BSA Seabase Florida Keys High Adventure - The UNoffical guide to what to know!

 

Everyone has heard of the BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America) Philmont High Adventure. Fewer know about the Florida Keys Seabase high adventure sailing, snorkeling camp. 

Base Camp Lower Matecumbe, Islamorada

The BSA original Florida National High Adventure Sea Base is located on Lower Matecumbe in Islamorada (mile marker 73.8) on the Overseas Highway. It was originally started as a fishing camp after the highway opened in 1938. In the 1950’s, it had an Inn with 10 rooms, a convenience store and bait shop, a lounge and even a good restaurant.  Scouting America purchased the Tollgate Inn complex in 1979 and it became  the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base. Dorms were added to house over 200 Scouts and leaders, as well as scuba pools, conference/staff housing, program facilities and an administration building.

Brinson Environmental Center Summerland key

As it grew, eventually a another permanent base of operation, the Brinson Environmental Center was donated. The 6-acre property was dedicated on May 5, 2001,and sits on Summerland Key at mile marker 23.8.  The Brinton Environmental Center is now the base to the Out Island Adventure, Keys Adventure, Florida Fishing Adventure and Marine STEM Adventure.

All of these locations are surrounded by the clear blue-green waters. But these base camps are merely the take-off and return point for the real adventures: sail, snorkeling, camping and fishing in the Keys and Gulf, where few go!

Which camps you go to and where you stay depends upon the adventure your troop selects. Here's a synopsis from, Seabase (be SURE to see the official Seabase website as these offerings and details may constantly change! Sea Base’s business hours are 9:00am-5:00pm ET, Monday-Friday. If you need to get in touch with someone immediately, use the Seabase contact list.

Sea Base offers 18 different adventures at 4 locations, many of which have different activities. Preparation, required paperwork and travel information can vary widely between some adventures, so it’s important to know which program your unit is registered for.

• Keys Adventure Sailing in Summer
  Start on Base in Islamorada, crews will spend their time snorkeling, paddling, and fishing. During the first part of the adventure, crews will be housed in our eco tents with bunk beds and air conditioning. For the remainder of the adventure, crews will set sail on a live-aboard adventure at sea.
• Out Island Adventure in Spring & Summer & Winter
  Begins at the Brinton Environmental Center and camps on Big Munson Island! Paddle a canoe 5 miles to the island, amp under a canopy of gumbo limbo trees, mangroves, go on an ocean kayak, a fishing excursion, shark fish, paddle to Munson Rocks for a night snorkel.
• St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands Sailing in Summer
  Board a 40-foot plus vessel with an experienced captain and beyond sailing, snorkel pristine coral reefs, hike in Virgin Islands National Park, swim ashore to incredible beaches, and more!
  
• Florida Sea Base SCUBA Adventure Spring & Summer
  For certified divers to explore coral reefs, discover wrecks, underwater rock formations, and scuba dive.
  
• The Bahamas Adventure Spring & Summer
  Snorkel in Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Island among the beautiful reefs. Also fishing, and swimming.
  
• Florida Sea Base SCUBA Advanced Marine Exploration Spring & Summer
  Coral Reef Restoration- Earn a PADI Advanced Scuba certification
  
• Florida Sea Base Coral Reef Sailing Spring & Summer & Winter
  a week aboard a large sailing vessel over 40 feet long. Snorkel, study astronomy, navigation, fish identification, and coral reef ecology.
  
• Bahamas Tall Ship Spring & Summer
  An active ship, requires everyone to work as a team
  
• Florida Sea Base Reef Trek Summer
  Explore that reef ecosystem from above and below the waves! Three nights will be spent in air-conditioned dormitories. Two nights will be spent camping at sea, learning what it takes for overnight sailing aboard with your crew.
  

See these pages for more information, photos, tips and first hand accounts!

• Packing list - what you NEED and where to get it!
• Unofficial Big Munson Island Facebook page.  
• All official Seabase forms

Important things to know:

1. Adults: Without exception every adult leader and all individuals over 18 participating in a Sea Base program must
   • be registered with Scouting America,
   • complete Youth Protection Training, Scouting America Safe Swim, Scouting America Safety Afloat, and Hazardous Weather Training.
   • Per boat,
     One adult age 21 or older must complete Wilderness First Aid Training and
     one adult age 21 or older must complete CPR/AED Training.
2. Every participant, youth and adult, must complete Scouting America Swim Test as a Swimmer passed on a date within a year of the start of their adventure. The Scouting America Swim Test should be documented on the Unit Swim Classification Record and submitted during check in.
3. Sea Base participants must be in good health. All participants must provide a current and complete the 2019 version of the Scouting America Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR). AHMR’s are current for 12 months from the end of the month in which they are completed. For example, if the medical form is signed and dated on June 2, 2024, it is valid until June 30, 2025. No other medical form will be accepted.
4. No participant can exceed 295lbs as evidenced by the medical form. No exceptions will be
   made, as this is the weight limit for safety equipment aboard our US Coastguard inspected vessels. Participants exceeding 295lbs will be sent home at their own expense. No refund will be given.
5. If you are on a sailing adventure:
   • Water bottles: do not bring metal or aluminum water bottles (they clank all night). Instead, get a Nalgene water bottle, 32oz and an insulated matching coozy to keep it insulated and with a carabineer
   • No shoes: sailing captains do not allow shoes of any kind- including deck shoes while on board, just the fin socks.
   • Sleeping: Due to the heat, most participants will choose to sleep on deck rather than below deck.
   • Masks and snorkels: Bring your own. Get it at a local (to you) dive shop, in person, prior to departure, so you can check the comfort and fit, which is very important. They will not be provided as part of your adventure, but can be purchased/ordered through the ship store. Fins, inflatable vests and fishing gear are provided, so do not bring those.
   • Luau night: On the last night of your Florida Sea Base Adventure your crew will participate in a Conch LUAU. This is a special dinner festival complete with fun, music and games. Dress for the Conch LUAU should be Keys- Hawaiian style Conch Luau Shirt. Floral shirts are available for purchase onsite at the Ships’ Store.
     
6. Bring closed toe, high ankle water shoes with a solid bottom.  Protect your feet and ankles against sharps and biting things!