Sea Scout Planning Resources
Sea Scout events can require a good deal of planning, because it is another step in helping the Scouts become increasingly independent. At each level of the Boy Scouts of America adults move from the front and center of the meetings and activities to the background. In Scouts BSA adults may still plan many elements of trips even though Scouts should be picking activities and destinations. In Venturing and Sea Scouting the adults should play as small of a role as possible as long as this does not cause safety issues. Remember that Scouting can be a “safe place to fail”, so if the Scouts are doing something that might make life a little harder or unpleasant for an afternoon or a weekend let them. After the activity or event is over ask them how they think it went, what could have been better, and what could they change in the plan to avoid that discomfort or hardship next time. Below is a link to the Planning Resources on our Scouts BSA page for some great starting tools.
Program Planning
An annual planning conference is a good idea for any unit. The youth leaders will layout what the program will look like for the year and what they will do. Crew Leaders should have spoken to their Crews prior to the meeting so that they can speak to their Crew’s wishes. Remember, a Crew Leader is the voice for their Crew and should not just speak to their own interests. Although these meetings are held with the youth officers the Skipper and Mates should attend to make sure that the plans are safe and reasonable. It is also a good idea for the Skipper and/or Mates to have spoken to other adult leaders to know what weekends they are available to attend so that you can be confident that you will have the needed amount of adult leaders available.
Quarter Deck meetings are held monthly with the youth leaders of the Ship. The idea for these meetings is to make sure the rest of the month is in good shape and coming together as planned.Each leader should be offered a time to report out on their progress, needs, or concerns. Although these meetings are held for the benefit of the youth leaders and by the Boatswain the Skipper and Mates should attend as well to help guide as needed.
Planning Events and Activities
The Sea Scouting program is for youth ranging in age from 14-20 so it is almost a guarantee that your Ship will have some Scouts that can plan things very independently and others that need much more support. If your Sea Scouts come from a background in Scouts BSA they likely have some experience with planning through; annual planning conferences, Patrol Leaders’ Counsel meetings, or even just menu planning for weekend trips. However, we have to remember that not all Troops are as youth led as we would hope. If a Sea Scout is just joining Scouting for the first time there is a high likelihood that they have not done much planning of this type before. Below are three levels of plans that you could use with your Ship for an activity, each with varying levels of details to best support the needs of your Scouts.
Simple Planning Form
Veteran Scouts and detail minded people may know to take care of the details. They may only need a basic draft of the important parts of the trip. Have them sit down with the Advisor in advance of the trip to go over things and make sure that they have things all planned and taken care of.
Mid-Level Planning Form
Many people need a bit more information than the simple form when they are planning a trip. This form is a step back with more information to make sure that the Scouts have put the thought into it that is needed.
Detailed Planning Form
Maps and Apps
Maps are an important part of any unit plan. However, for Sea Scouts that typically means Nautical Maps. You won’t just be able to stop into most gas stations to get those. Below are a selection off Apps for your smart device, that have nautical maps as well as other tools that may come in handy in your planning and later your journey.
