About the Program
WHAT IS SEA SCOUTS?
Under the umbrella of the Boy Scouts of America, the Sea Scouts program is an opportunity for young men and women, aged 14-21 to explore the maritime world. When in the Sea Scouts program, youth have the opportunity gain knowledge of sailing, motor-boating, naval history, small boat handling and the maritime industry. The program is focused on providing a well-rounded curriculum, designed to teach both practical skills and knowledge as well as character traits like leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. In addition to these, Sea Scouts is an excellent social opportunity that naturally forges strong friendships that often last a lifetime.
WHAT CAN I LEARN IN SEA SCOUTS?
Glad you asked! In this video, Alumni from SSS Odyssey discuss their time in the program and what they learned as Sea Scouts. Odyssey is a sail training program based out of Tacoma Washington which teaches teenagers teamwork, determination, and maritime skills through weekly meetings on a 90 ft. wooden sailing ship.
Sea Scouts strives to prepare youth for jobs in the maritime industry like captains, marine mechanics, tall ship educators, and tug, ferry, or fishing boat crew. In addition, Sea Scouts seeks to prepare youth for careers and jobs outside the maritime industry like military careers, marine biology, teaching, medicine, construction and management positions.
SEAMANSHIP
Sea Scouts learn about all aspects of seamanship. From ship and small boat handling, sailing, and navigation to meteorology, line-handling and marine engines.
TRADITION
For thousands of years, humanity has sailed. For fishing, whaling, transportation and trade. And in that time, sailing has developed a unique set of traditions that we strive to teach. From sea shanties, to naval history and protocol and story telling, we encourage our Sea Scouts to embrace the knowledge of maritime traditions.
LEADERSHIP
Taking command of a 90ft ship as a teenager has a profound effect on one’s worldview. In a society that often treats teens as children, Sea Scouts provides the opportunity to explore adult responsibilities and leadership roles all while maintaining a modicum of safety.
OUR YOUTH & ALUMNI SAY:
"To this day when I tie a correct knot, tell an amazing adventure story, or stand up for myself, I'm reminded of the things I learned while crewing for SSS Odyssey. I excitedly brought my camera to document each new week of sail training. Eventually I became the official crew photographer, then earned my degree in photojournalism. I look back on my years aboard Odyssey with fondness for the friends I made, the stories I gained, and the skills I learned."
— K.L. (Alumni)
“Not a lot of kids get to brag about sailing on a 90 ft. long sailboat. However, that was not the reason I kept coming back to Odyssey. The feeling of complete freedom one has sailing on the sound, feeling Odyssey slide into her groove under your hand on the wheel, cannot be expressed in words. The wind blowing your hair as you stand on the bow, your joy willing you to sing even though a only a passing seagull will hear. The comradery experienced between a well-oiled crew, working as one as they raise the sails, talking in the code familiar to the sailor’s tongue. Such words as “topping-lift,” “sheets,” “running backs,” and “belay” tossed in the breeze. The night on anchor watch when you’re so tired that the mysterious cry of duck in the darkness scares you half out of your wits, yet remains a mysterious story connected with that particular island forever. That’s Odyssey. “
— S.J. (Crew Member)
“When I first came aboard Odyssey as a potential scout, I was a tiny, shy 14-year-old, who barely spoke a word. Hanging out with a bunch of boisterous Sea Scouts was slightly out of my comfort zone but I was drawn in by the excitement and joy of sailing on Odyssey. Those Sea Scouts knew what all of those ropes did and how to raise that giant sail! As the years passed though, I learned much more than just how to raise sails, heave lines, and row a dinghy. I found comradery, confidence, and leadership. Sea Scouts has changed my life.”