Guest post by my daughter – Sea Scouts

What are Sea Scouts?

I asked my 14-year old daughter to do a guest post on Eighty MPH Mom, to tell me her feelings about Sea Scouts. I personally hadn’t heard of Sea Scouts before she joined, but it has become a big part of our lives, and I have noticed an amazing change in her. She was never interested in sports, or many other extracurricular activities for teens, so I was surprised when she showed such dedication to Sea Scouts. If you have a teen or pre-teen who is looking for something fun, educational and exciting to do, I think Sea Scouts is definitely worth looking into.  It also opens up a plethora of opportunities for the future – whether they want to attend a maritime academy or maybe even join the Coast Guard!

My daughter has learned so much from Sea Scouts, and it is physical and disciplined.  In addition to leadership, she has learned how to tie knots, boat safety, and various other skills.  They participate in regattas, and her ship just recently won the Sea Scouts “Clipper” Award – a huge accomplishment, and one they were quite proud of.  Her crew frequently go on weekend trips, and they are busily getting ready for their annual summer cruise.

Sea Scouts {courtesy of Wikipedia}: Sea Scouts are members of the international Scouting movement, with a particular emphasis on water-based activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, and rowing. Depending on the country and the available water these activities are on lakes, rivers or sea in small or large ships. Sea Scouting can be a program for all Scouts or just older Scouts. Sea Scouts provides a chance to sail, cruise on boats, learn navigation, learn how to work on engines. Sea Scouts often compete in regattas.

Sea Scouts

Loyalty. Comradery. Leadership.

After a year in Scouts, these are the terms I’ve come to acquaint with the organization. Every Tuesday evening, I start to perk up at 5:30 in anticipation of the meeting. So how did this program help change a shy, meek girl into a confident leader?

When I first joined, my friend was consistently there, so I would cling to her and didn’t really talk to anyone else. So what was I to do when she showed up less? Well, meet the other amazing people there! From our enthusiastic boatswain (youth leader) all the way to our crew’s self-proclaimed ‘evil-monkey’ this motley crew has become a family. When you spend several days on a boat with the same people, you tend to either hate them or adore them.

Now just like any family, we have our drama, but it’s one of the warmest places you will ever encounter. From when I caught moderate hypothermia at regatta practice, to winning an awesome award, we’ve all been one, depending on and supporting each other. When I was going through a rough patch in life, Sea Scouts was one of the few places that made sense …  it was okay to relax and have fun.
When surrounded by people from so many backgrounds, it is easy to lose yourself. Eventually, you learn to find and believe in yourself, no matter the opposition. You become confident with who you are as a person.  You give and receive respect by learning to communicate with others.

I’ve always been pressured to do an afterschool activity, so when the opportunity came knocking with an invitation to attend a meeting at the Sea Scouts base, I figured why not? Of course, I expected a lavish huge boat, but what I got was a snug boat with 8 bunks and a homely galley. You know what? I wouldn’t ever change it, because it’s a second home. A home in which when you have to leave, everyone momentarily disregards what they’re doing to give you a hug or yell a warm ‘good night!’

I’m proud to be a Sea Scout.

*Guest Post by Liz Regan.