The Cradle of Liberty Council sat down with Steve Leopold, Council Commodore, Council Advancement Committee Vice Chairman, District Member at Large (Roosevelt District) and Ship Committee (Ship 484), to learn about Sea Scouts, what it provides and much more!
With lots of great news to share about the Sea Scouts program, here is part two to get your family more informed!
Q: Why should kids join Sea Scouts?
In my position, my goal is not to promote one program over the other, but to promote Scouting in general. We want the young person to join the program that fits them. When we go out to recruit, we talk about all the opportunities that Scouting has to offer. Yes, we want to build Sea Scouts, but if that young person we’re talking to is deathly afraid of water, he/she would not last long in Sea Scouts. That’s the wonderful thing about America, the freedom of choice.
Another great feature of the Boy Scouts of America is that they are NOT restricted to just one program. If a young person chooses so, (if they have the time) they can be in multiple programs. We actually encourage it!
Q: What are some of the things you do in Sea Scouts?
Like any Scouting program, we are only limited by the imagination of the youth who lead our ships and the resources they have to work with (and of course BSA policy). One must remember that in this part of the country, we are limited by weather.
Water activities consist of: sailing, fishing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, learning lifesaving skills, water rescue training, knots and line work, navigation, learning about the weather, boating safety, cooking, motor boating, piloting, and leadership.
Land activities consist of: planning, first aid, engine maintenance and repair, knots, learning maritime history, boating safety, boat maintenance, marine electrical skills, service projects, leadership skill, camping, and hiking.
Activities go above and beyond this list, that is for sure!
Q: Do you get to go on overnight camping trips also?
Depends on your definition of camping, but yes. We have stayed in tents in a State park, we have stayed in trailers, and we have stay in and on our boat.
Be sure to check back shortly for part 3 of this Sea Scout Series!