The National Sea Scout Committee is pleased to announce Mel Johnson as the lead for Membership Growth and Retention Task Force. Prior to serving on this task force, he was a former Territory Commodore helping grow and retain Ships and Sea Scouts in NST-15. Known for creative solutions to challenges, he founded the annual Commodore’s Cruise, so 30 Sea Scouts from all economic backgrounds can enjoy an 8-day-high adventure long cruise sailing a fleet of eight large keelboats of 30–50 feet. He is an Eagle Scout, Seabadge instructor, and recipient of the Sea Scout Territory Leadership Award.
After serving in various lead membership capacities over the last five years, previous lead Tom Trefny has asked to step back from the lead role. During his time as lead, Sea Scouts experienced normalized membership growth greater than other programs within Scouting America. Tom will serve in a supporting role in the NSSC.
Continuing forward, Growth and Retention will form two Task Force segments to concentrate on each area, respectively. The Retention Task Force will focus on identifying ships approaching renewal and providing resources to further develop them. The Growth Task Force will focus on creating new ships and adding Sea Scouts to the program nationally.
Please join us in congratulating Mel on his new role. We look forward to working with him and the National Growth and Retention Task Force to achieve the goals and values of Sea Scouts across Scouting America.
Later this summer, we will hold a Roundtable that focuses on the Growth and Retention process.
If you would like to be a part of helping this team achieve their mission, please share your interest to meljohnson6040@gmail.com.