SAIL, SERVE, LEAD, SUCCEED

Several small sailboats with colorful sails racing on a body of water on a sunny day, with a distant shoreline and partly cloudy sky.

Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for young adults aged 14 to 20, focused on boating and water-based activities that can include paddlesports, scuba, motor boating, and sailing. It is a program of Scouting America.

Members form a “ship” and learn boating skills, watercraft safety, navigation, maritime traditions, leadership, and citizenship.

For over 100 years Sea Scouting has promoted better citizenship and improved members’ boating skills through instruction and practice.

Two children sailing a small boat with a white sail marked "e6" on a sunny day with a partly cloudy sky. Other sailboats are visible in the background, participating in a sailing race or practice session.

Ship 610 The Kraken is based in Ridley Park in lower Delaware County. This is a new unit being launched in early 2026. You can be a founding member.

Group of young people in sailing uniforms leaning on a railing on a boat, smiling at the camera. Many are wearing sunglasses and hats with sailing logos.
A detailed black and white illustration of an octopus with large eyes, wrapped around an anchor and a ship's wheel.

This is The Kraken. Each Sea Scout ship has a number. Ours is 610, for the Delco area code. Ships also have a name. We’ve chosen The Kraken for the legendary sea monster. It is a subject of myth and superstition and is known for its ability to wreak havoc!

The Kraken is our mascot. When it’s time to head out, we’ll use the catchphrase “Let’s get Kraken”!

What will we do in Ship 610?

Two young women sailing on a small boat, wearing helmets and life jackets, smiling at the camera with a body of water and another boat in the background.

SAIL, SERVE, LEAD, SUCCEED

Members will learn:

  • boating skills

  • watercraft safety

  • navigation

  • seamanship

  • maritime traditions

  • leadership

  • citizenship

Group of children and an adult white water rafting on a river, wearing life jackets and helmets, with trees and rocks in the background.

We expect to have opportunities to:

  • enjoy paddlesports

  • sail various types of sailboats

  • go motor boating

  • maintain and restore watercraft

  • attend boat shows

  • participate in boating events

  • visit maritime museums

  • tour various types of ships

  • clean up our rivers and bays

AND go on a multi-day adventure on the water during the summer.

Who will decide this? The members of this scout-led ship of course.

Close-up of a small boat with a man steering it, cut-off at the upper right corner, on green water, with a modern electric boat motor labeled 'EPROPULSION' attached to the back.

Ship 610 will participate in all types of boating, but we’ll focus on sailing. Why?

Sailing teaches a wide range of valuable skills and values:

Teamwork and collaboration – Sailing with a crew requires working together.

Patience and problem solving – The unpredictable nature of the sea demands patience and quick thinking to navigate challenges.

Adaptability and resilience – Sailing teaches individuals to be adaptable to changing conditions and to build mental toughness by overcoming challenges

Self-reliance and responsibility – Being at the helm of a vessel requires making decisions that affect safety and the well-being of the crew.

Connection with nature – Sailing allows individuals to experience the beauty of the natural world and develop a deep connection with the environment.

Mental and physical health – Sailing engages both body and mind.

A boy smiling on a small sailboat, wearing an orange shirt, blue cap, red sunglasses, and a life jacket, on a sunny day at the ocean.
A young boy steering a boat on a body of water with an older man in the background wearing sunglasses and a life jacket.

Can you see yourself here, on open water with the wind in your face and the smell of saltwater in the air?

We’re checking our rigging and getting ready to launch this ship. We’re looking for our first members. Are you interested in joining?

Teenage girl on a sailboat wearing sunglasses, a life jacket, and gloves, holding onto ropes against a clear sky.

FAQs

  • We’re currently recruiting and hope for 5-10 members to start in January 2026.

  • No, not at all. Some will come from Scouting, but others will join because they’ve been wanting to do something like this.

  • Yes, you can continue your Journey to Eagle Scout while a member of the ship IF you’ve earned at least the rank of First Class with a Scouting Troop.

    The Sea Scouts advancement track has four ranks: Apprentice, Ordinary, Able, and Quartermaster, which is equivalent to Eagle Scout.

  • It’s not required, but being a swimmer is an important skill for what we do. Additionally, to advance past the rank of Apprentice, you must pass the BSA swimming test.

    Swimmer or not, all youth and adult members must wear a PFD (life vest) whenever on the water or docks.

  • We will definitely be traveling to different destinations for various activities. Accommodations may be in camp cabins, hotel rooms, on boats, or sometimes tents.

  • Yes. Each member will have to buy their own uniform and patches to sew onto it. Information about the uniform and insignia is found here. You can purchase the uniform here. This is the Class A uniform.

    You can buy unit numbers and name plates here.

    Ship members may also decide to have a Class B or casual uniform, which is uniform pants and a t-shirt with a printed Ship 610 logo

  • Yes, the Sea Scout Manual can be downloaded for free here.

    You can purchase a printed copy of the manual here.

  • Scouting America’s annual dues are currently $95 for youth and $75 for adults. However, if you are already a member of another Scouting America unit (a Crew or Troop) then you have already paid this fee and there is no additional charge.

    Ship 610 will have an annual dues, but we are waiving these dues for our founding members.

    Note that there will be costs associated with weekend activities. In the future, through successful fundraising, the Ship will be able to cover all or a portion of these costs. But members will be fully responsible for these individual expenses in 2026.

  • At Christ Church Ridley Park at 104 Nevin Street. We will meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month beginning in January 2026. The meetings will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and end around 8:30 pm.

  • Absolutely! You will gain knowledge and experience that will last a lifetime. Also, the Quartermaster rank—the highest advancement level—can qualify members for advanced enlistment paygrade in the U.S. Armed Forces. This typically allows entry at Private Second Class in the Army, Seaman Apprentice in the Navy or even the higher ranks of Private First Class in the Army, Seaman in the Navy.

  • Perhaps. Please email us with the relevant information and we’ll discuss it.

  • Fill out a youth or adult application here. You’ll submit this application online along with your annual Scouting America dues of $95 per youth or $75 per adult. If you are already chartered with another scouting unit, indicate that on the application so you do not have to pay national dues twice. Ship 610 will have no additional dues in the first year.

Holiday Gift List for New Sea Scouts

  • Sea Scout uniform & accessories (hat, belt, numerals, name plate)

    • see FAQs to order, cost ranges from $75-110

  • Sea Scout Manual

    • see FAQs to order, cost is $25

  • PFD or life vest

    • We recommend the O'Neill Superlite USCG Life Vest or similar (in black/smoke color to match). Search online for best deals ranging from $45-65.

  • Sailor’s knife with marlinspike

    • A good folding knife with a locking blade like this one, cost is $30-40. The marlinspike is for untying knots.

  • Waterproof floating phone pouch

    • cost ranges from $8-10

  • Sunglasses leash/retainer

    • cost ranges from $8-12

CALENDAR