Dear Scouts and Parents,
Troop 103 is registered to bring a crew of eligible scouts to Florida’s Sea Base, BSA’s premier aquatic high adventure facility in the Florida Keys. We are registered to participate in the STEM Eco-Sailing/Adventure Program from Mon., July 29, 2024 – Sat., August 3, 2024. Our base of operations will be two 40’- 45’ sailboats, and we’ll spend five days sailing to various sites both on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico side of the Keys.
Important Link
Are you considering attending Sea Base in 2024, but still unsure if it’s for you? Check out these videos captured by our scouts and leaders from our previous trips in 2017 and 2013. These videos provide a glimpse into the exciting experiences and adventures that await you. Take just 10 minutes to watch a few and get a good summary of past events. We hope these videos help you make an informed decision about joining us at Sea Base next year.
Videos taken by our Troop on past Florida Sea Base Events
2017 Day 5 – Florida Sea Base Eco Adventure 2017 – Sailing Home (and a summary of best underwater videos taken by our scouts)
See more 2017 Florida Sea Base Videos, Photos, etc. (Past trip by Troop 103)2013 – Kayaking the Islamorada Mangroves.
2013 – An aerial view of sailing the Florida Straights.
See more 2013 Florida Sea Base – Photos, Videos and Trip Summary of a past trip of Troop 103
More details about the trip
We will study and explore the four unique ecosystems of the area: Mangrove hammocks, Sea Grass beds, the Hardpan sea floor and the beautiful Coral Reefs. In addition, we will visit some of the unique Keys of historical or ecological importance. Using kayaks, masks, snorkels, and glass-bottom viewers, we will observe and identify local wildlife and plant life and learn about the impact we have on these environments and how to minimize that impact. For fun there will be free time to snorkel, kayak and fish and everyone will get a turn to pilot the boat. The week ends with a Hawaiian-style luau. Scouts will return to civilization with a greater appreciation of the undersea world and their roles as stewards of this amazing environment.
The program is not a pleasure cruise, but a Scout Adventure and crews are expected to work aboard the vessel. Sleeping arrangements below decks are cramped and limited. Most crews sleep on deck weather permitting. Please take the time to review the details on the attached information sheet. Space is limited, and nonrefundable $200 deposits will be collected over the course of the next four weeks. Our Committee is committed to supporting this effort, and parents are invited to organize fundraising opportunities with troop guidance. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you.
Very Truly Yours,
Jeffrey Rosenzweig, Scoutmaster