Centennial Rendez-Vous

Welcome to the Centennial Rendez-Vous website!

Beginning the evening of Friday, September 24, Willow Metropark became the weekend home to more than 6000 youth and adults.  The celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Boy Scouts of America and our local council was hosted by the Great Lakes Council and proved to be the largest pinnacle scouting event of Southeast Michigan.  

Scouts, Scout leaders and family campers began their first night experience with setting up their assigned camp site and enjoying the movie “October Sky” played on a big screen in the arena area. Saturday morning brought cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies, activities beyond belief and the opportunity to enjoy a great pancake breakfast to start the day

Following the opening ceremony, which was decked with flags representing most of the units on site, including Scouts from Canada, the Scouts were able to participate in Cub Scout, Webelos, Boy Scout and Venturing activities.  Throughout the day on Saturday, more Scouts and Scout families arrived at the Metropark to partake in fun filled, action-packed activities.  The Merit Badge Midway included Historic Merit Badges: Carpentry, Pathfinding, Signaling and Tracking in addition to about 18 other featured merit badges. Be A Diver set up a swimming pool for the Scouts to experience SCUBA diving.  Representatives commented on the enthusiasm of the scouts and were excited about participating in this very significant event.Also included in the display area was information about the World Jamboree, Trainor Museum and Scouting uniforms through the century.

Numerous Corporate and community partners set up displays and activities – fly tying, railroading, geocaching, Drug Awareness, Detroit Red Wings Puck Handling Challenge, a Camaro built from GM Performance parts by Explorers, Reptiles, leather crafts by Tandy Leather and so much more. At Fort Pontiac there was a turkey cooking while Scouts were making tin type crafts and watching a blacksmithing demonstration.

Mid morning the US Coast Guard and the US Army helicopters arrived bringing spectators galore to the landing pad and to the nearby military vehicles onsite.  The Climbing Wall was a big hit with the Scouts! The Pinewood Derby, fishing, craft area, inflatables, Scouts Rock, Pioneering – all had scouts and families lined up for participation.

Mid morning a reception was held to recognize Chartered Organization Representatives, James E. West Fellows, and Heritage Society members.  Brad Simmons opened the meeting expressing thanks to these many guests that support Scouting through endowment and investments.  John (Jack) Dyer-Hurdon was recognized as the Great Lakes Council inductee into the BSA’s 100th Anniversary National Hall of Leadership. Other special guests included Mike Yost, Central Region Area 2 President, and Jeff Movsesian, Eagle Scout and 2nd Lieutenant with the Air Force.  Jeff commented that his experience with Scouting was “a launching pad" as he found purpose in his life.  John Reesor, GLC Scout Executive/CEO, commented  that “Scouting is important to the fabric of our community and this event demonstrates the potential for the Great Lakes Council to be the premier youth serving organization in Southeast Michigan.”

Later in the afternoon, during the VIP reception, board members heard from Joseph Salvia, District Representative with Hon. Thaddeus  McCotter and Director of Veteran Services, who stated “youth as the leaders for tomorrow and the mission of the Boy Scouts of America is extremely important to help the boys and girls today.”  Dennis Waitzman accepted a plaque on behalf of his son, Peter, an Eagle Scout, that contained the first Great Lakes Council Shoulder Patch that he designed.  

Comments about the evening Arena Show included: “ fantastic”, “totally awesome”,  “great band”, “loved the glow lights thrown to the audience” and more. The energy created was amazing. The Show ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

Sunday morning, following the opportunity for religious ceremonies, camps were broken down and Scouts and Scout leaders left Willow Metropark to return the quiet, beautiful nature setting it is known to be. They left with grand memories of a thrilling activity-filled weekend that will last a long time and with being a part of a premier youth serving organization – the Great Lake Council Boy Scouts, Boy Scouts of America.

Many thanks to the leadership of Steve Harris, Eva Every, Gerry Granum and hundreds of volunteers that planned, organized and executed a phenomenal event.  Thank you also to the sponsors AT&T and Huron-Clinton  Metropolitan Authority.

Watch for more details and pictures coming soon.