Boy Scout Troop 125B Attended Sea Base High Adventure Camp!

High Adventure was the theme for February at Boy Scouts Troop 125, located in Commack. The theme emphasizes high adventure activities and camps, including Sea Base in the Florida Keys, Bahamas, and US Virgin Islands, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, and Northern Tier in Minnesota and Ontario.

Over winter recess, a crew of 6 scouts and 2 adult leaders from Troop 125 attended a High Adventure camp at Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

Sea Base programs are designed to achieve the principal aims of Scouting America:

• To build character
• To foster citizenship
• To develop physical, mental and emotional fitness

The participants were able to get a firsthand look at how the different ecosystems of the Florida Keys work together to create the beauty that surrounds them.

The first day was check-in, where the crew met their guide and got acclimated to their living quarters. During the whole expedition they bunked in air-conditioned barracks, going out daily for adventures and returning back for a good night’s sleep.

On the second day, the crew performed community service by participating in “Reef Relief” during a 1.1-mile hike on the Golden Orb Trail. The scouts and adult leaders removed over 600 pounds of trash that had washed into the fragile Florida Keys mangrove ecosystem. Next, they cooked their own lunch and then headed out for an afternoon of kayaking through the mangrove forest learning about the flora and fauna of the ecosystem.

Day 3 consisted of fishing off one of Sea Base’s 28’ fishing vessels. They learned about backcountry fishing and then headed out to the reefs to try and catch their dinner. Unfortunately, all the fish they caught were either too small or out of season and had to be released. At various times the boys were permitted to drive the boat in open waters.

On Days 4 and 5 the crew headed out to multiple snorkeling sites on one of Sea Base’s dive ships. The depth of the water at the sites varied from 5 to 35 ft deep. They were able to view various species of marine life including nurse sharks, eels, parrot fish, barracuda, grouper, grunts and yellow tail snapper. One of the snorkeling sessions took place at night with glow sticks and waterproof flashlights. Some of the boys were in awe on the ride back, looking up at the stars in the middle of the ocean, with not even a hint of light pollution.

On Day 6, the crew packed up and returned home with lifelong memories and many stories to tell.

Scouting offers a unique opportunity for youth participants to learn life skills, understand the importance of community, and form lifelong bonds with fellow scouts.

Any child (boys and girls) from the 6th grade up can join Boy Scouts, regardless of prior experience. If your child may be interested or if you would like more information about scouting, please contact me at: mamisano@optonline.net.

Although Troop 125B is a boys' troop, I can provide contact information for girls’ troops in the area.