Scouting is fun, and quite often, really silly. The Sea Scouts in Ship 502 of Houston, Texas, embrace the silliness.
One of the ship’s favorite activities is a quarterly cooking competition they’ve nicknamed “Charred,” in memory of a burned quesadilla from a previous outing. Each contest brings with it its own culinary adventures.
“Watching the kids try to figure out how to peel and cook a jicama was a real highlight for me,” says ship committee member Cynthia Swenceski. “Tasting their creations was somewhat perilous, however.”
That good-humored fun attracts youth into the program. The Sea Scouts often recruit their friends and siblings to join. Not only does the ship cook, but they support Cub Scouts at events, teach sailing to Scouts BSA members, volunteer at fishing derbies, conduct service projects and go sailing in nearby lakes and bays.
Because of its exceptional program, Ship 502 (also known as the SSS Invincible) has been named the 2024-25 BoatUS National Sea Scout Flagship. The ship was last named the national flagship in 2002, making it one of a few ships to receive the honor multiple times dating back to 1929.
Youth-led, adult-directed
Ship 502 Skipper Andrew Houghton has seen the Sea Scouts take charge of their ship, planning activities, working on their boat and putting their training into action on the water. Many are also active in other Scouting America programs, with some earning the Eagle Scout Award in Scouts BSA. Around ¾ of the ship’s members are involved in Order of the Arrow.
“Our youth have staffed National Youth Leadership Training, staffed camp and are leaders in Order of the Arrow,” says committee chairman Cassie Johnson. “They excel in competition, and they are generous with their time for service.”
The adult leaders step into an advisory role, Houghton says, guiding the Sea Scouts through their adventures and making sure they stay safe. When the Sea Scouts begin to lead their program, that’s when they grow.
“Seeing youth go from a skeptical position to one where they’re confident and enjoying what they’re doing, that’s what gives me satisfaction,” Houghton says. “The program is determined by the youth. I think we should be giving them an environment where they can see themselves safe, but in control.”
Sea Scouts is Scouting America’s on-the-water, high-adventure program for young people ages 14-20. You don’t have to live near the coast to be a Sea Scout; you just have to love the water.
Swenceski, who joined Ship 502 in the 1990s, was the unit’s first to earn the Quartermaster rank, Sea Scouting’s highest honor. Her son is in the ship now and she sees similarities of how adults interacted with youth then and today.
She remembers how she messed up a docking procedure once as a youth, which sent the Skipper overboard. She was afraid of the repercussions for her mistake, but the Skipper (equivalent to a Scoutmaster in Scouts BSA) had a different reaction.
“Skipper climbed back on board, put his broken sunglasses on his face, gave me a very soggy hug and told me to try again,” Swenceski says. “An enormous amount of grace was extended to me on that day and countless other days as well.
“We have a different Skipper now, but that grace is still on offer to all of our youth, and they are also encouraged to try again when things don’t go exactly as planned. It’s just a great and supportive place to be.”
Learning life skills
Yes, Sea Scouting teaches youth many boating skills. Ship 502 has participated in stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating and sailing. It’s a lot of fun, and even when they’re training, the Sea Scouts are having fun and learning – not only skills, but how to interact with each other.
“They’re learning from the other youth; I think that’s superb,” Houghton says. “They’re picking up from each other. When they’re playing, that’s when they’re learning.”
To get on the water requires more than boating know-how; you must develop leadership skills and know what to do in emergencies. That’s when trust is vital.
“We’re not on a playground then; you have to take things seriously and know what you’re doing,” Houghton says. “I think youth rise to the responsibility. The training the youth get in the program comes to play.”
If your youth is interested in getting involved in Sea Scouting, you can find units all over the country or start one yourself.
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