ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Gulfport Sea Scouts are preparing for an upcoming trip. As head bosun of the Gulfport Sea Scouts, Elizabeth Sullivan has a big role, organizing the journey ahead.

What You Need To Know

  • For more than 100 years, Sea Scouts has improved boating skills and maritime knowledge

  • Sea Scout units are across the country, including one in Tampa Bay

  • The Gulfport Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for young adults 14 to 20

But it isn’t just a summer jaunt, this is a 10-day sailing expedition with a stop in Key West. During the trip they’ll be out of sight of land for more than a day and a half.

From there, a 12- to 14-hour trip to the Tortugas and after that, they head back to Boca Grande.

“We have to be up for two hours at a time and it rotates, so while you’re up for those two hours with those people, you’re having conversations, you’re bonding, you learn a lot about the other person and it’s just a really great experience overall,” Sullivan said.

She says it's a trip that puts the scouts' skills to the test.

Joel Heyne, the skipper of the group, started the Gulport chapter of Sea Scouts 17 years ago.

“The kids have to plan it, they have to do the navigation, they have to go out and shop, they have to plan the meals, they have to plan for what marinas we’re going to be in,” Heyne said.

Sea Scouts is a co-ed program for young adults aged 14 to 20.

Heyne said they meet twice a week, compete in regattas throughout the year and plan several sailing trips.

“We actually teach leadership, and responsibility for one’s actions, and how to take responsibility for one’s actions," he said. "Being an older person, we grew up in a different generation, and the generation today is different, but we’re trying to pass on some of our ideals."

Sullivan started Sea Scouts at 14 years old and has moved up the ranks.

“With sea scouts, I hope to earn my quartermaster award, which is the highest award in sea scouts, it’s equivalent to eagle in Boy Scouts, actually," she said. "After sea scouts, I plan to get my captain’s license and have my own charter business.”

Sullivan has mastered maritime skills, but says she has also learned how to take charge.

“I would say the leadership aspect has definitely been the biggest learning curve for me," she said. "I used to be a very shy person, was very scared to step into a leadership role, but I’m now the boson which is like the president.”

While the awards this group has earned through the decades is impressive, Heyne says personal growth is what Sea Scouts is all about.