Scouting America – formerly Boy Scouts of America – is re-introducing a program in Greenwich called “Sea Scouts” which promotes engagement on & around the water.
This year-round program has existed for more than a century, but has been idle in Greenwich for a period of time.
With Greenwich’s location on Long Island Sound, this is a great opportunity for young men and women ages 14 to 20 to learn boating skills for sailing and motor boating.
Participants will learn everything from knot tying to chart reading from great instructors and guest speakers.
The program will be held at Indian Harbor Yacht Club. Participants are not required to be members of the club.
Interested? There is an open house on Friday, Sept 6 at Indian Harbor Yacht Club, 710 Steamboat Road, from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Once the program is underway, meetings will occur every other Thursday night, in addition to getting out on the water during occasional weekends throughout the year.
Contributed photo
Nick Barile, a Scouting council member, avid boater and scuba diver, who is coordinating the program explained that it will teach life lessons including the value of team work and discipline. And, he said, boat maintenance develops a sense of responsibility. Of course all these skills and lessons dovetail perfectly with the goals of Scouting!
Barile said the fee, $165 for the year, is intentionally low to include all those interested. Candidates are encouraged to also purchase and wear Sea Scout uniforms.
“The program is in cooperation with the Indian Harbor Yacht Club. They are providing a classroom, and some of their one-design vessels, the Ideal-18 fleet,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a great program and a terrific opportunity for the kids,” he added.
More information on Sea Scouts is available here.
For more information and to reserve a spot at the Sept 6 Open House via eventbrite here.