What is Sea Scouts?
For over 100 years Sea Scouting has promoted better citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social, service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage.
Sea Scouts is Scouting America’s high-adventure, maritime program for young men and women ages 14 through 20, or age 13 if they have completed the eighth grade. Sea Scout units are called Ships, and the program combines adventure on and around the water with leadership development, service, teamwork, and hands-on skills.
Sea Scouts participate in a wide variety of activities depending on the interests and opportunities available to their Ship. These can include sailing, kayaking and other paddle sports, power boating, SCUBA diving, swimming, lifesaving, camping, navigation, first aid, and other outdoor adventures. Scouts learn practical skills such as water safety, boat handling, knots and line handling, navigation, weather, communications, the safe operation of vessels, and other activities selected by the youth membership.
Unlike a traditional classroom program, Sea Scouts emphasizes learning by doing. Youth members help plan and lead the ship’s activities, serve in leadership positions, teach skills to one another, and take increasing responsibility for the operation of their ship.
No previous boating or sailing experience is required. New Sea Scouts learn alongside experienced youth and adult leaders, and there are opportunities for everyone from beginners to experienced boaters.
Sea Scouts is especially well suited for older youth looking for a Scouting experience that offers adventure, friendship, leadership, responsibility, and the opportunity to try things they may not get to experience anywhere else.
For more information about Sea Scouts nationally, visit SeaScout.org. For information about joining Sea Scouts, contact our local Scouting America council office at 806-358-6500 or visit BeAScout.org to find a ship near you.
