Marine ECO Expedition

This Expedition is now FULL. Those intersted can sign up for the waiting list OR the Keys Sailing Adventure

Has your Scout ever talked about becoming a marine biologist, oceanographer, conservationist, or a deep-sea explorer? If so, this is the program for your Scout. As part of the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council's crew your Scout will get to paddle, snorkel and embark on the waters of the Florida National Marine Sanctuary aboard the “BSA Discover”, a 45-foot catamaran outfitted as a floating classroom designed to explore mangroves, sea grass beds and majestic coral reefs. Scouts will get hands on experience monitoring coral health and water quality, tagging sharks, conduct rare plant surveys on Big Munson Island, and work with underwater robotics. The Marine STEM program is based on a marine ecology curriculum that follows the teachings of the textbook “Tropical Connections.”

During the adventure, Scouts will be involved with active citizen science projects and data collection for ongoing research for scientists in conjunction with MOTE Marine Laboratory and other partnering organizations. Scouts participating in the Marine STEM Adventure receive hands-on tours of our land-based coral nursery to learn about science-based restoration efforts throughout the FKNMS and are even to help in the microfragmentation process first hand! Please note that program is dictated by weather, tides and the ability of the crew. Your activity plan can vary, sometimes widely, due to these external factors. Field excursions are day trips aboard the BSA Discover and other vessels. Your crew will be staying in air-conditioned dorms at the Brinton Environmental Center during your adventure.

The GTBAC Sea Base contingent goes from May 30th, 2024 through June 5th, 2024 (the specific travel time(s) will be confirmed, once our arrangements are set). Sea Base is BSA’s High Adventure base in the Florida Keys.  

In order to be eligible for a Sea Base adventure, Scouts attending must be age 13 by May 30, 2024.  Adults (male and female) 18 to 20 years old are considered youth participants.  

Trek Dates 

May 30th, 2024 through June 5th, 2024

Pricing

The TOTAL COST which includes Sea Base fee and transportation fees is: $1,950*

*This round trip cost is estimated, subject to an increase based on any bus transportation costs

Youth Participant: $1950*

Adult Leader: $1500

*This round trip cost is estimated, subject to an increase based on any bus transportation costs

• Deposit - $200 Due May 31st 
• Payment 1 - $350 Due August 1st  
• Payment 2 - $350 Due September 15th 
• Payment 3 - $350 Due November 15th 
• Payment 4 - $350 Due January 15th 
• Payment 5 - $350 Due March 15th 
• Out of Council Fee - $50

*Adult Leaders Pay a $100 deposit and have no Payment 5

Those interested can register at ANY time! If you need more flexibility with payment due dates please contact the High Adventure Program Staff Advisior Matthew Hall at matthew.hall@scouting.org