Madison Scouts Head South For High Adventure Sea Base Program

This story was reported and written by Cathy Marsh: 

Six Scouts from Madison Troop 491 attended the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base program in Islamorada, FL in the Florida Keys in June. They were Trenton Thomas, Eric Marsh, Joe Milner, Joe Barber, Patrick Nichols and Sam Rotundi.  Rounding out the crew were Scoutmaster Rock Marsh and Mr. John Milner.

This unique Scouting program had the Scouts living aboard a 47 foot ketch which sailed and anchored around a number of the most beautiful coral reefs in the northern hemisphere.  During the week they learned about cooking, navigation, sailing, fishing and snorkeling while improving teamwork skills.  While snorkeling they took photos and video or barracudas, stingrays, turtles and dolphins.

Sea Base, which is over 30 years old now,  is one of the three BSA High Adventure Programs which includes the Philmont Scout Ranch in northern New Mexico and the Northern Tier High Adventure Base in Ely, Minnesota. This  complete aquatic facility offers a complete variety of water activities from scuba diving to sailing "Tall Ships".