3. MISSION OF THE BSA The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law
4. THE VENTURING OATH As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and, to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world .
5. As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our Trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people. I will, therefore be faithful in my religious duties and will Maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life. I will treasure my American heritage and will do al I can to Preserve and enrich it. I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and Will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life. I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world. VENTURING CODE
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7. WHAT IS SEA SCOUTING? Sea Scouting is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are at least 14 years old (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. Local community organizations establish a Sea Scout Ship by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, to grow, to develop leadership skills, and to become good citizens.
8. SEA SCOUT UNIFORM It is recommended that your ship use a uniform in either the Coast Guard or Navy style. Whatever is chosen should be worn by all members and leaders. Sea Scout uniforms come in two classes – dress uniforms (blue and white) and work uniforms (winter and summer). More information on uniforms may be found in the Sea Scout Manual .
9. SEA SCOUT SHIP The Sea Scout ship is a youth-led organization that recruits members, elects officers, and plans programs based on the chartered organizations program inventory. Adult advisors provide training and guidance for the ship’s elected officers.
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11. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA The Boy Scouts of America recruits adult volunteers and assigns staff members to provide the following services for Sea Scout chartered organization’s ships .
27. YOUTH PROTECTION “ Youth Protection Guidelines” in the Venturing Leader Manual lists several considerations that the Sea Scout leader must remember
31. LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION The key to success of a Sea Scout ship is informed, enthusiastic leaders, trained youth officers, and an exciting program of interest.
32. SHIP ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP When an organization agrees to be a chartered organization in Sea Scouting, it agrees to recruit adult leaders; a Skipper, one or more Mates, and a crew committee chairperson. These leaders must be adult men and women at least 21 years of age, who will guide the ship.
35. CONSULTANT Consultants are used to provide technical expertise to the program activities being planned by the Sea Scout activity committees. They may be one-time-only participants and are often identified by the PCI.
36. SKIPPERS ARE THE KEY The Skippers are the key to the success of the ship. They must match the interest of the Sea Scouts with the program resources of the chartered organization This is achieved by training the ship officers to lead their ship and by planning a relevant program guided by the adult leaders and crew committee.
37. SEA SCOUT A Sea Scout is a young man or women who has completed the eight grade and is at least 14 years of age but not yet 21. He or she pays an annual registration fee, subscribes to the Sea Scout Oath and Code, attends regular meetings, and is a registered member of a chartered Sea Scout ship
38. ELECTED SHIP OFFICERS These Sea Scouts are responsible for coordinating the process of planning and implementing their ship program The Sea Scout Manual has more complete job descriptions for the officers and adult leaders.
39. ACTIVITY CHAIRS Activity chairs and committees are appointed from the ships membership to carry out specific program activities. This ensures that all Sea Scouts are involved in bringing about their ships program .
40. ADULT - SEA SCOUT TEAMS The elected Sea Scout officers work hand-in-hand with the adult Skippers, Mates and committee members. Activity Chairs work with adult consultants (from ship committee, parents or other qualified adults) Cooperation and teamwork between adults and young adults are essential to the success of Sea Scouting
41. OFFICERS’ BRIEFING As soon as possible after their election conduct an Officers’ Briefing. This is the first step in getting a trained, competent group of officers. (A sample agenda may be found in the Sea Scout Manual ) The briefing is the time to establish the climate and values that you think are important, like the emphasis on being in a partnership with the officers, enthusiasm and fun, trust and responsibility
42. SHIP QUARTERDECK SEMINAR Shortly after the Officers’ Briefing the Skipper and outgoing officers conduct a Quarterdeck Seminar for the newly elected officers. This is usually done on a Saturday or over a whole weekend. This seminar includes: Leadership skills training Crew operations training Crew program scheduling for the upcoming year An outline for the seminar may be found in the Sea Scout Manual .
43. VENTURING LEADERSHIP SKILLS COURSE The Venturing Leadership skills Course, NO. 34340 was produced to help teach young adults the attitudes and skills that good leaders demonstrate. It is designed to be taught to all Sea Scouts in the ship. It is recommended that the ship Skipper and officers conduct the course in an outdoor retreat setting. This course is required for the Silver Award.
44. REFLECTION We can make our experiences more meaningful and effective is we reflect on them. In Sea Scouting, reflection is simply the process of the Sea Scouts talking about their experience immediately afterward. Reflection provides an opportunity for everyone to have input into what happened.
47. STATUS RECOGNITION ACHIEVEMENT BELONGING Youth experts tell us that the healthy progression of a young person into adult life follows the B.A.R.S. staircase shown above. B.A.R.S.
48. B.A.R.S. Young people must feel a sense of belonging to the group (Sea Scout ship). In the ship they should be given opportunities to achieve something meaningful. The Venturing and Sea Scouting advancement programs help fulfill the recognition and status portions of the B.A.R.S. staircase .
54. The Quartermaster Award is the highest award a Sea scout can earn. Prior to earning the Quartermaster Award a Sea Scout must progress through Apprentice, Ordinary and Able Ranks Requirements for these ranks and the Venturing Awards may be found in The Sea Scout Manual , No. 33239B.
55. FOUR LEVELS OF LEARNING Level 1 – You Read it Level 2 – It is Taught to You Level 3 – You Experience it Level 4 – You Teach it to someone else Studies show that we retain 85% when we teach a principle or skill to someone else. Sea Scouting advancement requires level 4
56. CONSULTANTS PLAY A KEY ROLE Skippers should seek help from local experts in the many hobbies and skills referred to in the the Sea Scouting advancement program Remember consultants will need to follow the youth protection guidelines and health and safety guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America.
57. BRIDGE OF REVIEW Young men working on Star, Life or Eagle Palms may be reviewed by either their troop or ship. The bridge of review should be composed of three to six members of the troop or ship committee and quarterdeck. Young men may continue with the ranks of Star, Life or Eagle as a Sea Scout if they have completed the First Class progress award in a troop. The Eagle and Quartermaster bridge of review follow the procedure established by the local council.
58. SHIP REVIEWS Ship bridges of review are required for Sea Scouts working on the Venturing Gold and Silver awards and Sea Scouting Apprentice, Ordinary and Able ranks. After the Sea Scout has completed all other requirements, the ship Boatswain and Skipper appoint a review committee of four to six people including Sea Scouts and adults. This committee reviews the growth of the Sea Scout All Sea Scouting advancement should be reported on the standard BSA Advancement Report form.
59. VENTURING ADVISOR AWARD OF MERIT This award is based on training, quality program, youth leadership development, youth retention and success with Venturing. The Skipper must be nominated by the ship Boatswain and the adult committee chair. (This award uses the Scoutmaster Award of Merit square knot with a Venturing pin device, No. 00940 attached.)
61. PROGRAM PLANNING Young adults join Sea Scouting for the program of the Sea Scouting Ship. The Sea Scouts, using resources from the chartered organization and other sources, along with the skills of adult leaders and consultants, develop a program.
62. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Program Capability Inventory (PCI) The PCI is conducted by the ship committee and adult leaders. Every adult (or Sea Scout) who can help the ship is surveyed as to their profession, hobbies, contacts, equipment access and skills. This inventory forms the basic resource pool for ship activities
63. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Venturing Activity Interest Survey This questionnaire is taken by the Sea Scouts. It provides information on what activities the Sea Scouts are interested in doing. The survey should contain possible activities over all of the program emphasis areas.
64. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Brainstorm After surveying the Sea Scouts on their interests you should brainstorm additional activity topics. This brainstorming should include the entire ship membership. (See the “How to Brainstorm” in the Venture Leaders’ Manual .)
65. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Match activity interests with resources Match the activity interests with the resources on your PCI. Where a match exist you have a potential program. The ship committee will need to recruit or acquire other resources for the remainder of the Sea Scout activity interests.
66. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Fill in the gaps The ship officers might feel that other activities should be included to better balance the ship program. These might include other Sea Scouting activities, other activities for your chartered organization, standing ship activities, training sessions, annual recruiting open house, etc.
67. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Schedule the Activities List each activity selected on your ship calendar. You will need to schedule two ship meetings, a quarterdeck meeting, and one other activity each month. Remember to backdate major activities such as your big superactivity for the year. Watch out for date conflicts. This program scheduling is done at the Quarterdeck Seminar.
68. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Select Sea Scout Activity Chairs and Adult Consultants An interested and capable Sea Scout is appointed to serve as chair for each activity and is assisted by an adult consultant from the PCI who has knowledge about the particular activity. This team manages the planning, development and execution of the activity.
69. PROGRAM PLANNING PROCESS Follow-up is vital! Assume nothing. At your monthly quarterdeck and ship committee meetings check on the status of the program development.
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71. OPEN HOUSE Each year to recruit new Sea Scouts to your ship, you will want to conduct an open house program. This meeting is devoted to showing your ship to prospective members and getting them to join. Young adults are invited by letter or personal invitation. Remember the council often does interest surveys of high schools in your area. The open house should be held early in the fall. The Sea Scout Manual has detailed information for conducting the Open House.
72. SUPERACTIVITY The highlight of your ship's program year will be a Superactivity , a major project or trip requiring extensive planning and preparation. It serves as the long range goal to retain members interest and will generate publicity and interest in your crew. The Sea Scout Manual contains a how-to guide for planning a Superactivity
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75. The Venturing Leader Manual contains information on the Venturing achievement program and the Youth Protection Guidelines of the Boy Scouts of America.
76. The reference guide to running safe Sea Scout activities, include information on restricted activities
77. VENTURING AWARDS LEADERSHIP AWARD Presented by Councils/Regions and National Council to Sea Scouts, Venturers and adults who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing ADVISOR AWARD of MERIT Recognizes Ship Skippers and Crew Advisors for outstanding ability to work with youth. Skippers are Nominated by ship boatswain and adult committee chairman
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79. SEA SCOUTING/ VENTURING INFORMATION Additional information on the Venturing and Sea Scouting programs may be found on the National Boy Scouts of America and National Sea Scouting web sites: bsa.scouting.org www.seascout.org
