Scouts BSA – Orienteering:
Badge Requirements:
Compass Information (BSA)
- How does a boat compass differ from an orienteering one?
- True North vs. Magnetic North
- Variation vs. Deviation
- How to take a compass bearing
- Map vs. Chart
- How to measure distances
- How to orient a map or chart by using a compass
2-hour Sailing cruise departs from Annapolis, Maryland and sails into the Chesapeake Bay.
Goal: To educate the scouts about Orienteering using an interactive approach while cruising the Chesapeake Bay aboard a 74-foot, classic wooden schooner, Woodwind. – see curriculum below
Availability: Sunday through Friday during the day and on Saturday mornings. If you can fill the entire boat with 48 people, the program is available any time.
- Minimum of 18 passengers (mix of scouts, siblings & adults)
- All other tickets, up to 48 passengers, will be sold to the general public.
How We Teach:
On all of our interactive programs, we will have the scouts break into smaller groups to work directly with our crew members.
After the safety speech, some of the scouts may help raise the sails.
Our crew will educate them using a questions/answer format. This enables our crew to disperse fun facts while finding out the level of interest and knowledge in a fun and interactive way. The scouts will cycle through three different learning stations including the captain’s station.
The captain will ask a question about the information they just learned. When a scout raises their hand and gives a correct answer, they will take a turn helming (steering) the boat for a couple of minutes.
It is our intent to offer every scout a turn at the “helm”. If time permits, maybe the adults can take a turn at the helm, as well.
Curriculum
“Cadette Girl Scout Troop 5891 and 5859 of Ashburn, VA, had a fabulous time sailing aboard the Woodwind II! Not only did the girls learn the basics of sailing, our troop leader was able to check off an item off her bucket list!”
Joanne P.
Ashburn VA
“Thanks so much for a wonderful time on our recent Woodwind adventure! Our Girl Scout troop learned so much about sailing and the Moms had a ball. Your crew is amazing!”
Kim A.
Girl Scout Troop 1017
- Permission to Board: We will have the scouts ask permission before they come aboard. We will tell them where to stow their belongings and what to expect aboard.
- Staying Afloat: We have one of the scouts demonstrate to the whole boat how to correctly put on a life jacket and adjust it for their size.
- All Hands On Deck: During our safety speech, before we leave the dock, we discuss personal safety, what to do if someone falls overboard, if there is a fire aboard, and how to work the boat systems safely.
- Hoist the Sails: The scouts will have the chance to raise the sails (all four sails, weather permitting).
- WHERE ARE WE?
- Map vs. Chart
- True North vs. Magnetic North
- Variation vs. Deviation
- Nautical vs. Statute Miles
- Triangulation/Compass Bearings/Measuring Distance
- Using a Compass Rose on a Chart
- SAIL AWAY
- Where can we sail? Why?
- What role does the wind play? What can block the wind?
- Where is the wind coming from?
- How is a boat propelled forward?
- Adjust sails by using the “telltales”
- “HELM THE BOAT”
- How does the boat steer?
- How do you give commands as captain?
- Every scout will get a chance to “helm” the boat.
There is so much to see as we sail past the United States Naval Academy into the Chesapeake Bay. Along the way, we point out the interesting sights to everyone aboard.
Great info to give to the scouts before their arrival: Parts of the Boat, Terms Used by Sailors
(Optional) Schooner Woodwind Geocaching Adventure Trail
What to Wear: Since we sail rain or shine, bring gear so you are prepared for the conditions that are predicted ON the water – layered clothing and soft soled shoes.
Sailing Schedule:
Summer, Late May – August, Seven Days a Week
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Mid-April – Mid-May & October, Tuesday – Sunday
September, Seven Days a Week
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Saturdays, scout groups can only book earliest cruise time unless you have a group of 48 passengers (entire boat).
Sailing Rates:
Weekday Daytime: $52 Adults, $49 Students (12 years old +), $37 Children (under 12)
Weekend trips: $55 Adults, $53 Students (12 years old +), $37 Children (under 12)
– Rates include soda, snack, tax and gratuity.
– Child & Student Tickets include Schooner Woodwind Participation Patch
We sail rain or shine. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the captain cancels the cruise due to unsafe conditions.
According to Boy Scout and Girl Scout Safety Procedures, all scouts, adults and other children aboard a “scout” cruise are to be outfitted in life jackets. We have purchased Type III life jackets which are more comfortable for non-emergency use. We do carry the “Emergency-Use” life jackets aboard.
Call 410-263-1981, or fill out an inquiry form by clicking on the button below.