Sea Scouts BSA

The Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) and Sea Scouts BSA recognize Sea Scout Ship 16 Confluence of Colonial Virginia Council as the recipient of the 2019 BoatU.S. and Sea Scouts BSA “National Flagship” Award. BoatUS created the award in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouting. It is presented in recognition of excellence in program quality, youth achievement, and adult commitment. It is because of these attributes, as reflected by the Ship 16 Confluence’s exemplary program of seamanship and youth development, that we honor them with this award.

Ship 16 is chartered by Beech Grove United Methodist Church and led by Boatswain David G and Skipper Michael Kiser. Ship 16 has an extensive and well rounded outdoor program, including long cruise; solid youth leadership; great participation in community service; and was one of the first ships to elect Scouts into the OA.

Last year, 80 percent of scouts advanced in rank. They participated in training to earn certifications in first aid, CPR, lifeguarding, and safe boating. The Ship conducted Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships and a leader completed Seabadge training. One of Ship 16’s scouts was even sworn into the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as part of the new AuxScout MOA.

Their extensive on the water program included weekly sailing during the summer, 11 days of cruising on four separate weekends, and participation in a summer racing series. Ship 16 spent their 10 day summer cruise, along with Ship 37, on the lower Chesapeake Bay. Ports of call included Cape Charles, Onancock, Crisfield, Tangier, Kilmarnock, Urbanna, Deltaville, and Salt Ponds. Three scouts also joined the crew of the USCG Barque Eagle for the 2018 Sea Scout Cruise.

Ship 16 is very active in Colonial Virginia Council where they volunteered at the Klondike Derby, put on a Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta, and participated in service projects with Scouts BSA Troop 16. Outside of their Council, they mentored the newly formed Ship 64 on their first sailing trip. They attended Sea Scout Academy, the Davy Jones Rendezvous, and the Commodore’s Cup. Additionally, Ship 16 scouts served as the Colonial Virginia Council Boatswain and the Southern Region Area 7 Boatswain’s Mate.

Outside of the Scouting community, Ship 16 took part in 12 community service projects throughout the year. The diverse group of projects included two church cleanups, a trunk or treat for kids, a community beautification event, and an Eagle Scout project. It was not all work for the members of Ship 16, they held numerous social events including a Valentine’s Day dinner, Halloween party, and a Holiday lock-in.

With an eye towards the future, Ship 16 recruited seven new Scouts in 2018. Their recruiting program included the National Night Out, a girls sailing event, and a wear your Sea Scout sweatshirt to school day.

You can check out what Ship 16 is up to on their very active Facebook Page.

Ship 16 is joined by the 2019 National Flagship Fleet by:

  • Ship 911 Response, Capitol Area Council, Georgetown, Texas
  • Ship 1701 Enterprise,  Sam Houston Area Council, Houston, Texas
  • Ship 1942 Dragon Lady, National Capital Area Council, Arlington, Virginia
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