As Skippers, we have a wonderful opportunity to help our youth connect Scouting’s love of the water with the Native American traditions of voyagers, navigators, and storytellers.
This past summer, our Sea Scouts visited the National British Museum, where I toured the Arctic and Northern Woodlands collections. I discovered three distinct styles of canoe paddles and stood in awe before the Kayung totem pole, carved by the Haida people of the Pacific Northwest. Each artifact spoke of skill, culture, and respect for the water. It’s these values we share in Sea Scouting.
This Native American Day, consider planning a trip to a local museum or cultural center. A single paddle, canoe, or carving can open Scouts’ eyes to the deep heritage of those who lived on the water long before us. Pair the visit with reflection on the Indian Lore merit badge, which encourages Scouts to learn with humility, curiosity, and gratitude.
For our Florida Sea Scouts, there are even more ways to step into this heritage:
- Explore TRAQS Festival in Gainesville, which celebrates Native voices, art, and culture: traqsfest.org
- Try Greenland kayaking workshops in Naples, where Scouts can learn traditional paddling techniques, rolling skills, and cultural stories: Paddlesports of Naples
By stepping into these stories whether in a museum, on the water, or through a traditional carved paddle in the hand, our Sea Scouts gain not just history, but a living sense of connection. 🌊
#SeaScouts #NativeAmericanDay #ScoutingAmerica #Voyagers #Navigators
Liquid Rhythm Adventures' Journal 