Sea Scouts follow the same Scouts Canada program as a land-based troop, with an emphasis on water based activities; they are found near ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans, on the water as well as ashore.
Lord Baden-Powell's older brother Warington founded sea Scouts in 1911. The program has its roots in British naval traditions, such as ringing watch bells, giving directions through a bosun's pipe, and using nautical terminology during Ship's Company (Troop) activities.
In keeping with naval traditions we have chosen to name our Landship the "SS Water Rats". This is an imaginary ship that is located at our meeting site (the Navy would call this a Stone Frigate). In time we will be making props to make the hall look more like a ship to help with the nautical feel of the program.
Who are Sea Scouts?
Sea Scouts are youth of Scouting age (and their leaders, called Officers) who follow a program that incorporates the adventure and challenge of water-based activities.
Why Sea Scouts?
This branch of Scouts Canada reflects what we feel best represents the spirit of Scouting in its most elemental form. As we live in a province and country blessed with an abundance of natural water resources, this seems like a fitting next step for our Scouting section to take.
Some Sea Scout Terms
Sea Scout - Scout
Boat's Crew - Patrol
Coxswain -Patrol Leader
Leading Hand - Assistant Patrol Leader
Landship -Scout Hall
Make & Mend - Recreation Time
Make Colours - Break Flag
Skipper- Troop Scouter
Our Program
As Sea Scouts we will be concentrating on water-based activities such as swimming and water tripping. Our planned mode of transportation will be kayaks, but there will be opportunity to learn canoe skills as well as introduction to sailing and power craft. While no level of swimming is currently required, we reserve the right to assess the Scouts level of comfort and ability in the water.
While we are boating, youth (leaders also) must wear PFD's in compliance with Scouts Canada policies. When on land we will be checking out things like rock climbing and camping. We are even going to restore an old sailboat as a crew project. As you can see we have a lot planned, so why not join us as we put the "out" back in Scouting!
What are Sea Scouts?