Frequently Asked Question
WHO CAN JOIN?
Boys and girls that are 13 and completed 8th grade, or are 14 years old. Youth can be members until they turn 21.
If you are already registered in the BSA (like in a Scouts, BSA Troop or Venturing Crew), you only pay the ship dues.
WHAT IS THE COST?
National membership in the BSA is $72/year. Insurance in the Sam Houston Area Council is $4/year. Annual Dues to the Ship is $124/year. A one-time $25 joining fee will also be assessed as part of the National membership fee for any new program participants (this does not apply to participants previously registered in any BSA program).
The majority of the Ship's expenses are funded through fundraising activities. The Ship holds two major fundraisers throughout the year - the 4th of July Brisket Fundraiser helps fund the maintenance and associated expenses of our fleet of boats; the end of year Holiday Brisket Fundraiser helps fund participation in activities throughout the year (events like Summer Long Cruise, weekend camp-outs, etc). The Ship will also hold smaller fundraisers throughout the year, at the discretion of the Quarterdeck.
WHAT IS THE QUARTERDECK?
Ship 1701 Enterprise is a youth-led Ship. The Quarterdeck is comprised of youth officers who are elected by their peers at elections held twice per year, with terms running from January 1 - June 30 and July 1-December 31. The responsibilities of the Quarterdeck, led by the Boatswain, include planning the annual calendar, planning and executing meetings and events, and coordinating with adult leadership to ensure adequate resources. The Ship holds a training course on leadership (Introduction to Leadership Skills for Sea Scouts - ILSS) a minimum of once per year, and Quarterdeck training twice per year.
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SAIL?
No! All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to learn.
DO I NEED TO KNOW HOW TO SWIM?
In order to fully participate in the program, you will need to be able to pass the BSA Swimmer test :
Jump feet first into water over the head in depth. Level off and swim 75 yards in a strong manner using one or more of the following strokes: side-stroke, breaststroke, trudgen, or crawl; then swim 25 yards using an easy, resting backstroke. The 100 yards must be completed in one swim without stops and must include at least one sharp turn. After completing the swim, rest by floating.
WHAT KIND OF BOATS DO YOU HAVE?
The Ship currently uses a mix of small sailboats, ranging from Sunfish and Lasers to Vanguard 15's. We also have two motor-boats, which are typically deployed as chase boats. Our primary large sailing vessel is a 45' Morgan 45 CC.
SO I SAW THIS STORY ON THE NEWS.....
Ship 1701 Enterprise's Adult leaders are all Volunteers, and as such are not equipped to comment on anything you may have seen or heard on the news. In order to be registered with any unit within BSA, an adult must consent to a background check and take the Youth Protection Training (YPT) course, in addition to Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, and Weather Hazards training. More information on the official BSA policies around safety can be found in the Guide to Safe Scouting.
CAN I CONTINUE TO ADVANCE TOWARDS EAGLE SCOUT AS PART OF THE SEA SCOUTS?
YES! Scouts registered in Scouts BSA who are First Class and above can continue to advance towards the rank of Eagle Scout by earning merit badges, doing service, and demonstrating leadership in the Ship until their 18th birthday.
CAN I BE IN BOTH A SEA SCOUT SHIP AND A SCOUTS, BSA TROOP OR VENTURE CREW?
YES! Being in a Troop does not prevent you from joining a Ship - many of our Sea Scouts are dual- or tri-registered with other programs under the BSA umbrella.
DO I NEED TO BUY ANY SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?
NO. Some members may wish to purchase their own personal flotation devices (i.e. life-jackets) based upon personal preferences. Deck shoes or shoes with non-marking soles must be worn on board our boats.