Transatlantic Seabadge 2020 will be hosted by Transatlantic Council as a fully online course over two weekend sessions in early August 2020. The entire Seabadge curriculum will be covered, but you won’t have to travel and the expense is minimal. We can’t guarantee a roommate who snores and while we can’t provide an uncomfortable bunk or Scout camp food, we can provide you with an opportunity to learn from experienced Sea Scouts and leaders from across BSA. 

Seabadge is your opportunity to get a broad perspective on the Sea Scout program, and to learn a lot about how to effectively work with older youth. We’ll discuss where to find resources to get your program started (including the exciting new partnership with the Coast Guard Auxiliary), what you need to know about operating a Sea Scout ship ranging from how to train your youth leaders to where to find boats to how to publicize your program. And we’ll talk about how to head off problems and what to do when the unexpected happens. 

The course classroom instruction will run from 0800-1300 CDT (1500-2000 CET) on August 1, 2, 8, and 9, 2020.  Each student will be a member of a crew of 6-8 people, which will meet at least twice (at a mutually agreeable time convenient for the crew members) between July 19 and 31, and again at least twice between August 2 and 8 (again, at times convenient for the crew members). There will be homework between the two weekends of class. 

Part of the course involves setting your personal course in Scouting and then carrying out five tasks that take you along that course. These tasks make up your “logbook” and must be completed within 18 months of the course to earn your Seabadge pin.

The course cost is $10 to cover registration and administration. You’ll have the option of purchasing a course cap and polo shirt at additional expense, and you’ll need to obtain your Seabadge pin from your Scout shop when you complete the course. 

Any registered leader 18 and older in any BSA program may attend, there is no requirement to be a Sea Scout leader.  Youth participants who are 18 or older in Sea Scouts, Venturing and Exploring may also attend. The only prerequisite is Sea Scout Adult Leader Basic Training, which is available online. 

All classes will be conducted via Zoom. Participants will need an adequate internet connection and a tablet or PC with a big enough screen that you can see materials being projected. A phone will likely prove inadequate. A webcam is a requirement, you will be expected to participate with video on during the instructional sessions. Participants should attend in uniform. Sea Scouts must wear the Official Sea Scout Uniform, participants from other BSA programs should wear the field uniform appropriate for their program.