To the Scouts and Adults of Troop 90,

As we discussed at our last meeting, I will be taking sign ups for a Sea Base adventure during Spring Break of 2011 at our next meeting. In order to get a spot for this high adventure program, we need to apply during their open lottery which starts on Jan. 15 and continues to Feb. 15th. It is based on a first come first serve basis and slots fill up fast.

Sea Base is a High Adventure BSA facility in the Florida Keys which offers Sailing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing, Swimming, Kayaking, and more.

The program works as such:

- Crews of 6 to 8 members – which would include at least 2 adults per crew. (6 scouts + 2 adults per crew is the average)
- Many options for the type of adventure – there are 8 different adventures in all but T90 is limiting it to the adventures listed below.
- You must be 14 years of age by Sept. of the year you are attending and 1st Class rank. For example – if you are going in April of 2011, you must be 14 by Sept. 1st of 2011.
- You must be physically fit and be able to pass the BSA swim test. If you cannot pass the swim test you will be sent home at your expense.
- It is recommended you meet the height to weight requirements as per their High Adventure Medical form….which basically is the same as the new BSA medical forms. Anyone over 300 lbs cannot attend.
- This program is all water based and you spend a lot of time in the open ocean. You need to be a strong swimmer.
- You will be required to pass the BSA snorkeling test…..not a hard test, you just need to pay attention.
- This program is not a luxury adventure…………. But you will have a lot of fun.
- The fee is roughly $750 for Sea Base plus travel expenses. I estimate around $1300 per person……maybe a little more or less depending on airline and shuttle prices.

The two (2) adventures Troop 90 is considering are the Coral Reef Sailing Program and the Out Island Adventure.

- The Sailing program consists of spending a week on a 45 ft sailboat- sailing, fishing, cooking, snorkeling, swimming, etc. Let me explain that the sailboat sounds big - but gets real small with 8 crew members on it for a week ? Been there – done that – had a blast.
- The Out Island adventure consists of the same except you live on an island for the week in a tent. To get to the island you first have to kayak 5 miles through the ocean to get there and do the same to get home after your week on the island. I haven’t tried this one yet – but sounds like a blast.
- Another plus (that shouldn’t bother the scouts) is that showers are very minimal. You will only get to shower when on land at Sea Base proper. Maybe two for the whole week ?

More info on the Adventures can be found here: http://www.bsaseabase.org/Adventure.aspx

Depending on the adult support, we can register one, two, or maybe three Crews. This will all depend on adult sign ups and scout sign ups. After we get the rosters in we can decide what to do from there. Moms or Dads are welcome to participate but must be BSA registered adult leaders with BSA Youth Protection training by January of 2011.

What to do now:

- Discuss this with your parents first. This is an expensive and physically demanding trip that requires a lot of commitment.
- If you get permission to attend, sign up at our next meeting (Jan. 4th, 2010) and indicate your preference- Coral Reef Sailing or the Out Island Adventure. There will be sign up sheets at the meeting.
- The last day you can sign up will be Jan. 11th 2010.
- Once you are signed up you are committed to go – along with all the fees and payment schedule.

Please note that the trip is dependant on the number of scouts and adults attending. We may run both adventures or just one. Depending on the sign ups – the majority will rule on which trip we do – the Coral Reef Sailing or the Out Island Adventure.

Mr. Z