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Sea Scouting Celebrates its Centennial Year in 2012!

Sea Scouting celebrates its Centennial Year in 2012! The Orange County Council has a rich tradition of Sea Scouts, going back to the 1930s, when land from the Army was turned over to the Sea Scouts in Newport Harbor. The Sea Scout Base was home to many Sea Scout ships over the years, and in the 1970s, the Sea Scout Base became wholly operated by the OCBSA, and now is the Newport Sea Base.

Sea Scouting is a co-educational program, for youth who have graduated the 8th grade thru 20 years old. Currently registered Boy Scouts or Venturers, who are age eligible, may also register in a Sea Scout ship at the same time. Whereas, Boy Scouting takes young men into the wilderness to discover leadership and character values, Sea Scouting takes young women and men onto the ocean to expand their horizons by sailing to them. Sea Scouts learn maritime-related skills such as sailing, navigation, piloting, radio communications, marlinspike, knot tying, engine maintenance, first aid, and much more. Most importantly, these scouts have adventures that will last lifetimes!

There are currently four Sea Scout ships in Orange County, with three calling the Newport Sea Base their home port, and the other meets at the Dana Point Youth and Group Facility in Dana Point Harbor. Ships 90, 711, 936, and 1767 are among the best in the nation, with 2 of the ships, in the past 5 years, earning the distinction of the top program in the nation, and a third coming in as runner-up. Sea Scouts in Orange County have won the International Sea Scout Cup, a sailing competition, 3 times in the past decade. The ships have continuously placed well at other annual Sea Scout competitions in Long Beach, Ventura, and San Francisco.

For more information about the Sea Scout program, please contact Tom Hartmann at thomash@ocbsa.org. 714-546-4990 x102.

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The 2012 Annual Recognition Dinner

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The 2012 Annual Recognition Dinner will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Garden Grove, CA.

The purpose of the Annual Recognition Dinner is to celebrate and recognize the volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to making Scouting the best program available to our youth. Event details will follow. For information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Marty Cutrone at martyc@ocbsa.orgor call 714-546-4990.

The 2011 Silver Beaver recipients are:

  • Council Board            Gary Allen
  • Orange Frontier          Eric Angstadt        
  • Pacifica                      Daryl Beck    
  • Council Board            Larry Behn          
  • Pacifica                      Steven Bisbing
  • Pacifica                      Patrick Brenden
  • Portola                      Jeff Croy      
  • Canyons                    Theo Guekens    
  • Capitan                      Barbara Gibson-O’Leary   
  • Portola                      Jim Guilford  
  • El Capitan                 Alina Lee      
  • Canyons                    John Mara      
  • El Capitan                 Terry Morris
  • El Camino Real          Dan Newkirk        
  • Saddleback               Susan Spratt      
  • Rancho Del Mar        Joseph Vieyra
  • Los Amigos              Craig Williams    
  • Los Amigos              Dale Zimmermann
  • Los Amigos              Deeana Zimmermann

Each year the Orange County Council converges to honor several recipients from numerous distinguished areas of recognition including Lifesaving & Heroism Award recipients, International Scouter’s Awards and the Silver Beaver Awards. The Silver Beaver Award is the highest achievement a Scouting volunteer can obtain. Past years have seen as many as twenty-one deserving honorees and recipients are selected by their peers.

*The print deadline for the program is February 22.All Silver Beaver alumni in attendance will receive a commemorative 2011 Silver Beaver coin if they register to attend.  If you’re not a Silver Beaver and would still like a coin, they will be available for pre-purchase.

*The deadline to reserve a seat at the Annual Dinner is March 1, 2012.

2012 Annual Dinner Invitation

2012 Sponsor Ad Form

Invitation Registration Form

To reserve a seat or for information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Marty Cutrone at martyc@ocbsa.org or call 714-546-4990.

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Merit Badge Days

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Scout Merit Badge Days provide Scouts with an activity-filled day combining hands-on activities, question and answer sessions, and fun projects to help Scouts earn Merit Badges.

Registration and schedules vary for each Merit Badge Day, so be sure to download the informational form (located next to each day) for complete information.

Upcoming Merit Badge Days

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Instant Crew Activities

This is a listing of local activities that other Venture Crews/Sea Scout Ships have taken advantage of in their programming.  These are proven “hits” with this age group. Hopefully this listing will stimulate your Crew to have fun together.

Sailing at the Sea Base

Spend a half day learning how to sail at the Sea Base in Newport Harbor. Just call Christiana Tasto, program director, at (949) 642-5031 to schedule. Newport Sea Base. 1931 W. Coast Highway Newport Beach, CA 92663, www.newportseabase.org

Sail on a big boat with Sea Scouts as your sponsor

Spend a half day in Newport Harbor or Dana Point Harbor on a large boat with a Sea Scout Crew.

Dana Point: Mariner Skipper Jim Wehan | (949) 493-3952

Newport Beach: Nat’l Flagship 2006 Del Mar Skipper Mike Stewart | (949) 500-6249

Renegade Skipper: Gary Wolk | (714) 906-2140

Triton Skipper: Phil McNamee | (714) 608-7686

Corsair Skipper: Matt Foreman | (949) 854-9610

Fishing for Science at Shellmaker Island in Newport’s Back Bay

Spend Friday evening learning about the Back Bay, fishing and having dinner at Shellmaker Island. Contact John Scholl with the Department of fish and game (949) 640-9956

Miniature Golf Tournament

Spend an evening at Boomers in Irvine competing against your fellow crew members to see who will get the Green Jacket. Boomers, 3405 Michelson Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 (949) 559-8336

Japanese/American National Museum in Los Angeles

Take a trip to LA and have lunch at the famous Philippe’s Original, home of the original French dip sandwich, (1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles across the street for the Alameda Train Terminal) and then go to the Japanese/American National Museum where you can see reconstructed interment camps from California. Discuss the ethical dilemmas of the era.    www.janm.org 369 E. 1st St, Los Angeles – (213) 625-0414

Palomar Observatory

A view of the Hale Telescope. http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar

Take a train to San Diego and visit the Zoo

http://www.sandiegozoo.org | www.amtrak.com

Learn to Surf at the beach in Newport

Come for an early morning of surf instruction. Contact Sandy Skahen, assistant advisor, Crew 90 for details – (949) 722-0337

Orange County Astronomers

Chapman College Theater, 2nd Friday of each month, Guest speakers on Astronomy and Space flights. http://www.ocastronomers.org/gallery

Orange County Astronomers Observatory in Anza

This visit could include an overnight camping trip to Anza. They have a youth coordinator that can set this up and arrange for scheduling. This is terrific during a meteor shower.  http://www.ocastronomers.org/gallery

Rei or Rock Creation

Learn to climb on their climbing wall in Santa Ana or Costa Mesa.

http://rockreation.com | www.rei.com

Gold Rush River Runners

Take a white water rafting trip on the American River. They have information on BSA program requirements. Best to take the trip in the spring when snow is thawing and water is higher. 800.900.7238

City Council Meeting

Visit your local City Council meeting.

Police or Fire Station

Visit your local police/fire station,. Main dispatch locations have a lot to see.

Hospital

Visit the local hospital to see how your Crew could help out in the community in case of an emergency.

Fish at the BSA facility Oso Lake. http://www.ocbsa.org

Go snow skiing at Mountain High

Check for group rates and instructions for those who have not skied before. http://www.mthigh.com

Canoe from Laughlin to Lake Havasu. Las Vegas, BSA Council

Fees for canoe rentals are very reasonable and you can earn the Golden Paddles patch while on your trip if you secure the requirements from the Council Office. http://www.corivcanoe.com

Halloween in the Cemetery

If you’re interested, join the Explorers for a ghostly night in the cemetery. Food provided. Contact Lane Calvert at (714) 546-4990 for additional information.

Take an Archery lesson.

i-Tech Archery, 1912 W Commonwealth Ave # A, Fullerton, CA 92833, (714) 449-9744

Have a billiards tournament at your local billiards parlor.

Go Bowling at your local bowling alley.

Take in an evening at the Medieval Times in Buena Park. http://www.medievaltimes.com

How about a matineeor evening of roller skating or ice skating.

Have a picnic or beach or pool party.

Attend a concert or play that members of the crew would like to see.

Take a bicycle trip.

Rose Parade float decorating not only gets you first hand information about parades but also adds a service element to your outing. http://www.petalpushers.org/JoinUs.php

Spend a warm day/evening at the local water park.

Go caroling around the holidays.

Visit Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. http://www.aquariumofpacific.org

Visit Edwards Air Force Base. Contact Public Affairs at (661) 277-3510 or (661) 277-4127 to arrange a tour of the base.

Spend some time at the local batting cages perfecting your hand/eye coordination.

Follow-up with a challenge to a nearby Crew to a baseball game in the local park.

Did someone say sports? Check out our local teams!

How about attending an Angel’s or Dodger’s Game. www.mlb.com

Don’t like baseball, check out a Duck’s or King’s Game. www.nhl.com

Too cold, head for a Lakers’ or Clipper’s Game. www.nba.com

Not enough money, how about a College Team’s game.

Want to have a get-together and raise some funds at the same time. Hold a dance party

Invite the Crews in your District, charge a reasonable fee to cover the food and disc jockey. Don’t forget to submit that Fund Raising application.

Wild Animal Park–”Roar and Snore” Visit the Wild Animal Park and sleep with the wild animals. http://www.sandiegozoo.org

Take a Hike and earn a patch. Climb/hike Saddleback or Mt Baden-Powell

Palm Springs Tram

Take the tram to the top and see the valley and then hike to Little Round Valley, http://www.pstramway.com

Santa Catalina Island

Take the steamship over and spend the day. Visit one of the numerous Boy Scout camps. Ask a Sea Scout ship to go on one of their adventures to Catalina.

Discovery Science Center/Bowers Museum. http://www.bowers.org/

Glider rides–Warner Springs

Take a glider ride in Warner Springs California.

Camp Pendleton Marines up close and personal.

See the School of Infantry and surf on the private Marines beach and campground. Contact Sandy Skahen, assistant advisor, Crew 90 for details – (949) 722-0337

Go horseback riding. Horses available with a guide from Irving Regional Park.

www.ocparks.com/Irvinepark

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Venturing Useful Links

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Welcome to the Venturing useful links section.  Here are some links that might help you find Scouting information.  The council has provided the link as a convenience to our volunteers.  The inclusion of this site does not imply any endorsement by the Orange County Council, BSA. The Orange County Council, BSA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in the linked site and assumes no liability for any goods or services available on such site or for its content or presentation.  If you know of a web site that you think the Boy Scouts could use, click here to send us a web site link.

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Uniforms

The Boy Scouts of America has always been a uniformed body. There are many reasons for this. One reason stands out above all the rest. We wear the uniform because it is a means of identifying ourselves openly with the principles to which we are committed-character development, citizenship training, and physical and mental fitness.

The fact that youth and adult members of Scouting wear a uniform doesn’t mean that we’re all alike. We come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. We have our own religious beliefs and political views. We are each individuals with our own family traditions and loyalties. So the uniform is not intended to hide our individuality. But it is a way we give each other strength and support. It is a bond that ties us together in spite of our differences. It is a way of making visible our commitment to a belief in God, loyalty to country, and to helping other people.

The Scouting movement is built on positive values. As we wear the uniform, we are openly identifying ourselves with those values where everyone can see us. We stand together, not alone, in encouraging others to live by those same principles. Boys and adults alike should take pride in belonging to such a movement and wear the uniform as it is intended.

The following parts are worn with the uniform:

Pants and shirt - Official Venturing trousers or shorts and official Venturing long- or short-sleeve shirt with green shoulder loops

Socks – Official Venturing socks

Neckerchief and slide - Each troop decides on neckerchief and slide to wear

Belt - Official Venturing web belt with metal Venturing buckle

Headgear - Venturing twill cap or Venturing brimmed hat

FAQ

Q: Is a uniform required for my son to participate in Venturing?
A: Venturing uniform is left up to the discretion of the crew. Uniforms provide the youth with a sense of belonging and bolsters their pride and self-image.
Q: How much does it cost to sign up my son/daughter for Venturing?
A: The council registration fee is $11 per year. Boy’ Life magazine subscription is optional at about $14.00 per year. Boys’ Life magazine will enhance your young Scout’s experience and provide him with reading materials and entertainment that pertain to the program. Other costs may come into play during the year (admission to events, camping fees, etc.). Some units will collect an annual program fee from each Scout to cover these costs up front.

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Training

Explorers2

“Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader.”

We stand behind this statement. Trained leaders provide a better program for the boys and operate their programs in an informed compliance with BSA policy and safety guidelines. Units with trained leaders retain boys longer than units whose leaders are not trained.

This guide is designed to assist the newly recruited Venturing crew Advisor in using the Venturing program planning process to get a crew up and running and off to a successful start. Highlights include program goals, Venturing methods, crew orientation, steps to getting your crew up and running, leadership position responsibilities, and hints for successful crew operations. It also provides information on suggested crew activities, cooperative and problem-solving games, and suggested agendas.

Training Courses
The Venturing Division conducts training courses each year at Philmont Scout Ranch.

Kodiak

A teen leadership development course that:

  • Is a week or two weekends long
  • Includes experiential learning in a nontraditional setting, not indoors in a classroom
  • Is based on nature
  • Teaches only five leadership commissions (skills)
  • Is extremely fun!
  • Includes support materials:  Syllabus, Pocket medal, Certificate, Leadership bag tag, Wooden bear claws

    • FAQ

    Q: Is it mandatory for me to be trained?
    A: Mandatory? No, BUT Every Boy Deserves A Trained Leader. It would be difficult to make a case for not needing to be trained as a leader. Even if you took training several years ago, it would be beneficial to you to take the current course so you can come up to speed on recent program changes. Remember, the Scouting program is constantly evolving to adapt to today’s world.
    The Adult Leader recognition awards (knots) all have a training component – to qualify for the award, you must be trained in your position. Some units require this commitment to becoming trained as a condition of being accepted as a leader.

    Q: I work on scheduled day of training. How can I get trained?

    A: All training sessions are open to all leaders, regardless of their home District. If your District does not offer training at a time that is convenient, you are welcome to attend training in another District.

    Q: How much does training cost?

    A: That depends on the location that hosts the training and your unit. Some units cover the cost of training their leaders. Most training is provided for a nominal fee, usually just enough to offset the costs of printing and duplication of the handouts and materials that are provided.

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Membership

Venturing is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. The program revolves around a special avocation or hobby interest.

Goals:

Young adults involved in Venturing will:

  • Experience a program that is fun and full of challenge and adventure.
  • Become a skilled training and program resource for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and other groups.
  • Learn to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling the values in the Venturing Oath and Code.
  • Acquire skills in the areas of high adventure, sports, arts and hobbies, youth ministries, or Sea Scouting.
  • Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles.
  • Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.

Venturing Crew Specialties:

The program of every Venturing crew evolves around a special avocation or hobby interest of the youth members and adult leaders.  Youth members have the interest and the adult leaders provide the resources and expertise.  There are hundreds of different specialties that a Venturing crew may pursue.  Venturing crews, depending on their special interest, will be part of a specialty cluster.  These specialty cluster include: Outdoor, Sports, Arts/Hobbies, Youth Ministry, and Sea Scouting.

Ethics in Action:

An important goal of Venturing is to help young adults be responsible and caring persons, both now and in the future.  Venturing uses “ethical controversies” to help young adults develop the ability to make responsible choices that reflect their concern for what a risk is and how it will affect others involved.   Because an ethical controversy is a problem-solving situation, leaders expect young adults to employ empathy, invention, and selection when they think through their position and work toward a solution.

Crew Activities:

What a Venturing crew does is limited only by the imagination and involvement of the adult and youth leaders and members of the crew-sail the Caribbean, produce a play, climb a mountain, teach disabled people to swim, or attend the Olympics.   All these adventure and many more are being done today by Venturing crews and ships across the country.  All that is needed are concerned adults who are willing to share a little bit of themselves with today’s youth-tomorrow’s leaders.

Starting a New Venturing Crew:

The program of every Venturing crew evolves around a special avocation or hobby interest of the youth members and adult leaders.  Youth members have the interest and the adult leaders provide the resources and expertise.  There are hundreds of different specialties that a Venturing crew may pursue.  Venturing crews, depending on their special interest, will be part of a specialty cluster.  These specialty cluster include: Outdoor, Sports, Arts/Hobbies, Youth Ministry, and Sea Scouting.

What Youth Want:

Research has revealed these major points:

  • High School Students have many vocational and a vocational interests.
  • Teenagers want to be belong to a group that provides a secure place from which to address the youth development issues that affect them.  These issues include experimentation; moving from dependence to interdependence; social relationships; psychological changes and sexual maturity; and re-evaluation of values
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Forms & Resources

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Events & Activities

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Youth Program Director
Lane Calvert -   (714) 546-4990-181 lanec@ocbsa.org

Senior Advisor PDG
Jim de Boom

Interact Chairman Ann Cummings – ( 714) 336-787 ann.cummings4@verizon.net

Co-Youth Governors
Kelsey Brongo (949) 633-3578- -kelsey.brongo@cox.net
Christine Villafuerte (714) 639-9879 -  filipinogirl92624@sbcglobal.net

Barbara Gibson
OCC Venturing Training Chairman – gibsonbarbarajean@yahoo.com,

Phyllis Raines
OCC Venturing Advancement Chairman – phyllisr@socal.rr.com

Denise Erwin
Sea Scouts Advancement Chairman – denlvspigs@hotmail.com

Eileen Ulwelling
VOA Adult officer – Venturing Awards Dinner Coordinator – eulwelling@yahoo.com

Website: www.interact5320.org
District: www.rotary5320.org

If you have not done so already, please submit the contact information for your Club’s President, School Advisor, and Rotary Advisor to Jim de Boom at Rotary5320@aol.com.

Venturing Events and Activities

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1211 East Dyer Road, Santa Ana, CA 92705 | Tel: (714) 546-4990, (714) 546-8558 Fax: (714) 546-0415 | Tour Permit Only: etourpermit@ocbsa.org, (714) 546-8706