts makes us proud....

Welcome to Pack 647!!!! 2009-2010

Greetings,

Over the summer, we met a lot of great parents and kids at the Back To School Rally held at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. Thanks to all of you who stopped by our scouting table. Your interest in scouting tells us you want your boy(s) to be the best they can be.

We would love for you to join our Pack or Troop. The Pack is for Cub Scouting. The ages for Cubs are 7 to 10 or 1st grade through 5th grade. The ages for the Troop (Boy Scouts) are 11 to 18, starting at grade 6.

Parents/Guardians with younger boys seeking information about Scouting are welcome to come to our meeting. Your 5 or 6 year old would be a Scout Bubbly and can learn about scouting at that time.

We are having Scout Leader Training and information on 9/12/09 beginning at 10 a.m. If you are able to come you can register you son at that time. The meeting will be held upstairs in the church in RM 305. Ask the security guard(s) for directions.

The first meeting for the boys will be 9/26/09 at 12:30 PM for the Cubs in the Youth Lounge, located in the church basement. The Scouts/Troop meet upstairs at 1 PM in Room 305.

Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. We have many activities planned for this coming year in addition to camping trips. We hope you and your boy(s) can join us.

For additional information, please contact
Omari Sankofa Scout Master - Troop 647 / HMBC 313-608-2182 omarisankofa@hotmail.com, or
Eileene Gordon-King Cub Master 647 313-897-2829 mut45@aol.com.

The dues for the 2009-2010 season are $60 for new cub scouts and $55 for returning cub scouts. Make out all checks to "Cub Scout Pack 647" and submit them to the Treasurer. The dues include a one year subscription to "Boy's Life" Magazine.


Each new scout will need a uniform. You can order the uniform online or buy the uniform at the main Scouting Office at 1776 West Warren Avenue in Detroit, MI. Each scout will need the following:

<> Cub Scout Shirt - long or short sleeve
<> Cap for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webolos
<> Neckerchief and Slide for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webolos
<> Belt for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webolos
<> Manual for Tiger, Wolf, Bear, or Webolos
<> Detroit Area Council Patch
<> Unit Numerals - 6, 4, 7

Scouts may wear jeans or blue pants - there is no need to buy the cub scout pants. Here are links to pictures of uniforms for each level of cub scout:
<> Tiger (first grader)
<> Wolf (2nd grader)
<> Bear (3rd grader)
<> Webolos (4th and 5th graders)

While it is optional, you son will probably also want a red brag vest so that he can wear it and proudly display all the patches he will receive while he is a cub scout. Those parents who can sew can make this red vest instead of buying it (see Mrs. Gordon-King for ideas. Her son's vest is hand designed and trimmed in African inspired kuba cloth)...

It's Time to Start Selling Popcorn!

Ms. Njoki Wainaina will be the Popcorn Kernel again this year for the 2009/2010 season and all boys can start selling on line right now.

Here is what each family needs to do .
1. Go to http://scouts.trails-end.com/ to login and create an account.
2.Send emails from web site to friends and family
3. Track your online sales at http://scouts.trails-ends.com/
4. Earn gift card from Trail's End once you sell at least $250.00.

Enter the 2009 Boys' Life Reading Contest DEADLINE 12/31

Enter the 2009 Boys’ Life reading contest

Write a one-page report titled “The Best Book I Read This Year” and enter it in the Boys’ Life 2009 “Say Yes to Reading!” contest.

The book can be fiction or nonfiction. But the report has to be in your own words — 500 words tops. Enter in one of these three age categories:
8 years old and younger
9 and 10 years old
11 years old and older

First-place winners in each age category will receive a $100 gift certificate good for any product in the Boy Scouts official retail catalog. Second-place winners will receive a $75 gift certificate, and third-place winners a $50 certificate.

Everyone who enters will get a free patch like the one on this page. (And, yes, the patch is a temporary insignia, so it can be worn on the Boy Scout uniform shirt, on the right pocket. Proudly display it there or anywhere!) In coming years, you’ll have the opportunity to earn different patches.

The contest is open to all Boys’ Life readers. Be sure to include your name, address, age and grade in school on the entry.

Send your report, along with a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope, to:

Boys’ Life Reading Contest

S306

P.O. Box 152079

Irving, TX 75015-2079

Entries must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2009 and must include entry information and a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Click here to check out the winning essays in last year’s contest.

Activities for Advancement in Nature or Outdoor Skills

Hello Scout Family,

Here is a list of activties to enjoy with your family and for scouts who need requirements for advancement in nature or outdoor skills.

Mrs. Gordon-King

Cub Scout Master, Pack 647

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Sat. Sept. 12 - Plant native plants at Fish Hatchery Park in Northville,10am-12 noon. Call Cyndi at 313-792-9621 or e-mailriverrestoration@therouge.org

Sat. Sept. 19 - Lower Branch Rouge Canoe Trip. A 1-2 hour paddle with some whitewater through the wooded floodplain to Venoy Road. Limited to experienced boaters only due to water quality concerns. Bring your own boat or call Al Heavner at 248-640-0307 to rent a canoe for $45.Rentals will only be available if we have enough people so call soon.E-mail Sally at monitoring@therouge.org to let me know if you arecoming. Meet at 10 am at Goudy Park, Wayne Road just north of Michigan Ave.

Sat. Sept. 26 - Rouge Kayak Tour. A 2-3 hour paddle down the industrialized part of the Rouge River. Limited to experienced boaters only due to water quality concerns. Call Tiffany at Riverside Kayak Connection 734-285-2925 to reserve a kayak ($45), $20 bring your ownboat (includes shuttle and safety boats). Meet at at 9 am at Ballenger Park, River Rouge.

Sat. Oct. 3 - Big House Big Heart Walk/Run Oct. 3 Ann Arbor. Sign up to walk or run and raise money for Friends of the Rouge. http://www.bighousebigheart.com/

Sun. Oct. 11 - Rouge Park 5K Run/Walk. Walk or run through Rouge Park and help raise funds to improve Detroit's largest park. http://www.rougepark.org/

Sat. Oct. 17 - Fall Bug Hunt. Sign up to join a team and search for bugs in Rouge streams. Pre-registration required before Oct. 2. Children 5 years and above welcome when accompanied by a participating adult. Meet at 9 am at Schoolcraft College VisTaTech Center. Call Sally at 313-792-9621 or monitoring@therouge.org

647 Scouts meet Bill Gates Sr. & Mayor Dave Bing while learning how to save lives in Africa

Today, the Detroit Area Boy Scouts hosted a workshop to help end malaria deaths in Africa. The Boy Scouts of America and the United Nations Foundation's Nothing But Nets have joined forces to help raise awareness for the charity. The scouts learned how malaria is spread through bites from female mosquitoes, how mosquitoes bite between the hours of 9pm to 4am, and how insecticide treated nets used at bedtime can help save lives.

The scouts were educated about nets by attending three learning stations where they played "Nets Jeopardy" with Detroit Piston Deron Washington, developed and acted out scripts on using nets to fight malaria, and drew posters on how nets save lives. This was a great event and our scouts loved every minute. They met a lot of famous people today and most importantly learned how a $10 net can help save the lives of a lot of people.

(Photo above is of Darryl M. with Bill Gates Sr, Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and proud eagle scout)

Darryl M. with Detroit Mayor Dave Bing

647 Scouts (front left) in a group shot with Detroit Piston Deron Washington, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Nothing But Nets Mascot Mr. Mosquito, Nothing But Nets Director Adrianna Logalbo, Bill Gates Sr., and BSA Council President Thom Linn

Darryl with Adrianna Logalbo, Director of Nothing But Nets

647 Scouts Ali G., Nathan H., and Harold H. with BSA local council President Tom Linn, and Bill Gates Sr.

Darryl with Detroit Piston Deron Washington
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Click on the PLAY button below to see all the photos from this event.

Update September 2009: "Nothing But Nets" has included this Pack 647 article on their website. Click here to view it...

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National Service Leaders Come Together in Detroit to Launch Partnership to Fight Malaria

Boy Scouts of America, United Nations Foundation, and Distinguished Eagle Scout Bill Gates Sr.

to Kick Off Effort to Save Lives in Africa

What: Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Chief Scout Executive Bob Mazzuca and United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets Director Adrianna Logalbo will launch an extensive initiative that could bring up to 3 million new supporters into the fight to end malaria deaths in Africa. The partnership is the largest youth partnership for Nothing But Nets, and is part of the BSA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration. It will kick off during a malaria workshop with local Scouts at Detroit Edison Public School Academy in Detroit, Mich.

The workshop will feature Bill Gates Sr., Distinguished Eagle Scout and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Deron Washington of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. These special guests will interact with Detroit-area young leaders to educate them about malaria and encourage them to work within their communities to help prevent the deadly disease.

Why: Malaria infects more than 500 million people around the world each year, killing more than 1 million. The disease is a leading killer of children in Africa, where 90 percent of malaria deaths occur. Every 30 seconds, a person in Africa dies from a malaria infection. Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots campaign to save lives by delivering long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets to families in Africa. Bed nets are an easy and cost-effective method of preventing the spread of the disease.

The Boy Scouts of America joined the Nothing But Nets campaign as part of its newly launched program, A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference, one of eight major engagement programs the organization is undertaking as part of its 100th Anniversary Celebration. A Year of Celebration is a recognition program that rewards Scouts, leaders, and BSA alumni for devotion to five of Scouting’s core values: leadership, character, community service, achievement, and the outdoors. For the Year of Celebration service award, Scouts can choose to participate in the Nothing But Nets service project.

Who: Adrianna Logalbo, Director, United Nations Foundation’s Nothing But Nets
Bob Mazzuca, Chief Scout Executive, Boy Scouts of America
Deron Washington, Detroit Pistons
Thom Linn, local BSA Council President
The Honorable Dave Bing, Mayor of Detroit
Dozens of Detroit Area Boy Scouts

When: Thursday, August 27, 2009
2–4 p.m.

Where: Detroit Edison Public School Academy

1903 Wilkins St., Detroit, Mich.

Join Scouting Video Contest - DEADLINE 9/15

Do you love Scouting? Want your friends to join? Make a commercial to encourage your friends to Join Scouting, and you could win a great prize and earn the cinematography merit badge!!!

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

• Submit a video no more than one minute long to the Join Scouting video contest before Sep. 15, 2009.

• Watch the Join Scouting videos and come back after Sep. 16, 2009, to choose your favorites.

• Finalists will be determined by the number of votes received between Sep. 16 and Sep. 30, 2009.

• The winning videos will be announced in September.

• Click here to read the official rules.

WHAT CAN I WIN?

• The top winner in each category will receive a 13" MacBook 2.0GHz laptop computer.

• The second-place winner in each category will receive a 8GB iPod Touch.

• The third-place winner in each category will receive a $100 iTunes gift card.

• Remember, many people will enter, but only a few will win.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Any registered Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Varsity Scout or Venturers can enter.

WHEN AND WHERE CAN I ENTER?

Videos can be submitted by clicking here "Submit your video" from June 5, 2009, through September 15, 2009.

Click here to read the official rules.

With only an extra 25 minutes of work, the cinematography MB could be earned with the join video contest.

This Image Should Be In Every School

2009 Blue & Gold Ceremony

This evening, Cub Scout Pack 647 and Boy Scout Troop 647 celebrated the annual Blue and Gold Cross Over Ceremony. This year, eight Webelos crossed over to become Boy Scouts. The event also marked the transistion of Scout Masters. Mr. Lindsey is retiring after 31 years of service at Hartford to be replaced by Mr. Sankofa.

Click on the PLAY button below to see all the photo from this event...

Detroit Area Cub Scouts' Private Art Tour with artist Hubert Massey

Darryl standing next to Mr. Massey as he explains the granite carving at the IRS building

Darryl touching the granite carving work art at Campus Martius

Darryl and Mr. Massey in front of the Tile Art Work at the Center for Creative Studies

Back in January, Pack 647 Scout Darryl M. became a finalist in the Detroit Area Cub Scouts "Visions of Youth Art Contest". As part of the contest prize, Darryl and the other scouts went on a personal walking art tour today with local Detroit artist Hubert Massey. Mr. Massey does all kinds of artwork from Italian frescoes to murals to stained glass and his work in featured at Campus Martius, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, the Atheneum Hotel, the Detroit IRS building, The Center for Creative Studies, and Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

On the walking tour with Mr. Massey, the scouts were able to see and touch the artwork as Mr. Massey explained his artwork to them. What a great experience!!!

Mr. Massey's mural at the Atheneum Hotel in Greektown

Mr. Massey's frescoe at the Detroit Athletic Club

Darryl with the artist, Mr. Massey (center), Mr. Massey's art assistant Juan Carlos (left), and Darryl's father (right).
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Words from our Scout Master, Omari Sankofa

Hello Hartford Scouting family and friends.

I thought it time I started communicating my thoughts, and eventually my vision, regarding Hartford's male youth scouting program. Essentially, I want the program to continue the tradition of making Tigers into Eagles and see boys transform into men. This can only continue to be done by the grace of God and the unfaltering dedication and support of you - my church, my family and my friends. As Mr. Lindsay assumes a new role in scouting and I transition into the role of Scout Master, I will be leaning very heavily on all of you, but in particular - Deacon Holmes, Deacon Hampton, Mr. Lapsey, Dr. Lattimore, Mr. Lloyd, and Mr. Weeden to keep the program going strong.

The great African thinker and revolutionary, Franz Fanon said - "Each generation, out of relative obscurity, must discover it's mission, fulfill it, or betray it." As I reflect on my life, the thoughts of suicide at 18, the disconnect and estrangement from my father through my twenties and reunion with him in my thirties, my early political development in a Black Nationalist community organization, my mid-life baby steps with Christ, the maturation into man, husband, father - of all the men who've mentored me directly and indirectly, what I've learned in the academic realm and all the ghetto cracks in the sidewalk I've stepped on from then to now, - I truly believe God has given me a mission to work in the scouting program. Reluctantly, I have come to accept that call, responsibility, and mission. Pray for me that I don't fall short.

We have all the ingredients here to do great things with the young people who are and will be in our care. As my wife has said to me so many times, what we need to do to get the boys through the program is in the scouting book. We have our road map, we (especially me) just need to read it and commit to following it's road signs. Once we know where we're going, we can choose what ever route available to get there. We can take the Pedro trail, the highway, the back road, the old route, the new route, the short route, the long route - we can fly, drive, go by rail or water, run, walk, or crawl. But we can't and won't stand still. As you know, this world does not wait for anyone. Standing still is just a slow paced walk backwards. We either take biblical lessons serious and lead our children in the way they should go, or the world will do it for us. The scouting program is an excellent tool for raising boys with the skills to become better men. By the way, given February was Black history month, scouting started in Africa. By being involved in scouting, we are doing exactly what my last name means - we're "going back to retrieve it".

In the coming days, weeks, and months, we will plan and develop strategies for success. We will work to put each of us in a position to maximize our own special gifts for the benefit of the boys. We will be lovingly self-critical. Everyone has a role. Claim it. Jackie Harper saw a need for a website and she got it done. Mr. Weeden, who happens not to be a member at Hartford, stepped right in on his first month with us and is now working with Dr. Lattimore on tracking advancement for the scouts. Most, if not all of you, have found a way to be essential, like air and water, to the Harford scout program. You all are the life of the scouting program. The boys appreciate it.

In the coming months and years we will recruit and grow. We'll have candle light vigiles or prayer circles with the Girl scouts. We'll build the Crew. We're march in community parades and be unafraid to say, "we're the norm", "the cool", "the way things ought to be". We're learn more about African and African-American history. We're clean up around the church properties and cut grass for seniors and the disabled. We'll serve God, give service to the community, and make sure the boys have fun while becoming Eagles. That's all for now. You're definitely hear from me again in this fashion. The table has been set, the ingredients have been put together just right. Let's work hard at getting the boys to the table to feast on this level of understanding which is ours.

Sincerely,
Omari Sankofa

Scout Sunday at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

Click on the PLAY button below to see pictures from this year's Scout Sunday at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church...

Scout Sunday is February 15, 2009 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church

Sunday, February 15th is Scout Sunday for all boys of Pack and Troop 647 at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church.

We encourage scouts and their families to attend the 11am worship services and we would like each scout to be in full uniform. Each scout attending the worship service will earn a "God and Me" pin.

Whether families attend Hartford Church this Sunday or not, we ask that each cub or scout wear his uniform to his family place of worship this Sunday.

Pack 647 Scout finalist in Detroit Area Boy Scouts Art Contest

On Thursday, February 5, the Detroit Area Council held a reception for finalists in the Detroit Area Boys Scouts of America Annual "Visions of Youth Art Contest" . The contest celebrates the Detroit Area Council's 99th birthday by having cub scouts in the Detroit Council draw art that pertains to this year's contest theme "How Scouting Can Help Preserve Our World for The Future".

The reception was attended by the top 3 finalists in each age group and their families. Darryl M. from Pack 647 was a contest finalist in the 8 year old category. The reception included a presentation by local Detroit artist Hubert Massey. Mr. Massey has created some of the major mural art for buildings in the City of Detroit, including the art in the floor of the Charles Wright Museum of African American History.

Mr. Massey showed the kids a slide presentation of his art pieces around the city. Mr Massey does all kinds of artwork from Italian frescoes to murals to stained glass. All the boys asked lots of questions and they were really impressed by his art work. All the top three contestants from each category and their families will have the opportunity take an art tour with Mr. Massey to see all of his artwork in Downtown Detroit.

Darryl with Artist Hubert Massey.