Sea Explorers pose at the help of a sailing ship
Sea Explorers pose at the help of a sailing ship
Most of us are familiar with the program known as the Boy Scouts of America and can probably conjure up the image of the green-clad boy walking the lady across the street. What we do not generally know is that the Boy Scouting program offers a much more varied program than that... and it's not just for boys!
In addition to the well-known Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Varsity Scouts programs, there is a level for teenagers, called the Venturing (or Exploring) program. Young men and women between the age of 14 (or 13 and finished with the 8th grade) and 21 are eligible to be members in this program option.
Venturing/Exploring has it's focus on different areas of career interest, and it is supported and sponsored by many industries and organizations. Among the many Exploring varieties, there is Medical Exploring, Law Enforcement Exploring, Aeronautics Exploring and Sea Exploring.
Sea Exploring was active in this area in the 1970's and throughout the early 1990's. The active units seemed to shift to the area of Augusta, Ky then, and it more or less faded out in the Northern Ky. area.
Now, a group of former adult leaders have decided to bring the Sea Exploring program back to the area, and progress is underway to prepare for giving youth the opportunity to become involved again.
The program is centered on water activities, but is very diversified in that it also offers something for youth interested in areas of communications, search & Rescue, maintenance and administration just to name a few.
It is also unique in that the adults and youth wear a uniform that is very much like the traditional Navy uniform, and the program is in some ways similar to a naval operations format.
There is some emphasis on discipline, naval custom and courtesies, drill and ceremony, etc. However, there is absolutely n0 facet of the program that relates to combat or warfare. It is supported by the US Navy and the Coast Guard, who hope to attract youth to the possibilities of maritime careers in their futures. Their support is limited to the provision of useful equipment and clothing, and no effort is made to recruit or influence youth toward enlistment or other military service.
The program very much resembles an R.O.T.C. program like those seen in high schools today.
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Copyright © 2002 The Kenton County Observer
Last modified: March 07, 2002