By: Rose Sutkowski, Publicity Chair, Constellation District, COLBSA
Union United Methodist Church in Havertown, PA launched a Sea Scout Ship earlier this year. This coed outdoor program is open to all youth who are at least 14, but not yet 21 years of age. Although the program is designed for youth who have an interest in water-based activities, it does not require prior boating experience.
Youth and adult volunteers are organized into a ship unit and members are called shipmates. The youth plan their activities and the leaders work with them to achieve success. During the boating season from April to September, the ship meets on the Delaware River on donated boats. Similar to the traditional Scouting program, there are ranks in Sea Scouting that can be achieved through completion of rank requirements. The ranks are Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster.
Sea Scouting Overview
Sea Scouting is a specialized segment of the Boy Scouts of America in existence for over 100 years. This unique division of the Scouting program focuses on nautical activities and knowledge and navigation of maritime heritage. Additionally, a large components of the program revolves around youth and adult safety and covers:
- Guarding against water accidents
- Knowing the location of lifesaving devices on every boat the Shipmates board
- Rendering aid to those in need
- Seeking to preserve the motto of the sea: Women and Children First
It promotes a life-long love of the sea and boating, as both a career and/or for recreation. Participants are provided with a strong foundation in nautical language and watercraft experiences. Ann Newman, the ship’s skipper said, “Sea Scouts is for anyone who loves to have fun on the water. It also molds great leadership and teamwork within its members.”
Want More Information?
Start your water adventure today! If you dream about sailing the Caribbean, swimming a coral reef or exploring waters in a kayak, Sea Scouts may be the ideal program for you. Attend a meeting, meet the Ship and get answers to your questions. The off-season for boating is from October to March. During the off-season, the Delaware County Ship meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM at Union United Methodist Church, 200 Brookline Blvd, Havertown, PA 19083. Interested youth and their parents or guardians are invited to attend. Adults with an interest in boating, watercraft and serving community youth are also invited.
No experience is needed — just the desire to learn.
If you are unable to attend a meeting or would like more information, please contact Ann Newman at newskipper@aol.com.
