Sea Scouts Explore Florida Keys

On April 18, 2015, the Sea Scouts of Ship 1909, sponsored by the East Greenwich Yacht Club, journeyed to the Florida Sea Base in Islamorada, Florida for a seven-day adventure.

Ten Sea Scouts and six adult leaders set sail aboard two 44-foot sailboats to explore, expand their boating skills, and learn about the region’s wildlife.

The Sea Scouts, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America, focus on leadership, seamanship, safety and knowledge of the sea. In preparation for the Florida Keys excursion, members underwent extensive water safety training, swim tests, and various other skills assessments to ensure the full participation and well-being of the entire crew.

“The Boy Scouts of America organization takes safety very seriously,” said Tom Stocker, Skipper of Ship 1909. “This trip required the adult crew leaders to have wilderness first aid certification, safety afloat, safe swim defense and weather training. The courses really broadened our knowledge of what to do in an emergency, and I recommend them for anyone spending any time on the water or in the woods. The volunteer leaders of our Sea Scouts in East Greenwich really went above and beyond in their preparation for this trip.”

Cruising through the Keys on their 44-foot sailboats guided by each ship’s owner/captain, the Scouts were able to snorkel among many reefs and shipwrecks, thereby not only witnessing maritime wildlife in their natural habitat, but also the workings of a large, underwater ecosystem. The Scouts also visited Everglades Alligator Farm, located in Homestead at the tip of the Florida mainland, to explore the Everglades by airboat and observe alligators and other wildlife.

As the longest cruise undertaken to date, the ten Sea Scouts are able to receive credit for seven days towards their Long Cruise Award, the receipt of which requires fourteen days at sea. Aside from this award, however, cruises such as this endow the Scouts with greater self-confidence and leadership skills, along with further understanding of the workings of various types of boats.

“Based on the feedback we received as a crew, everyone learned a lot about themselves, each other and the sea,” said Stocker. “As an added bonus, we all bonded as a family. It was a great experience.”

Ship 1909 is now ready to begin their summer program, when they take at least one weekend cruise each month from May through October. Their next cruise is scheduled for the weekend of May 30 to Allen’s Harbor in North Kingstown. To make it extra special, the Blue Angels will be making multiple flyovers each afternoon. This is the weekend of the annual air show held by the National Guard at Quonset Point.

To learn more about the Sea Scouts, please visit: http://www.seascout.org/

To learn more about Ship 1909 visit their Facebook page ‘Sea Scouts Ship 1909’