History

Sea Scouting traces its beginning to England and Sir Robert Baden-Powell, a British Army Officer and Boy Scout Founder. At a campfire in England, Baden-Powell discussed the possibilities of teaching boat handling and seamanship to older Scouts. With the assistance of his brother, Warington Baden-Powell, K.C., Admiralty Lawyer, accomplished sailor and canoe sailing inventor, Sea Scouting was born in August of 1909.

 

Sea Scouting & Seamanship for Boys

Warington Baden-Powell wrote a book called 'Sea Scouting and Seamanship for Boys'. Sea Scouting evolved over the next few years and in 1911, B-P wrote, "Sea Scouting is not necessarily a scheme for turning out a boy as a ready-made sailor with a view to his going to sea. But rather to teach him, by means which attract him, to be handy, quick and disciplined man, able to look after himself and to help others in danger." During World War I (and also in World War II) English Sea Scouts were attached to Coast Guard Stations around the English coast, where they performed coast-watching duties.

Sea Scouting in America

Warington Baden-Powell's book soon found its way to America. In 1912, Sea Scouting in America was founded. During World War II, thousands of former and active Sea Scouts joined the Navy. In 1959, the BSA formed the Exploring Division for older youth and in 1966 the Sea Exploring program went into effect. The Exploring program went coed in 1971.

Sea Scouting Today

In 1988, the BSA reorganized the Exploring program. Sea Exploring was placed in the new Venturing Division and renamed Sea Scouts.