Summer Cruise Opportunities
The National Sea Scout Service Committee recognizes that summer cruises are crucial to the program of a ship and the advancement of each Sea Scout, so they encourage every ship to take at least one long cruise a year in addition to getting on the water at least once a month. The Summer Cruise Task Force has identified opportunities around the country that will allow Sea Scouts to get on the water this summer. If your ship doesn’t have a boat that is a suitable size for your summer cruise, you want to go on a unique cruise, or you need to send just one or two Sea Scouts on a cruise because of timing conflicts, consider some of these provisional options.
Currently Scheduled Cruises with Openings
Cruise aboard the USCG Barque Eagle
Do you want the adventure of a lifetime? Apply to sail aboard the tall ship US Coast Guard Cutter Eagle! The Eagle is a three-masted barque-rigged ship used to train Coast Guard cadets and officer candidates yearly during the spring and summer months. The Germans built The Eagle in 1936 and it was a war reparation by the U.S. after World War II. Since then, the Eagle has been home ported in New London, Connecticut, the location of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
They administer this program through the Coast Guard Auxiliary as part of their youth program. Based on available berthing space, billets are obtained from the Eagle leadership for select Sea Scouts to join as crew aboard the Eagle during the last portion of the summer cadet cruises. This opportunity is available to all Sea Scouts who desire fun, adventure, and a summer cruise to remember—you don’t want to miss this chance. Sailing on Eagle counts toward Long Cruise as well! Using the application linked below, Sea Scouts must apply by March 31st each year to be considered for this exciting and rewarding program.
SEAL Training
SEAL, or Sea Scout Advanced Leadership training, is a week long “at sea” experience that allows a Sea Scout to learn and apply new skills immediately. The SEAL program is designed to teach leadership skills while underway. SEAL is meant to “jump start” the junior leaders of new Ships and to fine tune leaders of experienced ships. It is a physically and mentally demanding, and remarkably rewarding hands-on leadership experience. New and experienced Sea Scouts will succeed at SEAL so long as they are willing to learn and work hard at preparation. Learn more and find a course at seascout.org/seal.
