Sailing & Sea Base

Fourteen Scouts and 4 Venturing Crew members attended the BSA National Florida High Adventure Sea Base June 6-13, 2003. The National Sea Base hosts Scouts from all over the country with over 10,000 youth participating annually. The Sea Base offers high adventure activities such as sailing, SCUBA instruction, SCUBA dive trips, Out Island adventures on their private no utilities island, as well as a Bahamas Island adventure.

In the heart of the Fabulous Florida Keys, on a sub-tropical island, 75 miles south of Miami, you will find Sea Base. This is Scouting’s most complete aquatic facility. Scouts can explore the vast ecosystem of the Florida Keys and get a fish-eye view of the Atlantic Ocean and the many aquatic sanctuaries that dot the many islands in the Keys.

The Sea Base facilities included a large, fully equipped “galley” with indoor and outdoor dining areas. The elevated dormitories were our home for the first and last nights stay as we overlooked the Florida Bay and one of the bridges that separates the Atlantic from the Gulf of Mexico. The harbor has a 300 foot dock for larger sailing vessels as well as the smaller dive boats and other craft used in the program.

We departed Bloomington airport at 6:00am on Friday, June 6 for Miami with a stop in Atlanta to change planes. In Miami we loaded our gear on a small motor coach for the ride to Sea Base. Once at the compound we checked into our dorm and promptly took a swim test to determine our swimming ability. After the swim test everyone that needed snorkel gear was outfitted and a short introduction to snorkeling was provided by the Sea Base staff.

The group then showered and changed into uniforms for the short church service in an open air chapel that was built with the aid of many faiths across the nation. After the daily flag retreat it was meal time and then a short program on what to expect in the Keys when we begin our snorkeling in the many marine sanctuaries.

The next morning (Sat.) we had breakfast, took a group picture, and then headed for our sailing vessel home for the next 5 days. We stowed gear, provisioned with food from the commissary and got to know our Captain for the trip. In the mid-morning we cast off from the docks and headed out to sea.

Our first day on either 41 foot Morgan’s or a CSY 44 sailing vessel involved learning how to keep our footing on a moving boat, learning how to sail, and getting our first chance to snorkel in the ocean. We tied up to a mooring buoy at a marine sanctuary around Noon where we promptly ate lunch. Our first opportunity to snorkel came directly after lunch. What a site! The coral was magnificent as well as the very colorful fish such as grunts, barracuda, parrot fish, spiny lobster, and the occasional nurse shark. Words cannot describe the color of the ocean and its inhabitants.

That evening we anchored off Marathon, FL for our first night out at sea. Dinner included fresh fish we caught that day. An anchor watch schedule was devised, and we all went to sleep without hesitation.

The next morning we arose early, had breakfast, and sailed to another marine sanctuary for more snorkeling. For the rest of the week we sailed, fished, and snorkeled. During the sailing time from location to location we trolled for fish with a variety of salt water tackle. We caught several barracuda, a grouper, and had numerous hits on our tackle during the week. One night while at anchor for the night we caught a small shark!

On Monday we arrived in Key West and docked at one of the local marina’s there. Once we were docked the rest of the day was spent exploring Key West. Oh yes, we took some nice long showers in the marina shower room too. Fresh water for showering was so nice to have for change.

Key West served up some interesting history such as Hemingway’s House, Truman’s Little White House, and a couple of historical museums. Key West was known for its Pirate trade in the early years as well as salvage operations for the many sailing vessels that ran upon the reefs in and around the Keys. Mel Fischer also had his treasure hunting operation here in his search for Spanish Gold. Mel finally made his find and his museum is filled with gold bars, gold pieces, and other wonders. We even hefted one of the gold bars that were on display.

Sunset in Key West is always a treat and a festival of sorts is held in Mallory Square on the waterfront. During the evening several street actors come out to entertain and mystify the crowds. One fellow escaped from a straight jacket and chains. Another man had a dog that walked a tight rope, while a third had a juggling act. You could also buy souvenirs, get something to drink, or listen to music. It is truly a festive atmosphere and everyone turns out to see the sunset and the festivities each evening.

Tuesday we left Key West and headed east, back toward Sea Base. We again sailed and this time we went offshore to the deep water off the Keys to try our hand at some real deep sea fishing. Water here is over 300ft deep, where the big fish live. Later in the afternoon we moored at another marine sanctuary and snorkeled again. We just couldn’t get enough of snorkeling and seeing the marine life. This time we swam with some sharks that were moving through the area. They are magnificent creatures.

Our final day at sea involved a thunderstorm with lots of wind and rain. It was a bit thrilling to be at sea with a storm blowing and the sounds of thunder. Our return to Sea Base around 2:30 was most welcome….showers, non-moving places to walk, and air-conditioned dorms! We unloaded our gear, leftover food, and cleaned the boat. Then it was off to the Ship’s Store for more souvenirs, and preparation for the Luau that night. Once we ate our fill, we all presented skits about our experience. Then the sand volleyball game began and went on until lights out.

Friday, our departure day, had us excited about returning home but sad to leave this beautiful part of Florida. It was back to Miami to catch a flight home, but not without delays due to weather. We had an extra long lay-over in Atlanta and finally arrived in Bloomington about 1:30am. The bus ride home had everyone in a state of tired relief but impatient to sleep at home for a change.

Our experience is one we will not forget for many weeks to come. Co-coordinators were Mark Janus, SM Troop 7 and Harv Koplo, Unit Commissioner. This was the first Council sponsored Sea Base excursion and by all comments from the participants it was a big success. Participants were from Springfield, Auburn, Chatham, Winchester, Pawnee, and Sullivan.

Harv or I will be glad to make a presentation at your Troop meeting if you would like to learn more. We can bring a slide show and tell you first hand of our experiences. It is hopeful Sea Base can become a Council offering every other year to compliment Philmont for those that would like an alternative High Adventure trip.

Another contingent of Scouts from our Council, attended a week of SCUBA Diving at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in the Florida Keys. Price Collins (Troop 36), David Janus (Troop 7) and Chris Ludvigsen (Troop 109) attended along with their fathers, Hugh Collins, Mark Janus, and Mike Ludvigsen. All participants in the SCUBA Adventure program at Sea Base must be certified divers prior to attending.

Upon arrival at Miami International on Saturday, April 3, all bags were collected and the rental van was loaded to the gills. We found our way to U.S. Highway 1 after noticing a grass fire that seemed to be prevalent in the area. We learned later that warnings for grass fires had been issued.

We arrived at Sea Base approximately 6:30pm and learned we had missed dinner. After stowing our gear in the SCUBA dorm, we checked in with the Sea Base staff and provided all necessary paperwork such as medical forms, scuba diver certifications, deposits for gear, National Tour Permit and First Aid log. Next, we attended the initial SCUBA briefing. Later, we were issued our SCUBA gear which included regulators (Aqua Lung Calypso), and Sea Quest Buoyancy Control Device (BCD). Once these items were stowed, we headed across the street to grab some dinner. It was a long day, and to top it off we would loose two hours sleep due to the Eastern time zone and Daylight Savings Time change.

Sunday morning dawned early with our BSA Swim Test scheduled at 7:00am EST in the cold waters (70 degrees) of the Sea Base harbor. Flag raising was promptly conducted at 7:45am with announcements and a song preceding the Sea Base Prayer before breakfast. After breakfast we assembled at the SCUBA area to receive a briefing on weights and equipment before we headed into the 10ft pool for an 18 point scuba diving review.

Once the scuba review was over, lunch was served; and then off to the dive boats for our first open water dive on Alligator Reef. Although the seas were a bit choppy, we found the dive to be very pleasant. We were awe struck by the variety and beauty of the marine life in the Keys, and we could tell this week would be full of fun & spectacular sites.

On Monday, we completed two dives with warmer weather and plenty of sun. That evening, Mr. Janus & Mr. Ludvigsen had the privilege to meet Mr. Joe Davis, a professional Scouter aged 92. He was the Director of Philmont from the mid 60’s into the 70’s. He had been a professional Scouter for 35 years and had never been to Sea Base. Mr. Davis was also instrumental in hiring the first female staff when Scouting went Co-ed. He also spent three years in Chicago as a professional, and served as a professional Scouter in Washington DC, Roanoke, VA, and Philadelphia PA. To our amazement, he was also in the first Wood Badge course offered, with “Green Bar Bill” as Scoutmaster. Quite a remarkable fellow.

Tuesday offered up our deepest dive to Crocker Reef. At a depth of around 50 feet, we explored a spur and grove formation that proved quite challenging to navigate. Again, lots of marine life with many channels that were resting places for nurse sharks, spiny lobster, and puffer fish.

That evening, we attended a fish identification class to help us with learning about the marine life; this, was one component of earning our S.C.E.N.E. (Scout Centers of Excellence for Nature and Environment) award. Sea Base is currently the only U.S. facility offering S.C.E.N.E. This is a project sponsored by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), aimed at establishing a network of locations throughout the world to strengthen the three fundamental roles of Nature and Environment in Scouting:

SCENES are places where individual Scouts, Scout units and adult Scout leaders from different parts of the world can discover the rich opportunities offered by nature and the environment. Its’ intention is to make Scouting more educational, more fun, more attractive and more relevant to young people, Scouts and non-Scouts, today. Operated and managed according to the highest environmental standards, SCENES serve as demonstration sites, providing "hands-on" environmental education opportunities for Scouts.

Our day in Key West on Wednesday was very hot and included some site seeing at Truman’s Little White House and Mel Fischer’s Treasure Museum. Lunch at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville on Duval Street was great fun because we saw a number of other Scouts who were also diving at Sea Base. One group was from Byron, Minnesota. They were very happy to be in the Keys…snow was predicted back home!

Thursday was our most ambitious day of diving yet. We traveled 20 miles north to a local dive shop, located just south of Key Largo, where we loaded gear on two different boats and headed to Manassas Reef. This reef contained some wreckage from a 1920’s steamboat; and we conducted our fish survey as part of the SCENE program.

By far, Thursday evening was the highlight…a night dive. As we commenced our dive right at sunset (which was breathtaking…but no green flash), our Divemaster lead us to a known spot where a loggerhead turtle normally sleeps. Sure enough, he was there…all 4- ½ foot of him! To add to the thrill of the turtle, we also saw a Green Moray eel about 6 feet long further back in the same pocket under the same ledge. The bio-luminescence of the ocean is a site to behold when we doused our flashlights. Thousands of points of light, dancing in the water before our eyes was awesome! At night the coral “blooms” or extends to feed, as well as other nocturnal marine life. This experience was totally different than all the previous daylight dives we had previously completed.

Our last day at Sea Base provided us with excellent dive conditions; an early morning dive on a ledge reef provided more views of spotted yellow moray’s, spiny lobster, many colorful sponges, and a scorpion fish. The rest of the day we completed our SCENE project, which included a community service project at Sea Base; and began packing for the return home. The Luau that night gave us a final opportunity to say “goodbye” to the many friends we met and perform an original skit at the closing “campfire”.

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This page last updated: December 6, 2007 11:28 PM

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