Michigan Crossroads Council BSA has been working with the Cardinal family to help ensure that critical Scout programs supported by Gerber Scout Camp in the Muskegon area will be a part of their philanthropic legacy.  The Council engage in a year-long process to identify top needs across the state.  Jerry Cardinal took a tour recently to see both the dramatic improvements from the last several years, as well as the needs.

Jerry shared, “Our reason for giving to Camp Gerber is because we recognize the need to continue the growth and development of young people in Scouting and this great country.  Each generation someone gives to build the next generation, this is our time to give and build the next generation.”

He also commented on the importance of legacy to his family.  “This picture was taken in the Muskegon State Game near the Muskegon Field Office. In 1993 my eagle scout project was installing wood duck boxes in the area to help grow and maintain our wood duck population. Zack decided in 2017 to replace my boxes and expand on what I had done. This picture shows a box we installed in 1993 and the new one in 2017.  Three generations of scouting with (2) generations of Eagle Scouts in this picture.”

Aaron Gach, Deputy Scout Executive shared,” There is another element to this support now: The Michigan Crossroads Council is honored to officially partner with the Michigan National Guard engineering battalion to assist in their readiness training program while partnering to complete construction projects on our scout camp properties. This program not only allows our soldiers to train in real world environments, but also benefits our camping system by getting fantastic construction projects completed by these professionals. One of the first opportunities is at Gerber Scout Camp.”

Vic Pooler, Major Gifts Officer for the Michigan Crossroads Council added, “We cannot thank the Cardinal family enough.  Our programs offer young people the opportunity to experience life changing experiences they won’t get anywhere else. Our volunteers and leaders who lead these programs share stories that warm your heart.  The team we have assembled will use the Cardinal gift as the launch to create a fund large enough to sustain and support considerable growth for years to come!”

For more information contact Vic Pooler at vic.pooler@scouting.org