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| Florida Keys Adventure | |
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"We just got back from our Florida Keys Adventure. I didn't want to come
home. We had the best time of our lives on this trip. I would suggest
to scouts that are just considering going to absolutely GO GO GO. Its
more than worth it." Kim Groleau, Troop 200, Aberdeen, MD
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The Florida Sea Base is constantly striving to design exciting programs that will fulfill all expectations of our visitors from north of the Keys. The Keys Adventure program is a good introduction to the Florida Keys, giving you a variety of activities.
You will arrive after 2:00pm on your scheduled day of arrival at The Brinton Environmental Center which is located on Summerland Key, 23.8 miles North of Key West. Initially, your Keys Adventure Mate will show you to your air-conditioned quarters, followed by a tour of the facility. Next up, it's into bathing suits and into the marina for your swim review. At this point, you will be issued a mask, fins, snorkel and a Sea Base dive bag that you will have for the week of your adventure. This will be followed by a snorkel instruction lesson so you are comfortable with your gear. If you have your own snorkeling equipment, you may prefer to bring it because masks and mouthpieces sometimes give you a better fit if they are your personal equipment. After dinner, your Keys Adventure Mate will discuss your itinerary for the upcoming week and then watch a slide show which describes those underwater creatures to both enjoy and avoid, as well as snapshots of some of the fun you will be having during the upcoming week.
While at the Brinton Center you will be housed in air-conditioned dormitories overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. There are hot showers and laundry facilities available. A portion of your stay will not be spent at the Center, but rather in tents and/or boats exploring the whole of the Keys.
Fishing is an integral part of your itinerary. One day, you will off-shore fish in a 25 foot Dusky powerboat which is supplied with heavy tackle for those big ones out deep and some lighter rods and reels for the smaller fish. Although we don't guarantee it, most crews are able to add some fresh fish or possibly lobster (in season) to their evening meals. Another day will be spent exploring the backcountry waters of the Florida Bay fishing for sharks and barracuda in a 24-foot Carolina Skiff. Your itinerary will also include a great deal of snorkeling and the opportunity to learn more about marine biology from a fish eye point-of-view. Of course, no trip to the Keys would be complete without a trip to Key West. It is a town that is rich in history and unique culture. You will eat lunch at the base and we can pack a picnic dinner for you, or you can choose to eat out and sample some of the local cuisine. Dinner prices range from $5.00 (fast food) and up. There are many unique restaurants, and of course, fresh seafood.
S.C.E.N.E.
The Florida Sea Base is the first scouting facility in the world to be designated as a S.C.E.N.E. (Scouting Centers of Excellence for Nature and the Environment). In recognition of this, all participants in our programs will be eligible to earn a SCENE segment for their Sea Base participant patch at no cost. We are currently working on clearing a bicycle path, which stretches the length of Summerland Key.
SHIP'S STORE
Most of the items on the following "What to Bring List" are carried in our Ship's Store with the exception of shoes, socks, sleeping gear, and pads. Theoretically, the Florida Sea Base supplies everything that you would need for the adventure with the exception of a fishing license. $100 is adequate spending money unless you want to buy a lot of souvenirs.
BEING PHYSICALLY FIT
Every participant in the Florida Sea Base High Adventure program needs
to be physically fit for the strenuous demands that will be placed on
their body. The Keys Adventure program is PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING. You
will be in the water a great deal, so go swimming with your crew at your
local pool often. Do some light exercises to increase your stamina. You
will be frequently lifting your body in and out of the water to boats and
docks. Make sure you can pass the B.S.A. swim test before you arrive at
the Sea Base. Your swimming ability will be assessed upon your arrival
to the Sea Base. You have dedicated a lot of your personal time and
resources to come to Sea Base. Get the most out of your experience by
being ready - physically and mentally.
All High Adventure Participants may not exceed the weight to height guidelines, which are listed in the Sea Base Class 3 medical. Participants who exceed their maximum weight to height ratio or exceed 300 pounds will not be allowed to participate in Sea Base high Adventure programs.
WHAT TO BRING
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Optional Items
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NOTE: Sea Base will supply fishing gear
PARENTS
Do not send mail. Sea Base offers programs to hundreds of Scouts on the sea, on the land, and on an island. We cannot deliver mail from home to Scouts unless it is mail of urgency, i.e. glasses, medicine, etc. left at home. In case of an extreme emergency, contact can be made with the following numbers: 305-664-4173 Days or 305-664-7766 Nights.
www.bsaseabase.org