We're really glad you've decided to join us. We'd like to take a moment to tell you a little about our Ship and your part in our program. 

Ship 2017 is a brand-new Sea Scout Ship, which is a part of the Venturing program of the Boy Scouts of America. We are a coed high adventure program for youth from 14 to 21 (or 13 if you have completed the eighth grade) who enjoy sailing, power boating, kayaking, canoeing and anything else to do on the water. The program also includes learning the skills to maintain our fleet and to be safe on the water. Our program is youth led and youth run. We are chartered by The Eagles Nest  and look forward to a lot of fun and adventure! 

The Ship usually meets at River City High School. We meet the First Weekend of the Month. If you are unable to attend a meeting, you should call the Boatswain  (Sea Scout Youth Leader) to let him/her know.  Please take time to read over the entire packet carefully. You will enjoy yourself much more  and have a rewarding experience if you know what's going on. Please take the time to visit our webpage for up to date information. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your Boatswain or Boatswain's Mate.   We're really pleased that you've decided to join us. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there is any way we can make your experience as good as it can be.

We also try to go sailing out of West Sacramento at least once a month.

Mission Statement

The mission of Sea Scout Ship 2017 is to provide a meaningful introduction to the traditions and skills of the sea while promoting the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America. To engage high school/college age young men and women of the Sacramento area for the purpose of developing technical and leadership skills in a dynamic nautical environment. This program is for the members and by the members. Throughout all facets of our operations we will focus on developing peer leadership, problem solving, ethics and industrious work habits while having fun at the same time. This will be done in a safe and structured environment. 

What’s expected

 The Ship has a year-round program that we believe you will enjoy. The Ship’s Petty Officers (youth leaders) plan the program. It includes sailing, canoeing, kayaking, power boating, camping, hiking, as well as social and service events.

You will need to do a few things right away so that you will be prepared to participate in these events:

Read through this booklet completely and know what it says. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

Obtain a copy of the Sea Scout Manual (available as a PDF on-line or in print at scoutstuff.org) and leaf through it. Familiarize yourself with where things are in the Manual, as well as what you’ll need to do to advance. The Ship is committed to seeing all new Sea Scout Recruits earn the Apprentice rank within six months. You are expected to make a constant, progressive effort towards advancement. Look through the Apprentice requirements. Read the material related to each Apprentice requirement. As you progress ask one of the adult advisors to sign off on your requirements. 

Get your work uniform together right away and start working on your dress whites. You will need the work uniform for ship activities, and the dress uniform for ceremonies, bridge of review, bridges of honor and other formal activities. Be in uniform and bring your Sea Scout Manual to all Ship meetings and activities.

Always be on time for Ship events.

Keep your dues paid up. It costs to run this operation. You’re getting a great program for your dues.

Courtesy and respect is infectious! The officers of Ship 2017 will treat you with dignity and respect. 

Ship Organization

 Ship 2017 is a youth-run Ship. Ship 2017’s program is developed and run by the Sea Scouts with adult advisory help and supervision. The Sea Scout in charge of the day-to-day operations of the ship is the Boatswain, who works with the Skipper to ensure that the Ship’s program is carried out according to the wishes of the Scouts. They are responsible for making sure that the Sea Scouting program is run appropriately and that BSA rules are followed. The Ship functions with the assistance of the Crew 136 Committee that helps provide the resources and support as needed. A detailed discussion of our Ship’s organization can be found in your Sea Scout Manual on pages 2-1 to 2-11.

Activities

The Ship has a weekend activity nearly every month of the sailing season and at least one longer “cruise”. We also have some week night activities. Most weekend and cruise activities have a cost associated with them over and above the cost of your dues. It is the Sea Scout's responsibility to turn in the announced fees and permission slip one week prior to the event. (Occasionally the advanced lead-time is even longer, but you will be notified if it is.) This will allow the leadership to line up appropriate transportation, make necessary registrations, and purchase food.  

Sailing costs are $100+ $10/per person for the bigger boat and $50 + $10/per person for the smaller boat(s) for day/weekend cruises.  These fees help defray the costs of upkeep, berthing, insurance, fuel, etc.   For example, if 5 people take out the cruiser, its $100 + 5 x$10 = $30/person.  If 8 people sail on it, the cost is $22.50/person.  That's about as cheap as it gets for a day of sailing anywhere!

Each Sea Scout is also expected to take part in the maintenance and upkeep of our (growing) fleet.   Each crew will have one work or service date each month.