Sea Base 2023 Prep - Troop 86

2023 Sea Base Preparations

Troop 86 is heading to Sea Base the Summer of 2023! This page provides an overview of the recommended preparation steps for those attending.

Overview

Along with our annual Summer Camp trips, our high-adventure outings are some of the most enjoyable and memorable events our Scouts will attend. We generally try to go attend a high-adventure event every 2 years or so. For the Summer of 2023, we are registered for the Out-Island Adventure expedition at Sea Base in the Florida Keys.

One of the keys to a successful high-adventure trip is preparation. The BSA provides a lot of great information about Sea Base…so much so that it is almost overwhelming. This page attempts to highlight the key items that our Scouts and attending adult leaders need to know while preparing for the trip. It also highlights things that our troop has learned from our previous trip to Sea Base in 2018.

There is still a LOT to read through on this page, but you are strongly encouraged to go through all of this. Scouts… Don’t rely on your parents to read this for you. READ IT YOURSELF. You are the one going on the trip!

External Resources

Below are some additional resources that will help you as you prepare for this exciting adventure.

Most of the info on this page originated from the Sea Base Participant Guide published on the Sea Base site. Attendees are strongly encouraged to read through the full Sea Base Participant Guide in order to be prepared for our upcoming adventure.

Contents

Sea Base Requirements

  • 13 years old by the first day of arrival
  • Completed the BSA swim test as a “Swimmer”
    • A “swim review” will be conducted after arrival to show that you can swim in a “strong manner”
    • This is essentially the same as the swim test but it does not count as the swim test
  • Ability to climb a 6 ft ladder (unassisted) in inclement weather from the water onto a rocking vessel
  • Ability to lift oneself into a canoe from the water
  • Self-rescue if found overboard in inclement weather
  • Complete the Sea Base BSA Health Form (All parts – Doctor’s signature required)
  • Cannot exceed 295 lbs
  • Pre-event medical screening checklist (COVID screening)

Additional Requirements for Adults

In addition to the requirements listed above (that apply to all participants), adult participants have the following additional requirements. Please note that an adult participant is anyone over the age of 18.

Required online training for all adult participants

All of the adults attending Sea Base must have up-to-date training for the classes listed below. All of these classes are available on the My Scouting website. After logging in, use the menu to go to the “My Training” section. From there you should be able to find these classes. If you have already taken one or more of these classes and it has not expired, the site will indicate that you are up-to-date. In that case, you do not need to retake the class.

  • BSA Youth Protection Training 
  • BSA Safety Afloat Training
  • BSA Safe Swim Defense Training
  • BSA Hazardous Weather Training

Required training for at least one adult per crew

At least one adult from each crew must have up-to-date training on the classes listed below. There are various offerings for each of these, but they all require at least some in-person class time. Be sure to read the instructions carefully to make sure you complete them as instructed.

To avoid issues if we are forced to make any last-minute roster changes, it is recommended that ALL adults participating in Sea Base complete these training classes.

While not required, Scouts are encouraged to take these as well. (When we went to Sea Base in 2018, all of the Scouts completed their CPR/AED certification.)

  • CPR/AED Certification
    • If you already have your certification, you do not need to retake the class.
    • The council is offering these classes as “blended” training classes, meaning you take a portion of the class online and then complete the rest in person. You can find the current offerings on the training site.
    • The Collinsville Fire Dept. offers CPR/AED training on Wednesday nights. You can use this as an alternative to the BSA training class.
    • Regardless of where you take the class, be sure to keep your certification card/info because you need to have it before attending the Wilderness First Aid class, and we need to include it in our Sea Base packet.
  • Wilderness First Aid
    • The council is offering these classes as a “blended” training class, similar to the CPR/AED class listed above.
    • You can find the current offerings on the training site.
    • These classes are filling up fast! Claim your spot as soon as you can. You can also put your name on the waiting list for one or more of the classes that are currently full.
    • The online portion of the class can take up to 8 hours to complete, and it needs to be done at least a week before the in-person class, so plan accordingly.
    • As with the CPR/AED class, be sure to keep your certification (or ensure that it is recorded online), as we will need to include it in our Sea Base packet.

General Sea Base Policies and Procedures

The following are the general policies and procedures for all Sea Base expeditions. (Not just the out-island adventure.) Most of these apply to all BSA events, so there shouldn’t be any surprises here, aside from some items that specifically apply to Sea Base.

In short… Everyone needs to remember that they are representing their troop, charter organization, and all Scouts as a whole.

  • The Buddy System must be followed, especially while in the water
  • Adherence to the Scout Oath, Law, and Outdoor Code is required at all times
  • No alcoholic beverages or illegal substances
  • No smoking, vaping, or smokeless tobacco
  • Use Scout-appropriate language at all times
  • Arrive in Class A uniform
  • Attire must not promote illegal drugs, alcohol, violence, sexual activity, racism, sexism, or bigotry.
  • Modest swim attire
  • Footwear is required at all times
  • No open swimming
  • UNPLUG – This is similar to all of our troop outings
    • Do not take phones to Big Munson island
    • Limit phone usage on base
    • Electronic usage is OK during travel
  • All electronic usage must be Scout-appropriate
  • Don’t take anything that cannot be lost or damaged.
  • No bullying, hazing, fighting, play fighting, wrestling, etc.
  • Plan to shower after returning from Big Munson
  • Collect all litter
  • Take only memories – Leave only bubbles
  • Attendees cannot touch, harass, or harm wildlife
  • Take special care at coral reefs

What Is the Out-Island Adventure?

From the participant guide…

The Out Island Adventure is a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to live on a rugged barrier island. You begin your adventure by paddling roughly 6 miles out to Big Munson, an island only inhabited by Scouts. During your stay you have opportunities to fish for your dinner, fish for sharks, snorkel, kayak through a mangrove lagoon and around the island, explore the island, and work on your survival skills. Please note that activities are dictated by weather, tides and the ability of the crew. Your activity plan can vary, sometimes widely, due to these factors.

Your adventure includes 4 nights, 5 days camping on Big Munson Island. Big Munson Island is a barrier island comprised of hardwood hammocks, low mangrove swamps and sandy beaches. Your crew will wade to shore from our vessels and, depending on the tide, the water may be knee high to chest deep. Your campsite will already be set up, including four-person tents to house up to two participants each. All cooking equipment needed for your stay is provided.

Your crew will be staying in air-conditioned dormitories on the first and last night of your Out Island Adventure. The dormitories contain bunk beds with twin-size mattresses. The dormitories are divided into three sections; one section is for adult participants and two sections are for youth participants. Each dormitory sleeps three crews. Linens are not provided. Shower and laundry facilities are available at the Brinton Center, not on primitive Big Munson Island. Your crew will be staying in tents on Big Munson Island for the other 4 nights, 5 days of your adventure.

A Few Important Notes

Primitive Island: There is no power, water, or any “modern” facilities/utilities on the island. Everything that is needed has to be brought to the island, and gets there in one of the following ways:

  1. Some items remain on the island throughout the year and are reused by the crews participating in the program
  2. Items that need to be replenished (food/water) are brought to the island by the staff
  3. Personal items are transported with the crews as they head out to the island.

Meals: Chuckboxes are provided at each crew’s site. These include everything needed in order to prepare meals. Crews do not have to plan meals or transport food to the island, but crews will make all of their meals at their site.

Gear Going to the Island: Each participant will be issued a 50-liter 24″ x 12″ dry bag. Everything you bring to the island must fit into this bag. The only exceptions are your sleeping pad (if you bring one) which can be placed in a clear bag and will be transported to the island by the staff, and snorkeling gear which will be placed into a mesh bag, provided by Sea Base. While this doesn’t sound like much space, you likely will not have any problems fitting everything into the bag. You don’t need to bring much, and what you bring won’t take up much room.

Other Gear: Everything NOT brought to the island will be stored in the crew’s 4′ x 4′ x 4′ storage compartment. Each crew only gets one compartment, so please keep this in mind when packing and choosing the luggage you will use during our trip. Only bring what you need!

Crews: Our group will be split into 2 separate crews. Crews are youth-led. A crew leader will be identified for each crew, who will be responsible for making assignments, ensuring everything that needs to be done is done, and general coordination of the crew. (This includes coordination of both the youth and adults). Both of our crews will do most things together. While the crews will occasionally separate for specific tasks, those situations are rare. Both crews will follow the same schedule. Bottom line… Don’t worry too much about which crew you end up in. We will all be together.

Schedule: Below is a general schedule, taken from the participant guide. As stated, the schedule may be adjusted as needed, but this will give you a general feel for what will be done each day.

2023 Sea Base Schedule - Troop 86

Additional Awards

During our adventure, the crews will have the opportunity to earn the following awards:

  • Scout Center for Excellence of Nature and Environment (SCENE)
  • Duty to God
  • Snorkeling
  • Kayaking
  • Castaway Club

The Sea Base staff will help us with these. However, it would be helpful if one of the adult leaders would take the “lead” on this to make sure everyone completes all of the requirements.

Ways to Start Preparing for the Trip

Preparing for Sea Base can seem overwhelming. However, a little planning and preparation make a huge difference. Here are some of the things you can do now to get ready for your trip.

  • Read the Sea Base Participant Guide
  • Research the Out Island Adventure online (There are a lot of helpful YouTube videos)
  • Start collecting/purchasing the items you plan to bring
  • Complete all required training
  • Complete your BSA Sea Base Health Form
  • Get your Florida Fishing License

Please note that the Health Form for Sea Base is different from the normal form used for week-long events. That said, the information that needs to be collected is essentially the same.

All participants 16 years and older must purchase a Florida Fishing License. This can be completed online using the link above. When you purchase the license, choose:

  • A 3-day saltwater fishing license
  • The first day of the license should be July 10 (the 3rd day of our adventure)

Below are some other ways in which you can prepare for the trip. While all of these are helpful, those who are competent swimmers and have canoed or kayaked before will likely not have any issues.

  • Consider swim lessons or practice swimming
  • Practice with a snorkel and mask
  • Practice paddle crafts
  • Build your upper-body strength (Needed when lifting yourself onto a dock, kayak, or canoe from the water)

What To Bring

As mentioned above, while you want to make sure you are bringing all of the essential items, it’s important to not OVER pack. Space is somewhat limited, so just keep that in mind while you are packing. Also… The Brinton Center has a “Ship Store”. As you might guess, they are very good about stocking just about anything you may have forgotten. Don’t rely on it. Just know that there is a backup.

Also, please keep in mind that all recommendations in the participant guide are specific to the Sea Base event. It does not take into account anything extra you will need for traveling the day before, and for the trip home.

Provided by Sea Base

  • Meals
  • Dry bag for packing gear that will go to the island
  • Fins, FPD, and snorkel/masK mesh bag (excludes the mask and snorkel)
  • Fishing equipment
  • Tents for use on the island
  • Just about everything aside from personal/crew items

Personal Items To Bring

The following is a listing of the required items from the participant guide. Extra notes based on our previous excursion are provided in italics. Remember that we will be in Florida in July. It’s likely gonna be hot!

  • Wide-brimmed hat with strap
  • 16oz +45 biodegradable sunscreen (Non-aerosol / Reef safe)
  • Mosquito repellent (Non-aerosol)
  • Oil-based skin product for no-see-ums repellent (Skin-So-Soft)
  • Polarized sunglasses with strap
    • Consider bringing a backup pair in case you lose them
  • 2 wide-mouth water bottles with carabiner
  • 2 UPF +30 long-sleeve shirts
    • You may want to bring an extra – These don’t take up much space
    • We plan to order Sea Base Troop shirts – You can use it for one of your shirts
  • Neck gaiter / Buff (for sun and bug protection)
  • 2 pairs of shorts (1 for swimming and 1 for on dry land)
    • In the past, they categorized these as your “swim shorts” and your “wet shorts”
    • Ensure all our quick-dry
    • You can either use quick-dry shorts or swim trunks for your swimming pair
    • Consider compression shorts to wear underneath to reduce chafing
  • A light pair of pants / zip-off trek pants
    • Again…something that will dry fast
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • Extra clothes for while we travel
  • Teva or Chaco-style sandals
  • Walking shoes (Can be open-toed)
  • Water shoes/dive booties
    • Recommend dive booties over water shoes
    • Must be closed-toed and hard-soled
    • “Old” street shoes are not recommended as they will retain water
  • Conch Luau shirt (for the evening when we return to the Brinton Center)
  • Light rain jacket
  • Sleep cover or sleeping bag insert
    • Basically whatever you want while sleeping
  • Small pillow
    • The small inflatable camping pillows work well
  • 1 regular towel (For showering at the Brinton Center)
  • 1 large microfiber sham or camp towel
    • Handy while on the island
  • Toiletry kit
    • Include items you will need while we travel
    • Consider bringing powder or a glide stick to help with chafing
  • Flashlight/headlamp
    • Preferably one with a red light
    • Don’t forget extra batteries
  • Any required prescription medications
    • Scouts, please inform the adult leaders as to what you have brought
  • Spending money
    • Sea Base recommends $150-$200 – Most likely usage would be at the “Ship Store”
    • There is obviously no need for any money while on the island
    • Please also consider what you will need during travel before and after the actual Sea Base event
  • Mask & Snorkel
    • If needed, you can purchase these at the “Ship Store“
    • Note that full face masks/snorkels are NOT allowed at Sea Base
    • Sea Base provides fins, PFDs, and a mesh bag to carry these items
  • Linens (or something similar) to use while we stay overnight at the bunkers
    • The bunkers will only have mattresses on the bunk beds
  • Class A Scout Shirt
    • We will wear these during travel, on the flight down and during the shuttle to the Brinton Center
    • We will likely wear our troop quick-dry shirts on the way home

Optional Personal Items

  • Hammock
    • You can use this during downtime or for sleeping at night instead of staying in a tent
    • There were plenty of objects to tie these onto the last time we went there. It might not hurt to include extra straps/rope in case it is needed.
  • Coffee mug
    • The chuckboxes include coffee and a coffee pot
  • Waterproof camera
    • Remember that there is no power on the island – Bring extra batteries and/or a battery pack
  • Sleeping pad
    • They consider this to be an optional item, but keep in mind that there are no cots in the Sea Base tents. If you do not bring one, you will be laying directly on the ground.
    • This can be placed in a clear plastic bag for transport to the island (It does not have to fit into the dry bag)
  • One or two single-use laundry detergent packages
    • The Brinton Center has a number of washers and dryers for use after we return from the island. Most people use these to clean their clothes that were taken to the island. They won’t “recover”, but the smell will be more tolerable. The Ship Store usually has these, so it’s fine if you just want to plan on buying them at the store.

What NOT To Bring

  • Electronics
    • You are welcome to bring a phone for usage while we travel
    • Everyone is encouraged to UNPLUG as much as possible
  • Firearms
  • Fireworks
  • Aerosol sunscreen or bug repellent
  • Chairs
  • Fishing gear
  • Mess kit
  • Anything valuable
  • Full face mask/snorkels

Troop/Crew Items

These are some of the things we’ll need to have for each crew.

  • Combination lock (For the storage compartment used while we are on the island – 1 per crew)
  • First-aid kit (1 per crew)
  • All required paperwork
    • Health forms
    • Adult training certificates
    • Pre-event medical screening checklist
    • Fishing licenses
    • Swim test form
    • A 2nd copy of everything will be left with someone at home that can be reached during check-in
  • Extra unit numbers (To post on the wall)
  • Each crew should be prepared to do a song/skit on the last night

General Schedule

This is the general schedule followed in 2018. The current plans are do to something similar this time.

  • Fly to Fr. Lauderdale on July 7
  • Stay in Fr. Lauderdale at a hotel overnight
  • Take a shuttle to the Brinton Center on July 8
  • Sea Base Out-Island Adventure (July 8-14)
  • Depart the Brinton Center by 10 AM on July 14 for the airport and return to St. Louis that day

Cost Estimates

We are estimating that costs will be around $2,300 per person.

The total cost will vary based on:

  • How full each crew is (8 person max)
  • Travel expenses

Please keep in mind that, until the above are finalized, the cost amount about is an estimate.

We will split the costs across all attendees.

Please keep in mind that we will need several meals outside of the Sea Base window while we travel.