Sea Base June 26, 2004 to July 2, 2004 BTSA062604A

1. Sea BaseJune 26, 2004 to July 2, 2004BTSA062604A Troop 446 Contingent & Parent Meeting January 14, 2004

2. Let�s Get Ready! Only 164 Days Until June 26, 2004

3. Most Of This Presentation Is new or more detailed information Is very important for this trip Has lots of forms to fill out Contains almost 70 slides� Let�s get moving

4. Agenda Financials Identification Permission, contact and conduct forms Medical Stuff Things to bring Itinerary Geography lesson

5. Handouts Sea Base Trip Payment Schedule Passport application Emergency Contact Information Conduct Contract Parental Releases and Permission Sea Base Health and Medical Record Transportation Security Administration information Adults only: Leader Guide

6. Information Source� Florida National High Adventure Sea Base 2004 Leader�s Guide Main source of information and recommendations All adult leaders on the trip have copies Copies for scouts available upon request And on the Sea Base web site This is a serious High Adventure trip It is not Philmont It is intended to be challenging and strenuous! It�s also intended to be fun!

7. Taking Notes Don�t worry - this presentation will be available at the Troop web site at: www.troop446.org Got questions? Ask them as we go along! Contact: Dan Katanski Contingent Admiral dan@provide.net

8. Payment Schedule Payments: $100 Initial deposit (June 30, 2003) $300 Payment (Sept. 30, 2003) $250 Payment (February 1, 2004) $250 Payment (April 1, 2004) $200 Payment (June 1, 2004) * $1,100 Estimate total (could be more, could be less) * Whatever amount is determined to be needed (I�ll let you know)

9. Funds Usage Expenses: $100 Sea Base initial fee (June 30, 2003) $225 Sea Base second payment (Sept 30, 2003) $44 Spirit Air reservation fee (Nov 5, 2003) $200 Odyssey/Bimini Air payment (April 21, 2004) $225 Sea Base final payment (June 1, 2004) $137 Spirit Air final payment (June 1, 2004) $150 Miscellaneous $1,081 Best estimate so far

10. Miscellaneous Expenses $15 Departure tax 2 underwater disposable cameras each Cheaper when purchased by the case (about $7 each) Travel bag (about $20 each) Sea sick pills (still have some) Travel meals $25 (food while traveling) One dinner out $25 (dinner in port somewhere) Who know what else (patches, awards, taxes�)

11. Payments Make check out to �Troop 446� Give checks to Dan Katanski so that the payments for Sea Base can be logged Make payments close to the scheduled date You can pay in advance The payment schedule is to make it easier on you - if you want to write only one check, then write it today for the full amount

12. Pocket Cash They say $100 to $150 for personal expenses Souvenirs Munchies More film or cameras Special gifts for parents Bahamian dollar is equivalent to US dollar Pay in US money, expect to receive change in Bahamian money Things are more expensive in the Bahamas Spend Bahamian currency before you leave!

13. Cancellations and Refunds You may cancel at any time But you may not receive a full refund... Unless someone takes your place Monies not refundable to the crew may not be refundable to the Scout or Scouter. Examples: non-cancelable transportation costs and minimum crew size reservation fees

14. Funding Paid by parents? That�s easy for the scouts to say But it means more if you earn it yourself! Scout accounts Fundraisers Car washes Sell pizza kits Your ideas ___________

15. Funding Sponsors Local businesses Rotary clubs Boat/Sailing clubs Restaurants Car dealerships Rich relatives Employers e.g., DTE may grant the �McCarthy Award for Volunteer Leadership� for as much as $1,000 to employees per year

16. Identification Proper identification is a must: US Passport Or both Birth certificate with raised seal and Photo ID You are traveling to another country! Obtaining either Passports and Birth Certificates can take months if your don�t already have them � Don�t delay!

17. Identification You MUST show your identification to Dan By June 1, 2004 (to prove you have it), and Before leaving for the airport Forgetting your ID will prevent you from leaving for the airport and boarding the plane in Ft. Lauderdale Your money flies, but you don�t Failure to comply can result in being removed from the trip and forfeiture of all fees

18. Identification Sea Base requires that a Proof of Age document for each scout be presented at arrival You must be 14 years old by the date of departure With parents permission Dan would like to hold a xerographic copy of the ID documents for Proof of Age and backup You can copy them or Dan can copy them Be prepared for the worst case scenario Copies will be returned after the trip is done

19. Identification Identification is very a serious topic! We may collect passports and birth certificates and lock them on board the boat for the duration of the trip If you lose your photo ID your parents may have to fly to the Bahamas and pick you up You should carry a photo ID when off of the boat

20. How to get a Passport http::\\travel.state.gov/passport 1-877-487-2778 Fill in the form DS-11 (or form DS-82 if recent renewal) Take the following to the Saline Postmaster: DS-11 form (DS-82 for a renewal) Identification $15 for 2 copies of your 2�x2� picture Post Office may have camera $30 to the Saline Post Office 10 AM to 3 PM, 734-944-5859 $55 to U.S. Department of State Wait 4 - 6 weeks - Can be expedited for extra fees

21. Parental Permission In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child�s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not traveling with the child. Having such documentation, even if not required, may facilitate entry and departure. US Embassy web site

22. Parental Permission The Parental Releases and Permission document requires both parents or legal guardians signatures Even if a parent is going on the trip Let�s be prepared! If a Scout is from a divorced family there may be divorce judgements restricting the Scout�s travel It is a parent�s obligation to get the other parent�s and the court�s approval if such restrictions exist Both parents� signatures should be witnessed

23. Contact Information Form In case of emergencies how do we contact you about your Scout�s situation? In emergencies time is critical Please include: Home telephone number Work telephone number Cell telephone number Home email address Work email address Any other information about where you may be reached the week we are away

24. Conduct Contract To be read by Scout and both parents MUST be signed by the Scout and (preferred) both parents There are consequences to your actions... especially in other countries You are senior Scouts

25. Conduct Contract The costs of messing up is very high: $100 transportation to airport depending on how far you are away from the airport $250 to Ft. Lauderdale $450 to Detroit FOR EACH PERSON! (Beyond fees already paid) Scouts must be accompanied by either Their parent (above times 2), or Two adult scout leaders (above times 3)

26. Crew Training Before We Leave Youth Protection (required for all adults) Can be taken On Line at: www.bsa-GreatSaukTrail.org CPR, First Aid and AED (One required, prefer all adults) With Philmont contingent, or Carl Wright Lifesaving class I�m organizing a private class for us Who is interested? (Price $60-130 each & 30 Hrs of classes) Safety Afloat Offered at Pow Wow on January 17th For $10 - join me

27. Medical Form Sea Base Class III �Health and Medical Record� It�s NOT the standard BSA form Turned into Dan by June 1 (if possible) Do not delay in scheduling the appointment for your medical exam - it can take months!

28. Medical Conditions The Sea Base trip is a strenuous high adventure activity If there are any special medical conditions, let one of the adult leaders know Medicines In original bottle with patient�s name on contents label Bring second bottle � give it to an adult leader

29. Medical Insurance Cards Copy of the front and back of medical insurance card to be turned into Dan by June 1 (to accompany physical form to Sea Base) A scout can carry their own medical insurance card Dan still must have a copy to accompany the medical form Bring ID and Medical cards to regular meetings and Dan will run out and make copies and return them the same evening

30. Sea Sick? Do you think that you might become sea sick? BSA policy is that adult leaders can not give out medications of any type� But if you bring it you can take it. Motion sickness medications Sea Bands (Drug free) Bonine (Pfizer, donations, eh?) The Caribbean should be calmer than Lake Huron after a hurricane

31. Special Dietary Requirements If you have special dietary requirements, please bring food to supplement your particular need Special diets are not provided on shipboard �Your Bahamas menu consists of a wide variety of fresh, canned and frozen food products. The meals are not only nutritional but considerably more appealing that what your will find on most scout functions.� (We�ll see.)

32. 3 Essentials That Merit Special Emphasis Sun Block Minimum rating of SPF30 lotion 2 large plastic containers recommended Pack in Ziploc plastic bags Must NOT be tanning oil! (makes decks slippery) SUNBURN IS A MAJOR RISK FACTOR Do not plan on getting a tan while there

33. 3 Essentials That Merit Special Emphasis Cup and Water Conveyance Subtropical environment requires constant hydration (drinking lots of water) Temperature constantly in the +80�s Little shade on shipboard Copious and clear Nalgene bottles are perfect (and indestructible) Plastic or metal cup (not disposable paper cups, please)

34. 3 Essentials That Merit Special Emphasis Sun Glasses with Safety Strap 100% UVB for better protection Polarized lenses to reduce glare are a plus You will be outdoors almost always Protect your eyes Reduce squinting Summer Solstice was June 22 (4 days ago) Wear a hat

35. Sun & Son We will be in the Bahamas 5 days after the Summer Solstice � the longest and hottest day of the year! (Approx 700 miles from Tropic of Cancer) Extreme Sunburn is a very real risk! Solutions: Get a tan before we leave Take good sunscreen (SPF30) and use it! Don�t take chances - you can get a painful sunburn in 1 hour and hurt for 4 days Don�t limit the crew�s opportunities for adventure by doing something risky (stupid)

36. Weather Forecast is warm and sunny! Summer temperatures vary between 85 to 95 night and day with high humidity and light breezes With possible chance of hurricanes� Hurricane season June 1 to November 30 If the weather prohibits our trip, an alternate program will be offered The Base General Manager will make the final decision regarding weather In the case of cancellation due to extreme weather Sea Base fees will be refunded� But not necessarily prepaid transportation fees

37. Sea Base Emergency Contact Emergency contact telephone number Days 305-664-4173 Nights 305-664-7766 Emergencies only! We are crew BTSA062604A Staff in Florida will attempt to contact the Bahamas and locate your scout

38. Mail Sea Base requests that you do not send any mail to your scout � it will not be returned Emergencies only Medicines Glasses

39. Merit Badges to Consider Consider working on merit badges while you are in this unique location Adult leaders will, captain and first mate may help you Plan everything before you leave! Sea Base can be great motivation to work on merit badges in topics such as: Sailing Astronomy Fishing Photography Oceanography Insects

40. BSA Snorkeling We will be working on �BSA Snorkeling� 1 Pass Swimmer test. 2 Explain buddy system. 3 Define snorkeling. 4 Demonstrate use of mask and snorkel. 5 Demonstrate use of swim fins. 6 Perform deepwater demonstrations. 7 Recover objects. 8 Explain snorkeling preparation and precautions. 9 Discuss submerged-related factors. 10 Discuss submersion effects; CPR. 11 Explain hyperventilation. 12 Explain hypothermia. 13 Demonstrate diver's signs and signals.

41. Crew Organization & Duties One Crew Leader (who is also a crew leader or member) 3 Patrols with Patrol Leaders Duties Cooking Deck work Cabin duty And yes, Stand Anchor Watch Night Watch Duty Roster

42. Team Work Running a sail boat requires team work! We found that out on the Prevailing Winds II trip Find who you can work with and form patrols Adult leaders are part of the crews Docking the boat, raising and trimming sails requires the cooperation and efforts of many people all working together We�ll be working and living in tight quarters Be tolerant You are scouting�s best

43. You Must Be An Active Scout! You must be a registered and active Scout! This is a scout trip, not a travel agency If you are not active you can be removed from the trip (Note that there is a waiting list) You must make the effort to: Show up at meetings Go on troop campouts Participate in troop activities Your are senior scouts -> demonstrate leadership

44. Travel Dress Code You must travel in Class �A� uniforms If you are not in you Class �A� uniform you will not travel to the airport We are expected to arrive at Bahamas Sea Base in uniforms Uniforms will help us going through customs You are senior Boy Scouts - be proud!

45. Travel Bag You will be given one travel bag appropriate: As airlines carry on luggage, and For stowing on the boat A few styles and as many colors as possible I hope Storage on the boat is limited to the bag provided Your travel bag is to be carried on the plane There is no on-land storage All belongings must be on board boat

46. Checked Luggage You are allowed 1 (one) carry on piece Checking luggage is unavoidable Sleeping mats, sleeping bags, pillows,�. If you are concerned about something... Then let�s put it in a troop checked bag Minimize checked items We will travel as a group through the airports We will not separate for any reason No exceptions!* No complaints! * One exception - see next slide

47. One Exception If you want to travel on your own Do it after we leave the boat for the final time Stay until the end - there is work to be done Those who are about to clean salute you! There is no �I� in �CREW�, there is �WE� Changes in the crew makeup affects the group�s dynamics - rarely for the better

48. One Exception, more details If you decide to leave the crew after the boat is cleaned: You must make your own arrangements for return transportation You lose the return half of the $176.50 and $200 round trip Spirit Air and Bimini fares I can only book round trip at group rates You still have every obligation of the crew except the return plane trip Including staying the full time and clean-up

49. What to take: Personal Stuff 2 swim trunks Wide brim hat (no ball caps) Deck shoes with white soles Wading/water shoes Walking shoes while on shore Sheet and blanket or light sleeping bag (Hostel bag) Backpacking type sleeping pad for sleeping on deck Small pillow (if you want) Light rain gear

50. What to take: Personal Stuff 2 T-shirts Towel Toiletry kit Sun screen (SPF30, two plastic bottles, pack in plastic Ziploc bag) Mosquito repellant (pump, non aerosol, pack in plastic Ziploc bag) Sun glasses with strap (consider a backup pair) Personal flashlight Money for souvenirs ($100-$150) Cup and water conveyance (Nalgene)

51. What to take: Personal Stuff Optional stuff to consider: Long sleeved shirt (my thoughts) Bandana (for neck shade) Long pants (thin light, not jeans) Socks (to prevent blisters when walking a lot) Sailing leather palm gloves (very optional, we�re not racing)

52. Masks and Snorkels Masks and snorkels will be provided Do you have a favorite mask and snorkel? It�s OK to bring your own � it just takes up space Prescription lenses can be purchased for your own mask � think about it You can see just a bit better under water due to waters refraction Mask cost $20 to 100 Lenses $60 to 100

53. What NOT to Take Look at the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) document about what can be carried on the plane at www.tsa.gov See �A MUST read for anyone traveling by air� link Also see �Permitted and Prohibited Items� link (handout) Yellow or Orange Security Level Very complete checks Security confiscates whatever they want Its your loss of property - gone forever, or You could be arrested (missing the flight and trip)

54. Also Travel bag identification tag is required Put your name on everything! Clothing, cameras, masks, sleeping mats� Shoes, hat, towel, swim suit We can make an order to Sea Base Ship�s Store See their web site at www.bsaSeaBase.org Then click on �Ship�s Store� to see the bootie 305-664-4174 voice 305-664-2039 Fax

55. Of Course There is no: Smoking at Sea Base Alcoholic Beverages and Illegal Substances Page 16 of Leaders Guide says �Anyone violating this policy will be asked to leave Sea Base immediately without refund.� If you can�t live with this� See the Conduct Contract and Cancellation Policy

56. Scuba Diving How many Scouts are Certified Open Water Scuba divers?

57. Itinerary to Sea Baseon June 26, 2004 5:00 AM Leave Heritage School After showing Dan your identification 7:00 AM Leave DTW on Spirit Air, flight 259 10:05 AM Arrive Ft. Lauderdale FLL Lunch in airport 12:30 PM Leave on Bimini Air (charter no #s) 1:30 PM Arrive Marsh Harbor, Bahamas Bahamian Customs 3:00 Taxi to The Moorings/Conch Inn Marina 3:30 Swim test 4:30 Opening ceremonies & out to sea Dinner, sailing safety & crewing lessons

58. Itinerary from Sea BaseOn July 2, 2004 Clean boat all morning Showers at the marina, get into Class �A�s Closing ceremonies 1:30 PM Taxi ride to Marsh Harbor airport 3:30 PM Leave on Bimini Air (less exception departures) 4:30 PM Arrive Ft. Lauderdale, FLL US Customs Dinner in airport 7:45 PM Leave FLL on Spirit Air, flight 268 10:40 PM Arrive DTW

59. Swim Review Upon arrival you will be asked to swim� Jump feet first into water over your head Swim 75 yards in a strong manner using a forward stroke, Turn over, swim 25 yards on you back using a resting stroke Float motionless on your back Note that you float better in sea water Sea water tastes very bad! This can startle some swimmersunaccustomed to salt water

60. Geography Lesson You are going to another country! Learn something this country� Geography Customs Demographics Be prepared

61. The Caribbean

62. Commonwealth of The Bahamas The Bahamas Islands are about 90 miles East of West Palm Beach, Florida Mash Harbour is about 175miles East of WestPalm Beach, Florida

64. AbacoIslands

65. Demographics Get familiar with where you are going! Country name: Commonwealth of The Bahamas Independence: 10 July 1973 (from UK) Population: 297,852 Currency: Bahamian dollar (BSD) Exchange rates: Bahamian dollars per US dollar - 1.000 (fixed rate pegged to the dollar) Exports - commodities: pharmaceuticals, cement, rum, crawfish, refined petroleum products

66. More Geography Land Area 10,010 sq km (3,864 sq miles), slightly smaller than Connecticut Highest point Mount Alvernia, on Cat Island 63 m (200 ft) Ethnic groups: black 85%, white 12%, Asian and Hispanic 3% Radio broadcast stations: AM 3, FM 4, Shortwave 0 Television broadcast stations: 1 (1997) Internet country code: .bs Highways: total: 2,693 km (57% paved) No Bobsled team - You�re thinking of Jamaica!

67. Things to Learn Before we leave it is beneficial if the crew learned about: Sailing terms and how to sail Parts of a sailboat Knots: clove hitch, bowline, reef knot, � How to snorkel Chart reading Weather Let�s make this fun!

68. Things to Learn Special Sea Base �preparation sessions� may be held We�ll let you know when they are held Develop nautical skills Build crew �esprit de corps� (team spirit) Guest presenters and special topics Coast Guard, Sailing Instructors,� Less time receiving instructions � more adventure! Helps you get more from the adventure! Suggestions welcomed� Get involved

69. The �Ciganqua� No clue what it means 78 foot long (No picture yet) Multi-masted Catch And you are the crew. This is not a pleasure cruise, but rather a working, sailing journey that involves teamwork, education, and safety for scouts and leaders alike.

70. Sea Base Blessing Bless the creatures of the sea Bless this person I call me Bless the Keys, You make so grand Bless the sun that warms the land Bless the fellowship we feel As we gather for this meal. Amen.

71. Let�s Get Ready! Only 164 Days Until June 26, 2004