Sea Scout Ship 7916 of Occoquan, VA welcomes new members and adult volunteers. We are a co-ed group of 13 - 21-year-old youth that is part of the Venturing program of Boy Scouts of America. Venturing offers older Scouts the opportunity for high adventure, and Sea Scouting focuses on maritime adventure. As with all BSA programs, leadership skills and character development are built in features of Sea Scouting. Occoquan VFW Post 7916 is our chartering organization and we took our name, Blue Heron, in honor of the Occoquan town symbol. Our unit has received tremendous support from the local community including Carefree Boat Club, Prince William Marine, Mom's Apple Pie Bakery, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge Sailing School, the Occoquan Town Council, and numerous individuals. Our Committee Chair is Jeff Currer, co-owner of Patriot Scuba in Occoquan.Our ship chartered in August 2007, and we are a very active unit that has made a "splash" in the Boy Scouts of America National Capital Area Council. Ship 7916 received the "Wardroom Award" for achievement when only 4 months old, and was cited in the March 2, 2010 Congressional Record for our "highly decorated membership" and for being "responsible community partners and upholding the well-respected traditions and principles of scouting." In addition to hosting regular sailing ventures, service projects, training courses, fundraisers and social activities, Sea Scout Ship 7916 has access to numerous sailboats ranging from 22'-25'.
The members of Ship 7916 are mainly interested in sailing and scuba diving, although we participate in plenty of on-shore adventures as well. Past activities include: attending the annual Sea Scout Winter Training event at Catoctin Mountain Park; game and movie nights; painting the hull of SSTV der PeLiKan; a weekend cruise aboard der PeLiKan; a fundraiser car wash; volunteering at the Occoquan Arts & Craft Show; an annual week-long cruise on the Chesapeake, and a weekend spent taking First Aid and Boating Safety courses from the head of the local U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps unit (where we also had the opportunity to spend the night aboard the destroyer USS Barry).
Ship 7916 holds twice monthly meetings at:
VFW Post 7916
204 Mill Street
Occoquan, VA
The post is located across the street from the Occoquan waterfront. Get directions. Go in the front door, straight ahead, and through the door that leads upstairs. Prospective members and adult leaders are welcome at any meeting. Emailing the skipper beforehand is recommended, as the meetings are occasionally rescheduled to a different date. Be prepared to introduce yourself and let us know how you found out about the ship.
For more information, email Skipper Bill Johnson at wvjohnson@gmail.com.
