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 create news to share about the Sea Scouts program, here is part two to get your family more informed!
Q: What are some myths about Sea Scouts?
Five myths about Sea Scouting as posted on Bryan on Scouting
Myth: You have to live near the coast to be a Sea Scout.
Fact: There are ships all over the country, even in the desert and in the mountains. All you need is a river or lake that’ll float a boat! Take this year’s national flagship as an example. It’s one of the most successful ships in the country, and it’s located in Palestine, Texas, which is more than 200 miles inland.
Myth: Sea Scouts requires the use of sailboats.
Fact: Any kind of boat is fair game! Paddlecraft ships are the fastest-growing part of Sea Scouts — kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards. Some ships focus on one kind of boating, while others mix it up and try sailing, powerboats and paddleboards. Ships don’t need to own boats at all. Many councils and other community organizations have paddlecraft and small sailboats that Sea Scouts can use.
Myth: Sea Scout ships must be chartered to a yacht club.
Fact: More than 75 percent of ships are chartered to traditional BSA chartered organizations, such as places of worship or VFW posts. You just need an organization that appreciates and supports Scouting values.
Myth: Sea Scouting is primarily for young people interested in joining the Navy or the Coast Guard.
Fact: Yes, the skills young people learn in Sea Scouting can prepare them for a maritime career, if that’s their interest. And many Sea Scouts have found their calling on the water. But really, Sea Scouts is for anyone who loves to have fun on the water.
Myth: Sea Scouts only do boating-related activities.
Fact: While that’s the focus, Sea Scouts can do any Scouting activities. Sea Scouts have hiked Philmont, participated in shooting sports (there’s a special Sea Scout Marksmanship Award that’s challenging and very popular), gone rock climbing and more. Some of the most fun is when Sea Scouts combine Scout outdoor skills with boating — like taking a weeklong kayak camping trip down a river, or a small-boat cruise up the Texas coast doing primitive camping on islands.
Q: Is there a way for kids to try it out to see if they like it?
As I stated earlier, we want the young people to find the program that fits them, so yes, we encourage those same young people to come out and visit a general meeting. They get a better idea about what they are getting into or if they want to look for something else.
Q: How many Sea Scouts groups are within COLBSA? Is there an age limit?
Sea Scouts, BSA is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 to 20.
Currently, we have 4 registered Ships in the Cradle of Liberty Council, 2 in Northeast Philadelphia (Ship 155 and Ship 484), 1 in Jenkintown, Montgomery County (Ship 201), and 1 in Souderton, Pa (Ship 461).
As the new Council Commodore, my goal is (along with the help of the District Committees in the Council) to get 3 Ships started within the next year.
Want to know more about Sea Scouts? Check out these links below:
https://beascout.scouting.org/
https://www.facebook.com/jenkintown.troop?ref=br_tf
https://www.facebook.com/SeaScoutShipNautilusShip461/
https://www.facebook.com/ship484sssphilenape/