Mackinac Rendezvous
At Mackinac Rendezvous, Scouts of all ages will camp with their unit for two nights on the idyllic shores of Lake Huron in sight of the Mackinac Bridge. This iconic event boasts three distinct programs – Scouts BSA & Venturing, Island Adventure, and Mackinac Cub Scout Family Camp.
The Island Adventure program will depart immediately for Mackinac Island, spending approximately 17 hours over the course of two days hiking, biking, sailing, and flying on, over, and around the Island!
Events for Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA/Venturers/Sea Scouts will revolve around an old-timey circus and dark sky experiences. Fireworks will end the day on Saturday.
Mackinac Cub Scout Family Camp débuted in 2019 and is back by popular demand! Participants will experience an action-packed weekend, beginning Friday afternoon and evening with a Cub Scout Rendezvous Relay and fabulous inflatables. The fun will continue Saturday with a fun trip to Mackinac Island! Saturday evening all attendees are invited to a live concert.
The entire Rendezvous will culminate with a closing ceremony Sunday morning!
2025 EVENT CONTACTS:
Team Email:
rendezvous@michiganscouting.org
Committee Chair: Jason Kelley
Asst. Committee Chair: Sean Smith
RESOURCES:
Annual Health and Medical Form A & B
Schedule (PDF)
Three Programs to choose from! Choose your adventure and register for that program today!
To meet the needs of our Scouting family, we have three options for everyone. Cub Scout Packs and/or families will choose to attend the Cub Scout family program and take part in age-appropriate activities including a trip to the island. Scouts BSA, Venturers and Sea Scout units will choose to register for the Scouts BSA program — our traditional program that dates back to the start of Mac Rendezvous. Older Scouts BSA, Venturers and Sea Scouts may want to register separately from their unit in the Island Adventure program * — a program for Scouts 14 and older (limited to 75 total participants – Scout + Adult).
* The Island Adventure program is for individual Scouts and does run separate from the main Scouts BSA program. Island Adventure participants will camp in a separate area and start their program earlier than the other programs. Tip: Units will often register the bulk of their participants in the Scouts BSA program, but registering those older Scouts that are interested for the Island Adventure program instead; those Scouts will NOT camp with their unit. Adults are not required to attend the Island Adventure program with their Scouts.
SCOUTS, VENTURERS, AND WEBELOS PROGRAM:
*Activities subject to change
Please see Scouts BSA & Venturing Program Leader’s Guide for more information.
Regular Participant fee for Scouts BSA, Venturing Crews and Webelos: $100 (Late Fee August 16-31: $115)
NO REGISTRATIONS AFTER THIS DATE!
- Camping at the scenic Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground on the shores of Lake Huron, with views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island!
- Mackinac Rendezvous Event App will provide program schedules, maps, event notices & communication, weather & emergency alerts
- Unlimited fun on the climbing tower & inflatable obstacle courses!
- Trading post – including the Mackinac Rendezvous XX limited edition collector’s patch!
- Transportation to and from Star Lines ferry boat dock!
- Tours of Colonial Michilimackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Fort Mackinac, and the Richard & Jane Manoogian Art Museum!
- “Honor Scout for a Day” at the Mackinac Island Scout Barracks for Arrow of Light and Webelos!
- Information on this will be given at the August Meeting
- Informational meeting Friday evening
- Saturday dinner with 1,000+ of your closest Scout Friends!
- Honored Eagle Ceremony! **Life Scouts and above**
- For our adults, free bottomless coffee (with purchase of coffee mug)!
- Live entertainment on the Mackinac Rendezvous main event stage!
*Activities subject to change.
NOTE: Units are responsible for planning and providing their own Friday lunch & dinner, Saturday breakfast & lunch, and Sunday breakfast. Saturday night dinner will be provided by the event!
MACKINAC CUB SCOUT FAMILY CAMP:
*Activities subject to change
Participant fee for Mackinaw Cub Scout Family Camp: $100; (Late Fee August 15-31: $115)
NO REGISTRATIONS AFTER THIS DATE
Includes most of the same activities as the Scouts BSA program. Families camp in the family area (versus with a unit).
NOTE: Participants are responsible for planning and providing their own Friday lunch & dinner, Saturday breakfast & lunch, and Sunday breakfast. Saturday night dinner will be provided by the event!
NOTE: At least 2 members of a family (minimum of one adult and one child) need to be present, including at least one Scouting America member. Youth Protection policies will apply, and parents are responsible for the supervision of their children.
ISLAND ADVENTURE PROGRAM FOR OLDER SCOUTS:
*Activities subject to change
Participant fee for the Island Adventure III Program: $150
Sells out quickly!!! Register today!
- Awesome Basecamp at the scenic Mackinaw Mill Creek Campground on the shores of Lake Huron, with views of the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinac Bridge, and Mackinac Island!
- The amazing Island 360 Bike Tour!
- Fort Mackinac, Fort Holmes, and historical Island building tours!
- One of a kind 314-foot selfie at Fort Holmes!
- Best bike and hike challenges found in beautiful Northern Michigan!
- Sailing with the MCC Great Lakes Sailing Adventure training vessel, “The Retriever”!
- The great “Mighty Mack” ferry cruise under the bridge!
- More time on Mackinac Island than the other Rendezvous programs!
- Fly with the Young Eagles around the Straits of Mackinac!
- The Great Porter Hanks Bike Challenge deep into Mackinac Island!
- Trading post – including the Mackinac Rendezvous XX limited supply merchandise!
- Delicious Pizza Party dinner at Basecamp!
- Honored Eagle Ceremony!
- Incredible Saturday night entertainment on the Mackinac Rendezvous main event stage!
- *Activities subject to change.
NOTES:
- Meals will be provided Saturday through Sunday morning. Plan accordingly for your lunch and dinner on Friday (eat before arriving to basecamp and/or find lunch and dinner on the Island). A Hot Dog Roast and Cracker Barrel will be provided at 10:00 PM on Friday night.
- This program is limited to the first 75 Scouts BSA and Venturing Crew members 14 years and older, and adults. Scouts may register for this program as individuals and are not required to participate as a unit.
- The Island 360 and Porter Hanks bike challenges are two of our great High Adventure challenges during Island Adventure program. They require participants to have a bike and helmet. Don’t forget your bike, helmet, and bike lock – Bikes will be secured on the Island Friday night! If you are unable to bring your own bike, you will need to rent one on the Island for $65 (including a helmet). The bike transport fee for the ferry boat is included in your program fee.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: May we bring our families, younger children, and or spouses?
− Cub Scout Family Camp – yes, but adults must have current Youth Protection Training.
− Troops/Crews/Ships – Only if they are registered Scouts and attend as a member of your troop.
Q: Do all adult participants need to be registered in Scouts BSA?
− Cub Scout Family Camp – no, but adults must have current Youth Protection Training.
− Troops/Crews/Ships – Yes, and have current Youth Protection Training.
Q. Can we bring our own firewood?
− No. Mill Creek Campground will have firewood available at designated locations in the park.
Q. What can we do to speed up check in?
− Follow the “Gate to Campsite” check-in procedure:
1) Reply to the email and verify your final unit roster information
2) Attend the online orientation meeting in August.
3) Follow the “Gate to Campsite” vehicle unloading instructions, which you will receive via email upon receipt of your final unit roster.
4) Relax – it will be a great weekend!
Q. Are individual Health History Forms required?
− Yes, BSA Health Forms A & B for both youth and adult participants are required. Health history forms must be in the possession of a unit leader during the event (we recommend having them in a three-ring binder for ease of organization and transport).
Q. Can we bring bikes, skateboards, or roller blades?
− No, however bikes rentals are available on Mackinac Island!
Q. May Scouts or Scouters with special needs or diets attend?
− Yes. Please be sure any special needs are indicated during the registration process.
− There is no power available, if you use some form of sleep apparatus (ex. CPAP) please plan on bringing battery power to operate.
Q. Are meals provided?
− Only one meal, Saturday evening dinner, will be provided by the event. All other meals (including equipment for preparation and cooking) are the responsibility of individual units.
Q. Are Scout uniforms required?
− Yes. Uniforms are required for opening & closing ceremonies and while visiting Mackinac Island or Historical Sites.
Q. What plans are in place for lost Scouts or “missing the boat?”
− Well, neither will happen if we all follow the security procedures and use some good Scouting common sense! Tell your Scouts:
- All security team members will be wearing gold colored security hats and are available to help
- Use the Buddy System
- Follow the color group schedule!
Q. When can we get our vehicles and depart on Sunday morning?
− You may get your vehicles and depart only after:
- The Rendezvous closing ceremony has concluded and
- Your campsite is cleaned, inspected, and you have officially checked out with the Security / Facilities Team.
Q. What if my question wasn’t listed here?
− No worries! Send your question to rendezvous@michiganscouting.org or ask a staff member during the event!
MRXIX Highlights
Q. What is the difference between the different programs?
A. The “Scouts BSA/Venturing Program” is for Scouts BSA Troops and Venturing Crews. Each unit will camp together, cook together, and participate in the various programs together. Participants camp as a unit on an assigned campsite with their registered adult leaders. Webelos Scouts are permitted to register for this program IF a Troop has invited them to participate. This program will spend most of the day on Saturday on Mackinac Island.
The “Island Adventure Program” is a limited-sized, higher adventure program for Scouts BSA/Venturing participants aged 14 and up. This is limited in size to the first 75 participants, and this group spends Friday and Saturday on Mackinac Island (overnight at Mill Creek Campground). This program sells out quickly!
The “Cub Scout Family Camp” is for Cub Scouts and their families. Families will camp as a family in a separate area of the campground (from the other two mentioned programs) and will take part in age-appropriate activities.
Q. If the Island Adventure Program is sells out, what should my “older” Scouts BSA/Venturing participant do?
A. Register with his/her unit for the Scouts BSA/Venturing program. The Island Adventure program is limited to the first 75 participants and fills up fast each year. The Scouts BSA/Venturing program is the “main” Mackinac Rendezvous program for that age group.
Q. My family plans to take part in the Cub Scout Family program, but we also have a Scouts BSA Scout that would like to camp with us. What do we do?
A. Scouts BSA Scouts should continue to register for the Scouts BSA/Venturing program with his/her unit (Troop/Crew). Your Scout may camp with his/her family instead of with the unit if desired, but please talk to your unit leader first. Reminder: Youth Protection policy prohibits any Scout BSA or Venturing participant from sharing a tent with a parent at a Scouting event.
Q. As an adult, I would like to sign up to participate with my Scout in one of the programs. Can I?
A. Per BSA regulations, all adult participants of Scouts BSA campouts must be registered adults with the unit in order to camp overnight. If you would like to attend the Scouts BSA program, you must register. Cub Scouts permit the parents and/or guardians to camp with their child without being registered, but it is strongly recommended that they have taken Youth Protection Training.
Q. We are registered for Cub Scout Family camp. Since we will be camping together, may we bring our pet dog?
A. Scouting activities do not permit dogs other than service animals.
Q. My Scout is registered for the Scouts BSA/Venturing program. What types of activities will be held on Mackinac Island on Saturday for him/her?
A. The visit to the island for the Scouts BSA/Venturing program does not include any scheduled, organized events that are required. Scouts BSA/Venturing participants (youth and adult) are free to take part in any activity on the island at their leisure. The units (Troops, Crews) are encouraged to explore the island on their own (buddy system) and make their own adventures.
Q. Do Troops/Crews explore the island, then, as a group?
A. It is up to the unit. Many units allow the Scouts, in groups, to explore on their own. Often Troops will periodically meet up at designated points in the day. Some units may plan a Troop bike ride or other scheduled activities. It is completely up to the unit leaders.
Q. I have a Webelos/Arrow of Light Scout. For which program do I register him/her?
A. If your Webelos/Arrow of Light Scout has been invited to attend with your local Scouts BSA Troop or Venturing Crew, he would register for the Scouts BSA/Venturing program along with that unit. If he has not been invited, then he would take part in the Cub Scout Family Camp program with his family.
Q. What time should my unit/family arrive on Friday?
A. The Scouts BSA/Venturing Program and the Cub Scouts Family Camp program both allow for check-in after noon on Friday. Many units (especially those that travel far) will have the Scouts take the day off of school for travel, while others wait and arrive in the evening. You may check in anytime between noon and 10pm. Island Adventure Program participants must arrive earlier in the day (see the Island Adventure Guide for details).
Q. What are the Scouts BSA/Venturing campsites like in terms of amenities?
A. Each campsite will have a fire-ring. Access to water will be via a spigot in the area of the campsite. There is no electric hook-up on the sites.
Q. How many cars are units permitted to have on the campsite?
A. The only vehicle permitted on the Scouts BSA/Venturing sites are the Troop trailer and the vehicle that pulled the trailer. The trailer must remain hooked up to the vehicle at all times. If your unit does not have a trailer, one vehicle will be permitted to remain on the site in order to store valuables, food, and medications. All other vehicles will need to be unloaded and moved to the event parking lot.
Q. My Scout is registered for Island Adventure by no leader from his/her unit was able to register before it closed. Is that ok?
A. Yes! The Island Adventure program is a separate program with its own program staff. The staff of that program will be the “leaders” for the weekend. This program is meant for Scouts BSA and Venturing participants, not adults.
Q. How is the Island Adventure program different than the Scouts BSA/Venturing program?
A. The Island Adventure program is longer, starting at noon on Friday, which allows for two separate visits to Mackinac Island. The program includes bikes, an airplane ride, a sailboat ride, and other scheduled events on Mackinac Island. This program fills fast each year due to the higher adventure level.
Q. Are there scheduled activities for the Scouts BSA/Venturing Program at Mill Creek Campground (when the participants are not on Mackinac Island)?
A. Yes! See the full schedule for details, but Friday evening as units are arriving, there will be inflatables and a climbing wall, as well as a Rendezvous Relay Scout-skills competition. Saturday evening will include similar activities, plus a concert (a rock cover band) and the Honored Eagle ceremony (for Life and Eagle Scouts).
Q. How will we keep track of the schedule while at the event?
A. A copy of the map and a full schedule will be included in your welcome packet. As well, we encourage all participants to install the “MCC Event App” app (to be completely updated for 2025!). This App will have complete schedules, leaders’ guides, and maps. As changes occur or information needs to be communicated to participants, push notifications will be sent via this app.
Mackinac Rendezvous History
In the summer of 1986, Scout Executive Dick Miller and the council’s Activities Committee were searching for a place to hold a council fall camporee. Miller had visited Mackinac Island and suggested it as a challenging but rewarding destination. The committee agreed, and the very first Mackinac Rendezvous took place in 1987. From the start, the idea was to run a simpler, smarter, better fall camping event. It needed to have stellar programming and be a financial success.
That inaugural year, Scouts camped at St. Ignace State Park in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan National Guard provided manned army field kitchens to prepare all the meals for the Rendezvous. Many Mackinac Island storefronts displayed “Welcome Boy Scouts” signs and Scouts enjoyed a grand and glorious day on the island. After the ferry ride back to St. Ignace, buses took Scouts back to camp. That evening, the Scouts marched across I-75, where traffic was stopped both ways, to Father Marquette State Park for a campfire program. The event was such a success, participating unit leaders all but demanded a return engagement in 1989! And the biannual tradition has continued ever since.
