Eco Adventure Guide
The Eco Adventure is the newest program at Sea Base, debuting in 2010. Sea Base adventures all have an educational component to them; how can you not learn new things after spending days living in and exploring a new environment? The Eco Adventure takes it a step further.
Your crew’s classroom will be two 40+ sailboats and every day will be a field trip. Your teaching aids will be kayaks, snorkel gear, underwater viewers and wading shoes. Veteran boat captains who know and love the area will be your guides.
When you arrive at the Florida Sea Base on the afternoon of your arrival day, you will check in at the Registration office. You will be met by your Program Mate who will lead you through the orientation process for your adventure ahead. After your adult leader checks in with the registration office, your crew will have a crew photo taken before you head over to the shake down area under the scuba dorms. All personal gear minus your sleeping and snorkeling gear will fit into the issued mesh bags for the boat. You will change out of your scout uniform and into your swim trunks. Make sure you apply sunscreen; the Florida sun is very hot. You will stow your gear not going to the boat in either our lockers (you provide the lock) or your personal car if you choose. Next you will proceed on the Sea Base tour; highlights including the ship store, the submarine, chapel, dive boats if in port, the sea habitat and galley.
Then you will go for issuing of snorkeling equipment. Each participant, both youth and adult, will be issued a mask, fins, snorkel, snorkel vest and a dive bag that you will use for the remainder of your week long adventure (if you have your own snorkeling equipment you may bring it). Everyone will participate in a BSA swim review and a snorkel instruction lesson so you are comfortable with your gear and swimming in the ocean. Next it is off to your assigned boats to meet your captains and provision your boats. Flags are at 5:45 and dinner at 6:00. After dinner, you will board your vessels and sail into the sunset. We try hard to get you off the dock that first night if at all possible.
For the next five days your crew will sail to various sites both on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico side of the Keys. You will study and explore the four unique ecosystems of the area: Mangrove hammocks, Sea Grass beds, the Hardpan sea floor and, of course, the beautiful Coral Reefs.
In addition, you will visit some of the unique Keys of historical or ecological importance. There will be plenty of time to observe and identify local wildlife and plant life. You will also learn about the impact we have on these environments and how to minimize that impact. For fun there will be free time to snorkel, fish and everyone will get their turn to pilot the boat. If your crew likes fishing more than snorkeling or vice versa the Captain will try to cater to those wishes.
The program is not a pleasure cruise, but a Scout Adventure and Scouts and adults are expected to work aboard the vessel. Sleeping arrangements are cramped and limited below decks. Most crews sleep on deck weather permitting. Be advised that inclement weather means hot cramped quarters below decks. Not everyone will have a bunk (High Adventure). All our vessels carry a fishing license that will cover you during your week aboard. The Florida Sea Base supplies all the necessary rods, reels and tackle. This tackle can be used while trolling or at anchor in several locations.
Upon your return to Sea Base, you will return your snorkel gear, clean your boat, move into the dorms for the night and prepare for the evening luau, patch presentation and reflection. Some crews like to bring Hawaiian type shirts for this...we may do the limbo and island type games before a seafood meal. After the meal each crew will do a skit.
Swim Test and Review: The Florida Sea Base is the premier aquatic High Adventure facility of the BSA. You MUST PASS the standard BSA swim test prior to you arrival. If you cannot pass this test without problems, this probably is not the right adventure for you. Upon arrival at Sea Base, you will participate in a swim review to assess your swimming skills. The heat and physical activities can tire you out fast, so arrive at the Sea Base in good physical condition.
Packing your Gear: All your gear (except sleeping pad) must fit in a 24” duffel bag (issued at check-in). No suitcases or frame backpacks can be used. You will be living on a sailing vessel during the entire adventure. Space is limited so you must only bring what you need.
**REMEMBER. Keep this in mind and travel light!
WHAT TO BRING FOR CORAL REEF, SEA EXPLORING AND ECO ADVENTURES:
(Note: Only Sea Exploring goes to Key West)
BRING
- 1 Pad lock per crew for storage
- 1 Set Field or Activity uniforms
- 2 T-shirts
- Lightweight rain gear (optional)
- Sunglasses with strap (Polarized are best)
- 1 pair walking shoes for Key West (Sea Exploring Only)
- 1 pair of inexpensive water shoes (Coral Reef and Eco Adventures)
- 16 oz of non-oily, non-aerosol, waterproof, SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion
- 1 pair of shorts
- Pants, long-sleeve shirt & light jacket (December & Spring)• Toiletry kit
- Wide brimmed hat
- 1-2 pair of Socks
- Large-mouth water bottle with plastic clip, (If you like coffee, a mug in addition is good)
- One sheet or light blanket (summer) or warm blanket or a sleeping bag (winter and spring)
- Sleeping pad – Backpacking type
- 1 Swimsuit (modest style)
- 1 towel and a small pillow
- Insect repellant
- Prescription Medication
- Proof of age/photo ID
- Copy of Medical Insurance information
DO NOT BRING
- MP3/iPod/video game player
- Fireworks
- Skateboards
OPTIONAL ITEMS
- Hawaiian style shirt (Luau)
- Camera (waterproof if possible)
- Personal snorkel gear
- Extra money ($100-$125)
- Bonine® (for seasickness)
- (crew photo - $6 per copy)
NOTE
Make sure you can successfully pass the BSA swim test.
Make sure your name is on the crew roster your leader is going to send us.
Don’t forget to bring a photocopy of the front and back of your insurance card.
SHIP’S STORE
Most of the items on the “what to bring list” are carried in our Ship’s Store with the exception of shoes, socks, and sleeping gear. About $100 to $125 is adequate spending money unless you want to buy a lot of souvenirs.
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. The Sea Base programs are PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. 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 frequently lifting your body in and out of the water 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 participants must be in good health evidenced by a BSA Health and Medical Record filled out and signed by you doctor within the past 12 months. A regular medical is not acceptable, nor is another “sports” medical or anything other than a BSA Health and Medical Record. The unique tropical environment has very different requirements from most Scouting and outdoor activities. All participants should note the suggested weight to height guidelines, which are listed in the BSA Health and Medical Record. All programs involve snorkeling and entering and exiting a vessel via ladders rated to only 295 pounds. People weighing 295 pounds or over are not allowed to participate in Sea Base High Adventures. Participants not meeting this requirement will be sent home at their own expense.
MAIL
Parents: Do not send mail. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and 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.