Marine STEM Program

1. Marine STEM Program …preserving and protecting the marine environment through experiential learning and citizen science

2. History of Sea Base Sea Base began in the early 1970's as a local scout program in the Florida Keys called the Florida Gateway to High Adventure under the guidance of Sam Wampler, a professional Scouter from the South Florida Council. This program started facilitating sailing charters to the Bahamas from marinas in the Florida Keys. As the program grew, it became part of the high adventure offerings of the National Council of the BSA along with Philmont Scout Ranch and the Northern Tier High Adventure Base. In 1979, the Sea Base acquired a permanent facility on Lower Matecumbe Key and was subsequently renamed the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base in 1980. As the popularity of this program grew, SCUBA diving was added and in 1984 the BSA received the gift of Big Munson Island from Homer Formby. This undeveloped island became a tremendous addition and became an outpost for primitive camping in a Robinson Crusoe style setting know as the Out Island Program. In 1999, the Brinton Environmental Center was built and began operations in 2001 serving Big Munson Island. Programs currently offered at the BEC include: Out Island Adventure, Keys Adventure, Florida Fishing Adventure, Order of the Arrow Ocean Adventure, and Marine STEM Adventure.

3. The Florida Keys • You will arrive to: • The Brinton Environmental Center 23800 Overseas Hwy Summerland Key, Florida 33042 • Driving from Ft. Lauderdale: ~ 4 hrs. • Driving from Miami: 3.5 hrs. • Driving from Key West: ~ 45 min. • *Do NOT arrive to Sea Base Islamorada Brinton Environmental Center You will arrive here

4. What is Marine STEM?

5. Marine STEM Program Description Outdoor learning by means of: • Field-based lectures on marine ecology. • On the water adventure activities. • Citizen Science and Conservation. • Interaction with marine scientists. • Hands-on workshops. • Marine technology & ROVs. • Youth-led discussions and presentations. • Citizen science program partnership between Sea Base and Mote Marine Laboratory.

6. Marine STEM Check-In • Check-in to Brinton Environmental Center between 1PM and 3 PM on the day you are scheduled to arrive at Base. • Check in and review documents with office staff. • Meet your Marine STEM staff member. • Check into dorms. • BSA Swim Review. • Snorkel Lesson (Sea Base provides snorkel gear). • Dinner and opening program.

7. Marine STEM Curriculum • The Marine STEM curriculum and lectures are based on the textbook “Tropical Connections.” You will be provided with copies to use during your adventure. • The curriculum consists of formal and informal lectures by Marine STEM staff and visiting scientists covering a variety of topics including: • Seagrasses • Mangroves • Coral Reefs & Coral Diseases • Sharks • Human impacts and ecosystem resilience • Marine Technology (ROVs)

8. Marine STEM Tentative Schedule

9. Marine STEM Activities • Island Day • Crews will spend a full day on Big Munson Island engaged in habitat photo monitoring. This is a long-term monitoring project documenting the recovery of the island after Hurricane Irma. Crews will also conduct plant surveys, deploy/collect wildlife cameras and collect seeds from endangered plants for study. • Snorkel Days • You will spend two full days snorkeling in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary aboard our Marine STEM 45-foot Corinthian “BSA Discover” where you will be trained on reef fish identification for REEF Fish surveys, conduct coral bleaching monitoring and water quality monitoring for Florida Keys Water Watch. • Bleach Watch LinkFKNMS Snorkeling Etiquette Video Link • Backcountry/ Shark Fishing Day • Crews will spend an entire day island hopping in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the “BSA Discover” where you will kayak the secluded backwater mangrove islands and beaches of the Florida Keys. Crews will also shark fish for a half day to tag sharks with National Marine Fisheries Service tags.

10. Marine STEM Activities • Mote Marine Lab Tour/ Key West • During your adventure, you will visit Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration. You will learn about coral restoration in the Florida Keys and at the world’s premier coral facility. Your crew will also spend a half day in Key West snorkeling at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park’s coral restoration site, visiting the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Eco Discovery Center, and touring the town. You will have the option of dinner that evening in Key West at your crew’s expense. • Kayaking/ Paddle boarding • Crews will kayak and paddle board during their week. Kayaks will be used to explore the shallow flats and mangrove creeks and as a means of collecting entangled marine debris in these sensitive habitats. Marine debris reduction and collection are an integral part of our program.

11. Marine STEM Activities Seaperch ROV Workshop Participants will design and build a Seaperch ROV (Remotely Operated underwater Vehicle) and learn its applications in marine research and exploration. Your crew will build their own ROV and will pilot it through a series of challenges and competitions with fellow Marine STEM crews. Youth Presentations Scouts from each crew must present on a marine science or conservation-based topic as part of the closing ceremony at the end of your adventure. They will have access to various materials and field guides to aid in their research and will learn how to find credible scientific papers and information online.

12. Required Paperwork • Sea Base Check-In Documents • Crew Roster • BSA Health and Medical Records • Unit Swim Classification Record • Adult Leader Training Certificates • WFA & CPR/AED Training Certificate(s) • All copies of forms should be placed in a folder or notebook and submitted upon arrival during check in. Please refrain from using plastic sleeves to ensure a timely check in process.

13. Crew Leader Information • Eligibility Requirements • Crew Rosters completed 90 days prior to arrival. • All participants must be 13 years of age or older. • All adult leaders must be registered with the BSA. • All adult leaders must complete the following adult leader trainings: BSA Safe Swim Defense, BSA Safety Afloat, BSA Hazardous Weather, BSA Youth Protection. Please provide copies of certificates upon arrival. • At least one adult leader per crew must have Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED certifications. Please provide copies of certifications upon arrival. • All participants must pass the BSA Swim Test prior to arrival as a Swimmer, evidenced by the Unit Swim Classification Record. All participants must complete the Sea Base Swim Review upon arrival. Non-swimmers will be sent home at their own expense. • For your safety, Sea Base participants should meet the BSA Height and Weight Guidelines. Exceptions may be made for individuals who do not exceed the BSA H&W Guidelines by more than 20 pounds. To receive an exception, the participant must provide a letter from their physician stating that they are in good health and are approved for participation. No participant, regardless of height, may weigh more than 295 pounds. Individuals exceeding the weight limit will vacate their adventure and be sent home at their own expense.

14. Fishing License • Marine STEM participants 16 years of age and older must purchase a 7-day saltwater fishing license. • Set your license start date the day after your crew arrival date. • Saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased at: gooutdoorsflorida.com. • Sea Base does not sell fishing licenses. *We do not participate in Lobster Mini Season the last Wednesday/Thursday of July.*

15. Ship Store Visit the Ship Store website at www.fsbshipstore.com

16. FAQ’s

17. …Thank you and we look forward to welcoming your crew to the Marine STEM program at the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base Brinton Environmental Center.