Thank you to all the families that attended the organizational meeting for this trip on Monday evening (August 22).  Registration for this trip has now begun, and note that our maximum crew size for this high adventure opportunity is 20 people, which includes adult leaders.  Registration will take place on a first-come, first-paid basis, with a registration and initial payment deadline of Thursday, September 22. 

• Who:
  • Scouts must have graduated from the eighth grade and at least 14 years old
  • Must swim 100 yards (official BSA swimmer test), and stay afloat for one minute.
  • Minimum 4 adults as certified BSA leaders (max 50% of participants 18 or older)
  • First class rank
  • Crew size of 18 minimum to 20 maximum

• What is a Sea Exploring Adventure
  • Designed for larger groups, offering your crew the opportunity to experience a sailing adventure of yesteryear. These are large vessels, 75 feet or more, normally gaff-rigged topsail schooners, fully equipped and prepared to provide an unforgettable adventure snorkeling the beautiful Keys’ reefs, fishing, and hands-on sailing as well as a port-o-call in Key West.
  • During the weeklong odyssey, you will snorkel several reefs as you sail among the fabulous Florida Keys.  Along the way, you will troll for mackerel, barracuda, and mahi-mahi, hoping to supplement the ship’s stores.
  • Among the highlights of your adventure are sailing to a small archipelago of islands, fishing, snorkeling, and maybe even catching some lobster (in season). If you’re expecting a “cruise” and someone serving your meals, this is not the adventure for you. It is a rugged extended voyage on a large vessel. Everyone pitches in with the sailing and cooking chores. You’ll do on-board navigation, star study, and lots of snorkeling and fishing—but you won’t be waited on.

• When:
  • Sunday, June 25 to July 2, 2017; eight days & seven nights
  • Troop 24 has made a $100 deposit for a group of 18. Per person deposit of $415 ($7,475 total) due on October 1. Balance due in early spring 2017.  The initial payment is due to Troop 24 by Thursday, September 22.  We ask that families make checks to troop 24 for the $415 by this date, and Troop 24 will remit a single payment to Seabase.  Scouts can apply popcorn credits to cover the cost of this event.
• Where:
  • Islamorada Florida, mile marker 73.8 in the Florida Keys 90 miles from Miami Airport
  • Seabase Website: http://www.bsaseabase.org/Adventures.aspx
• How: 
  • Fly from Chicago airport (TBD) early morning, connect with local charter bus to the Sea Base
  • Return from Seabase to Miami on bus, then fly to Chicago for evening arrival.
• Cost Estimates:
• Sundry is an estimate to cover meals in transit, commemorative item (t-shirts, sun hat, patch, etc.)
• Ground transport is group charter bus to/from Miami airport to Islamorada
• Excludes spending money for on-site camp store, etc.
• Does not include airfare to / from Chicago, but Expedia shows the following (as of 8/22):
  • $284 base fare direct from ORD to MIA on United for a 7:30am departure
  • $258 base fare direct from ORD to FLL on United for a 7:50am departure
  • Note – Southwest can currently only book into April 2017

Questions? – email Jim Jerz: jiminov AT hotmail DOT com.

Click here for scout registration.  Click here for adult registration