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Sea Scout weekend coming up

By Joe DiRenzo Suffolk News-Herald Published December 30, 2001 Nowadays, young men and women have a lot on their plate. There are hours of omework, after-school clubs and sports, community, religious and civic organizations all vying for time. Add to the already endless list of family outings, hobbies, a need for personal time and even an occasional opportunity to sleep and you’ll quickly see that today’s young person needs good time management skills, a working electronic planner and a parent, close friend or relative with a reliable car. Even with all these demands, every so often, an opportunity comes along that deserves a second look by even the busiest 14-20-year-olds, especially those who relish being on the water, learning about seamanship, and being with other young adults that enjoy similar pursuits while learning leadership and teamwork skills. Sound interesting? Read on. Starting on Jan. 11, the Colonial Virginia Council of the Boy Scouts of America will hold a Sea Scout Training weekend at the Coast Guard’s Integrated Support Command (ISC) in Portsmouth. The weekend is under the capable leadership of Suffolk’s Jim Maccord, whose involvement in Scouting’s “Venturing Program” (a coed program focusing on specialized areas), was featured in last year’s News-Herald Horizon edition. Maccord, working with a team of volunteers, has put together a truly extraordinary opportunity for sea scouts from Virginia and North Carolina. The weekend also offers a golden opportunity for teenagers new to venture Scouting to get involved at the ground level receiving expert instruction from a combination of Coast Guard and Navy officers and enlisted members. Based on the current raining syllabus, the following topics will be covered: n Radio operations n Heaving line practice and basic knots n Marlinspike seamanship n Ground Tackle n Piloting n Compass fundamentals n Ornamental ropework n Sea History n Navigation n Fire Fighting There are also opportunities for adult leaders that include Basic Venture Training and Sea Scout specialized training. All at the same location! What an opportunity for the young people and their leaders that will be attending! Until next week….Boat Safe, Boat Smart…above all have a Happy and Safe New Year! Joe DiRenzo lives in Suffolk and is a regular News-Herald columnist.

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