SEA SCOUTS
One might say that Sea Scouting is my favorite scouting experience. Sea Scouting is a coed division of Boy Scouts that focuses on water activities- in, on, under, or at least around the water. My Sea Scout Ship and Venturing Crew were the same unit, but I was much more interested in the water version. Being a part of this organization introduced me to a new life passion: sailing.
I've sailed competitively in races ranging a quick run around a course to the Mackinac race, a multi-day race over 200 nautical miles from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. I've learned to chart a course and communicate with other vessels on the water, became certified as a lifeguard, wakeboarded behind a sailboat, and attended a leadership course known as SEAL.
SEAL is Sea Scouts Experience Advanced Leadership, a 10 day, on-the water leadership class in which youth are tested on leadership competency by acting as boatswain for a day, taking on the role of ship navigator for a day, and are scored based on these two days, scores on the written tests, and how well everyone handles being in close quarters with 10 people they've never met before. I graduated SEAL as youngest in the class with the 3rd highest score. I am the first and only SEAL graduate from Michigan.
I've sailed competitively in races ranging a quick run around a course to the Mackinac race, a multi-day race over 200 nautical miles from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. I've learned to chart a course and communicate with other vessels on the water, became certified as a lifeguard, wakeboarded behind a sailboat, and attended a leadership course known as SEAL.
SEAL is Sea Scouts Experience Advanced Leadership, a 10 day, on-the water leadership class in which youth are tested on leadership competency by acting as boatswain for a day, taking on the role of ship navigator for a day, and are scored based on these two days, scores on the written tests, and how well everyone handles being in close quarters with 10 people they've never met before. I graduated SEAL as youngest in the class with the 3rd highest score. I am the first and only SEAL graduate from Michigan.
The Quartermaster Award
The Quartermaster Award is the highest rank award in Sea Scouting. 0.5% of all Sea Scouts end up earning this distinguishment- compared to 5% of Boy Scouts that earn Eagle.
To earn this rank, Sea Scouts must prove their ability to handle their vessel, both on the water and at unit meetings. Knowledge of marlinspike seamanship, boat handling, maritime history, safety, and weather are the basis for this award.
Earned in 2015.
To earn this rank, Sea Scouts must prove their ability to handle their vessel, both on the water and at unit meetings. Knowledge of marlinspike seamanship, boat handling, maritime history, safety, and weather are the basis for this award.
Earned in 2015.
Scout of the Year Award
The Scout of The Year Award is a scholarship sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars service organization, awarded to "members of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts who display standout citizenship, patriotism and love of country".
Applicants have to have earned the highest award in any Boy Scout or Girl Scout program.
The Michigan Convention of the VFW awarded me a $500 college scholarship in 2016.
Applicants have to have earned the highest award in any Boy Scout or Girl Scout program.
The Michigan Convention of the VFW awarded me a $500 college scholarship in 2016.
Sea Scout Leadership Award
"The Sea Scout Leadership Award is presented by councils, areas, regions, and the BSA National Council to Sea Scouts and Sea Scouters who have made exceptional contributions to Sea Scouting and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Scout Law."
Nominees must "show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts "
I was honored with this award for my two years of service as Central Region Boatswain in 2017.
Nominees must "show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Sea Scouting and to Sea Scouts "
I was honored with this award for my two years of service as Central Region Boatswain in 2017.
VENTURE SCOUTS
Venture Scouts, a sub-division of Boy Scouts, has been around since 1998. I joined looking for more adventure than what Girl Scouts had offered, and did it deliver. As a Venturer, I canoed 50 miles down the Rifle River, blacksmithed a flint-striker in the shape of a narwhal, competed (and won) the first annual 1148 camp-cook off, learned to play euchre, learned riflery and how to shoot a shotgun, and served as staff at National Youth Leadership Training.
The Venturing Silver Award
The Venturing Silver Award is the former highest award in Venturing, replaced by the Summit Award in 2015.
For my Venturing Silver Award, I had to lead a discussion on moral ethics, be certified in first aid and CPR, and complete 6 personal growth goals related to Citizenship, Leadership, Service, Family Community, Outdoorsmanship, and Fitness. The award focuses on a complete journey of personal growth as a leader, in contrast to other scouting awards that culminate in a large leadership project.
Earned in 2014.
For my Venturing Silver Award, I had to lead a discussion on moral ethics, be certified in first aid and CPR, and complete 6 personal growth goals related to Citizenship, Leadership, Service, Family Community, Outdoorsmanship, and Fitness. The award focuses on a complete journey of personal growth as a leader, in contrast to other scouting awards that culminate in a large leadership project.
Earned in 2014.
GIRL SCOUTS
Girl Scouting provided me with a number of experiences that I never would have gotten to have had I never joined. I went white water rafting in West Virginia, camping across the state of Michigan, invented a new game, learned to change a car tire, made friends that I can call lifelong sisters, and sold enough cookies that I struggled to dig myself out of a cookie mountain in my living room.
The Girl Scout Gold Award
The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award. The Girl Scout Gold Award requires that the final project has a sustainable impact on at least a national level.
For my Girl Scout Gold Award, I did multiple presentations to school and youth groups about diabetes; specifically the symptoms and what people could do to help diabetics. I did direct presentations to over 150 people, with the information I presented reaching places like California, Tennessee, Alaska, Indiana, my home state of Michigan, and France.
Earned in 2014.
For my Girl Scout Gold Award, I did multiple presentations to school and youth groups about diabetes; specifically the symptoms and what people could do to help diabetics. I did direct presentations to over 150 people, with the information I presented reaching places like California, Tennessee, Alaska, Indiana, my home state of Michigan, and France.
Earned in 2014.