The first of the special Senior Scouting organizations to be considered here is Sea Scouting which may take the form either of a Sea Scout Patrol in the Troop or of a separate Sea Scout Ship. For complete information on this subject, see the Sea Scout Manual, Handbook for Skippers, and Service Library pamphlets on Sea Scouting. (See also Part XIV.)

As Senior Scouts, See Scouts get thrills learning the ritual, the lenguage and the usage of the seven seas. They are young men.

The Sea Scout Patrol

If the interests of the Senior Scouts center around activities connected with the water-swimming, sailing, rowing, signaling, navigation, cruising-they may be given the chance to form a Sea Scout Patrol, set out upon the Sea Scout Program of activities and advancement, and secure the Sea Scout Uniform. The leader of this Patrol is an Assistant Scoutmaster of the

Troop and is known as the Mate. For the Sea Scouts, the Scoutmaster is known as the Skipper.

The Sea Scout Ship

A Ship is a separate unit composed entirely of Sea Scouts; that is, boys at least fifteen years of age interested in the Sea Scouting program, as outlined in the Sea Scout Manual. At least nine boys are necessary to establish a Ship, which is chartered by the National Council as a Scout unit. Preferably the Ship should be one section of the Scout Group of which the Troop also is a part.

A Sea Scout Ship may be a direct outgrowth of the Sea Scout Patrol in the Troop.

From Sea Scout Patrol To Ship

In the beginning, a few fifteen year olds may become interested in Sea Scouting and secure their Scoutmaster's permission to take up the program. The Scoutmaster may then assign an Assistant Scoutmaster as the leader-Mate-of the Troop's Sea Scout Patrol. When the Sea Scout Patrol has grown to nine members, it may secure the approval of the Scoutmaster and the Troop Committee to establish itself as a separate unit-a Sea Scout Ship-yet still working in close contact with the Troop.

For complete details, see the official Handbook for Skippers.

Cooperation Between Troop And Ship

Since the Sea Scouts have grown up in the Troop, they will have many personal contacts with its members. These contacts should be kept alive by occasional get-togethers. Also, the Ship should be regularly invited to take part in the Troop's activities. The two units may combine forces for hikes and camps, and Sea Scouts may be called in from time to time to instruct Scouts in the subjects in which they have special knowledge, such as rope work, swimming, life saving, boating and the like.

As Senior Scouts, Explorers move out into larger fields. They cross the divide into the exploration of worthwhile problems.

Explorer Scouting

Paralleling Sea Scouting as a specialized program available for Senior Scouts is Explorer Scouting through an Explorer Patrol in the Troop or through a separate Explorer Troop.

The Explorer Patrol

If the Senior Scouts are particularly interested in wilderness camping, pioneering, exploring, surveying, or related activities, an Explorer Patrol may be created under the leadership of an Assistant Scoutmaster as Explorer Leader, to pursue the special activities involved in Explorer Scouting, and to follow its scheme of honors and recognition.

An Explorer Patrol, like a Sea Scout Patrol, is registered as a part of the Troop. The Patrol is under the general direction of the Scoutmaster although there is usually an Explorer Leader (with rank of Assistant Scoutmaster) whose specific responsibility is to work with the Explorers.

For a further explanation of the activities of Explorer Scouts sees Index: Explorer Scouting Activities.

The Explorer Troop

There will be instances where there are sufficient Explorer Scouts to justify the organization of an Explorer Troop. In such cases the procedure is the same as for the organization of a Troop or a Ship. A Troop Committee and an Explorer Leader are necessary for the registration of such a group.

Air Scouting

If the Senior Scouts of the Troop are particularly air-minded, it may prove advisable to look into the Air Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Rover Scout, with his background of Scouting, enjoys taking care of himself creditably under any conditions.

In an Air Scout Patrol, closely related to the Troop, the Scouts will have a chance to follow their hobby and at the same time will advance in leadership training to the benefit of their Troop. An Air Scout Patrol can grow into an Air Scout Squadron.

The Air Scouting Program is described in detail in the "Air Scout Manual."

Rover Scouting

Rovering is a program of advanced Scouting for Scouts who are 18 years of age or over, although a young man who is 17 years of age may become an apprentice Rover providing the other Rovers in the Crew accept him as such.

Rovers are organized into units known as Crews. A full-fledged Crew must have a Crew Committee and a Rover Leader. Where the Crew is connected with an institution sponsoring other Scout units they may organize under the Group Committee.

Cooperation Between Troop And Crew

Service is a major interest of Rovers, both individually and collectively. And one of the most sought services is that of leadership. Many Rovers find expression of service in giving leadership in the various sections of the Group - the Pack, the Troop, the Ship, the Squadron-as active leaders or as special instructors.

The cooperation between the Troop and the Crew thus becomes a rather one-side affair. The Troop may call in Rovers to assist it in carrying on special activities, to aid its advancement, to fill camp leadership positions. And the Rovers gladly answer the call.