The National Quarterdeck’s first trimester report for June–September 2026 shares its vision for the year, priorities for strengthening Sea Scouting, program opportunities, and a welcome to new ships joining the fleet.
A vision for 2026–2027
The National Quarterdeck aims to grow, strengthen, and promote Sea Scouting by building stronger communication, expanding awareness and use of digital platforms, strengthening community involvement, and developing a network of dedicated program helpers.
Four goals guide this work:
- Grow communication: Deliver national and CST newsletters on alternating months, supported by organized shared resources. Skippers are encouraged to share newsletters with their youth and contribute news of their own activities.
- Expand digital platform awareness: Target 5% growth in social media engagement, with two to three posts each week and a TikTok presence to increase visibility among youth.
- Strengthen community and involvement: Help CST Support Leads maintain regular communication with ships through Instagram and online updates.
- Build program helpers: Share successful ship and council activities through a website activity resource that other ships can use.
National Virtual Sea Scout Academy
The National Virtual Sea Scout Academy brings Sea Scouts and Scouters together on Zoom for advancement instruction across the Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster tracks, along with information about opportunities in Sea Scouting.
Following the September 19–20 sessions, the report lists January 9–10, 2027, and tentatively April 10–11, 2027. Each evening begins at 5 p.m. Pacific / 6 p.m. Mountain / 7 p.m. Central / 8 p.m. Eastern.
View academy registration and details. The report notes that registration for the September session also registers participants for the remaining sessions. Use the email address where you want to receive Zoom invitations.
National Jamboree reflections
In the report, National Boatswain Lily Escobar shares the Quarterdeck’s enthusiasm for the fellowship, adventure, and conversations at the National Jamboree. Quarterdeck members contributed through the Sea Scout booth, media, shows, emergency management, and other staff and participant roles.
Prepare for the 2027 National Flagship competition
Ships are encouraged to document their 2026 program and accomplishments in preparation for the annual National Flagship competition. The submission window opens December 1, 2026, and closes January 31, 2027.
Review the National Flagship application information, including the Council Approval Form, Ship Performance Criteria, and application instructions.
Program dates highlighted in the report
- October 27, 2026: Coast Guard Tech Talk, 8–9 p.m. as listed in the report.
- November 13–15, 2026: Beaufort Pirate Invasion, Beaufort, North Carolina.
- November 17, 2026: Coast Guard Tech Talk, 8–9 p.m. as listed in the report.
- December 4–6, 2026: University of Scouting at Purdue University.
- December 29, 2026–January 5, 2027: Camp Majini Sea Scout Camp, Sagana, Kenya.
Consult event organizers for current details, including time zones and registration requirements.
Make SeaScout.org your first stop
The report encourages youth and adult leaders to use SeaScout.org as the central resource library for advancement, training, ship management, activities, leadership, safety, and program development. Scout Resources and the Program Toolbox bring together Sea Scouting information and ideas that ships can share and put to work.
Connect with the National Quarterdeck
Meet the 2026–2027 National Quarterdeck
- National Boatswain Lily Escobar
- CST 1 & 3 — Tristan Gordash
- CST 4 & 5 — Keith Turner
- CST 6 & 9 — Henry Cochran
- CST 7 & 8 — Shrey Satish
- CST 10, 12 & 13 — Xen Vitucci
- CST 14, 15 & 16 — Dominic Willis
Welcome to new members of the fleet
Please join the National Quarterdeck in welcoming these ships recognized in the report:
- Ships 598 and 6020 — Crossroads of the West Council
- Ships 4970 and 7250 — Greater Alabama Council
- Ship 811 — Black Warrior Council
- Ship 643 — Cascade Pacific Council
- Ship 2485 — Far East Council
- Ship 5125 — Hawk Mountain Council
- Ship 51 — Greater Yosemite Council
- Ship 1961 — Gulf Coast Council
- Ship 518 — Northern Star Council
- Ship 7108 — Alamo Area Council
- Ship 2908 — Central North Carolina Council
- Ship 3065 — Garden State Council
- Ship 573 — Central Georgia Council
- Ship 8047 — W. D. Boyce Council
Adapted from the National Quarterdeck Trimester 1 Report, June–September 2026, distributed in the Sea Scout Newsletter on October 8, 2026.
