Sea Scouting Makes High Adventure Dreams Come True for Local Teens

Cruising the US Virgin Islands aboard a sailing yacht or leading a day sail crew on the Chesapeake Bay is something most young adults only dream about. But for Sea Scouts in Montgomery County’s Ship 125--it’s what they do!

Sea Scouting is a co-ed program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who have graduated 8th grade (or are at least 14 years old) and are under 21. The program uses sailing and other high adventure activities to develop leadership skills, character, and teamwork.

Sea Scout units, called "ships," focus on sailing and cruising either sailboats or power vessels, but many also plan canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling and scuba activities. During the boating season, Sea Scouts learn to maintain and operate their vessel and other watercraft, with a focus on learning the safe and proper methods of handling boats. They also learn the meaning of buoys and lights, how to take advantage of wind and tide, and how to drop anchor or approach a dock. Sea Scouts learn and help teach their peers swimming, lifesaving, first aid, sailing, galley cooking, and other essential seamanship skills. Sea Scouts get together for regional events where they may compete in a sailing regatta or safety-at-sea exercise. They may visit a tall ship or Navy vessel, meet for a movie night, or get together with other Sea Scout Ships from neighboring areas and make new friends. Sea Scouts also get involved in community service and conservation projects, such as promoting safe boating or helping to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem.

Sea Scout Ship 125 was founded in early 2015, and is chartered by American Legion Post 295 of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The ship works closely with the Rockville Sail and Power Squadron and other community organizations that support its purpose. Members of Ship 125 have sailed the Virgin Islands, the Chesapeake Bay, and other local waters, while learning to lead others and work together as part of a team. The youth members of the Ship decide and plan the activities they wish to pursue, and adult volunteers guide them to help make their dreams a reality. Ship 125 meets weekly throughout the year at the Greenfield Lighthouse—its “landship” in Germantown—or aboard its sailing yacht on the Chesapeake Bay. In addition to its flagship, SARK, its fleet includes a Sunfish for basic sail training, a Windrider trimaran, and soon, the Ship will receive an Olympic-class sail racer. As Sea Scouts, they also have access to a 46’ Morgan ketch, and kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft.

Ship 125 is always looking for a few good leaders. In fact, the unit is offering a $50 scholarship for members who join before February 1, 2017. The scholarship will enable members to attend BSA’s National Youth Leadership Training, a 6-day leadership camp. For more information, contact Ship 125’s Skipper, Paula Sind-Prunier, at skipper@ship125.org, or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SeaScoutShip125/ .