Ahoy,
On behalf of the CT Rivers Squadron, I proudly announce the successful completion of our first annual Sea Scout Camp Nautical at JN Webster Scout Reservation during August 9-15.
Camp Nautical was an opportunity for any Sea Scout attending to gain skills and experience. Advancement can be a source of pride and measure of your success in Scouting. Advancement in Sea Scouting is a measure of your nautical knowledge and your performance as a leader.
The Seamanship Program allowed crew to experience most of the requirements needed for the Rank of Ordinary. With structured courses in the morning and evening the crew learned about boats, marlinespike seamanship, ground tackle, piloting, communications, time, swimming, cruising, safety, galley, sailing, drill, compass, signaling, quarterdeck leadership training and ornamental rope work.
Courses were taught by professionals in the community such as the US Navy 1st Class Petty Officer, US Power Squadron, US Coast Guard Auxiliary, CT River Oar and Paddle, Mystic Seaport, leaders from Sea Scout Ship 584 and couple recognized adults in the community.
The crew found fun in the afternoons devoted to free time that included open range shoot, zip-line, COPE, CPR, Scuba, life guard instruction, US Flag retirement ceremony, waterfront activities and a night time lau/beach fire with evening swimming at the waterfront.
There were many times when we enjoyed the experience camp staff. Not to mention when our crew charged the Camp Staff with our oars after color formation or endured many waterfront challenges – Staff vs Crew.
We are very fortunate to have the excellent facilities and staff at JN Webster
http://www.jnwebster.org/venturing.html All 17 crew graduated with a report of their Ordinary Rank accomplishments, new friends and memories to last a lifetime.
6 crew members completed scuba course taught by SeaView Scuba
www.seaviewscubact.com 2 crew members worked everyday on lifesaving and lifeguard requirements.
2 crew members achieved pro marksman shotgun and/or rifle.
We introduced the crew to the National Sea Scout SEAL program. The crew worked thru a practice Navigation Test and Seamanship Examination. Remember, in order to attend SEAL the crew needs to have achieved the Rank of Ordinary and must know their Navigation and Seamanship. The crew was able to talk and meet with actual SEAL graduates. This experience helped then to prepare for them to go to SEAL next summer!
www.seascout.org/about/program/training_resources/seal.html We were in an article from the local Norwich town newspaper
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/x640862998/Camp-draws-boy-scouts-to-nature Thanks for your faith in us to run such a new program for youth. We are already planning next year’s Camp Nautical experience.
YIS
Marshall Parsons
CT Rivers Squadron Commodore
Skipper of the Sea Scout Ship Dragon - Ship 584
(516) 858-6821 h
(860) 514-1319 c
seascout1@subvetsgroton.org twinpars@earthlink.net http://subvetsgroton.org/seascout/default.aspx http://www.seascout.org/index.html http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mebVB4QtGmI
