This Picture Is What We Will 
Look Like Next Summer At Seabase

Troop 840 has been awarded a slot to take eight members for a week of diving at Boy Scout high adventure camp, Sea Base, in the Florida Keys.  For those not familiar, Sea Base is all about learning the ocean experience.  This includes sailing, kayaking or scuba diving.  Our contingent begins on June 6 and ends June 13,2001.  Our training begins early next year and all members of the troop are invited to take advantage of our group rates.  

One important thing to advise up front is that anyone from the troop or family members, other than the core of eight going to sea base, due to Boy Scout restrictions, will be trained separately.  This releases the troop from any responsibilities.  Questions concerning this distinction or any other items should be directed toward Gary Warrick the contingent leader.  You can contact me at (972) 393-5575 or by e-mail at gwarrick@airmail.net.  Below I have started an update section.  Scouts please check this regularly for changes.   

Let's Go Diving Update - March 17th

Due to inclement weather the outdoor dive for scuba certification was cancelled for March 3rd and 4th.  A new date has been set of April 14th and 15th.  The dive location has been confirmed.  We are diving in Athens at their Scuba Park.  This facility has numerous advantages.  For one they are set up for scuba divers with platforms, air station to refill tanks and underwater wrecks.  One wreck is an airplane stripped of equipment and scuba safe.  The bottom is made of sand and we are promised 10 to 15 feet of visibility.  The lake should offer us a real open water environment to experience.

 Just a reminder that Sea Base medical forms should be returned to me by April 30th.  Footlockers will be the mode of transport concerning our dive equipment.  I have found cheap ones at Turner Hardware on Josey, and at Wal-Mart.  If you are considering buying any additional dive equipment we will have time to stop in Key Largo on the first day, where prices are cheaper.  Don’t forget that the final Sea Base Payment of $220 is due to me by April 30th.  The payment is due May 7th at Sea Base. Finally remember to get into shape.  Scuba diving can be a strenuous activity.  The better shape you are in the more you can enjoy the scenery.

 Gary Warrick

 

From The Seabase Website

KEYS ADVENTURE
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

The Florida Sea Base is constantly striving to design exciting programs that will fulfill all expectations of our visitors from North of the Keys. This is just the case with the Keys Adventure. The Keys Adventure is a good introduction to the Florida Keys, giving you a variety of activities.

You will arrive at The Florida Sea Base after 2:00 p.m. on your scheduled arrival day. The Sea Base is located 73.8 miles north of Key West. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Program Mate and given a tour of the Sea Base, which will be your home for the week. You will then be given a swim check and snorkel lesson. You will be issued your snorkeling gear which will be with you wherever you go for your adventure week. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, you may prefer to bring it, because masks and mouth pieces sometimes give a better fit if they are your own personal gear. After dinner you will meet with your Program Mate to discuss your schedule and view a slide show describing which underwater creatures to enjoy and which to avoid.

While at Sea Base you will be housed in air-conditioned dormitories overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are hot showers and laundry facilities available. A portion of your stay will not be spent at the Base, but rather in tents and boats exploring the whole of the Keys.

Rather than giving you a day by day itinerary we will share with you some of the possible programs in which your crew will have the opportunity to participate. Your schedule will include a great deal of snorkeling, fishing and the opportunity to learn more about marine biology from a fish eye point of view. You will travel in Base owned kayaks, 25' powerboats with 225 hp engines, a 45' twin engine catamaran and possibly other large commercial vessels. Fishing will play a large part in your adventure and hopefully you will enjoy an evening meal of your fresh catch.

Your itinerary does not include a trip to Key West, so if that is of interest to your crew, you may want to plan that before or after your adventure week.

SCENE - The Florida Sea Base is the first scouting facility in the world to be designated as a SCENE (Scouting Center of Excellence for Nature and the Environment). In recognition of this, all participants in our programs will be eligible to earn a SCENE segment for their Sea Base participant patch at no cost. We have several projects available that you have the option of participating in to improve the aquatic environment of the Florida Keys...from constructing artificial reefs, to planting coconuts on the Out Island, to increasing the endangered Key Deer Habitat. Ask your program mate when you arrive which options are available.

OF IMPORTANCE -The Florida Sea Base is the premier aquatic High Adventure facility of the BSA. The programs involve strenuous activities that tire even those who are in the best physical condition. If you cannot pass the B.S.A. standard swim test without problems (swimming non-stop 100 yards and floating) you might reconsider this adventure. We highly recommend each participant take a swim test well before they arrive so as to allow time to improve, especially adult leaders. The heat and physical activities can tire you out fast so arrive at the Sea Base in good physical condition.

PARENTS - Do not send mail. Sea Base offers program to hundred of scouts on the sea, on the land, on the island. We will not deliver mail from home to scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc. left at home.

In case of extreme emergency, contact can be made with the following numbers:
    305-664-4173 Day or Night
    305-852-2385 (Choice One)
    305-664-2991 (Choice Two)

BEING PHYSICALLY FIT: Every participant in the Florida Sea Base High Adventure program needs to be physically fit for the strenuous demands that will be placed on their body. Get in shape! Stay in shape! You will be in the water a great deal, so go swimming with your crew at your local pool often. Do some light exercises to increase your stamina. You will be lifting your body in and out of the water often to boats and docks.

You have dedicated a lot of your personal time and resources to come to Sea Base. Get the most out of your experience by being ready; physically and mentally.

All of the items on the following "What To Bring List" are carried in our Ships Store with the exception of shoes, socks, sleeping gear and pads.

WHAT TO BRING:
(Optional*)

1 Set of Class A or B Uniforms A Camera*
Several T-shirts (Light Colored) Personal Snorkel Gear*
Extra money for souvenirs ($30-$60)* 2 Pairs of Swim Suits
Hawaiian Style Clothing for Luau* 1 Small Flashlight*
Set of Light Weight Rain Gear Crew Photo - $5.00*
Pair of sunglasses with strap 3 Pairs of Shorts
Pair Long Pants, Lightweight Mosquito Repellent
Complete Toiletry Kit 2 Towels
Frameless pack for overnights Socks
5-10 Clothes Pins  
Florida Fishing License ($6.50-$17.00- Required for 16 years & Up. Available at Ship's Store)*
Pair of Walking Shoes for Touring (No Bare Feet or Flip Flops)
Pair of Dive Booties (For Hiking Through Water)
16 oz of Sunscreen Factor 15+ (Non-Oily Type)
Large Unbreakable Mug with a Line Clip
Sheet, small pillow, Light Blanket or Light Sleeping Bag, Ground Pad
Wide Brimmed hat (for Better Sun Coverage)


Florida Sea Base

P.O. Box 1906
Islamorada, Florida 33036-2906
Telephone: 305-664-4173

Links