October 2026 issue · Community news

Cranford Troop 80 Scouts Sail at Florida Sea Base

Submitted by Liam Ehart · Published October 1, 2026

In late June, nine Scouts and seven parents from Cranford’s Troop 80 attended the Sea Base High Adventure Scout Camp in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. The trip was organized by Troop 80 dad Ron Scorese. For the first three days and nights, the Scouts stayed at the Sea Base camp in air-conditioned cabins. Scouts got to go paddle boarding, snorkeling and kayaking in the mangroves. They saw a sea turtle while snorkeling. They also learned the basics of sailing, and unfortunately some of the new sailors initially suffered sea sickness while on the high seas.

Cranford Troop 80 Scouts and adult leaders gather at Florida Sea Base in Islamorada during their June high-adventure trip. Courtesy Photo

Scouts then spent two days and two nights out at sea, split between two sailboats. Each boat had a captain who ran the boat and helped guide activities. The captains had a lot of great stories to tell. While at sea, many Scouts enjoyed fishing, and they even caught a barracuda, which they threw back. There were also many more snorkeling opportunities, where Scouts saw shipwrecks, coral reefs, and marine life including nurse sharks. The Scouts prepared their own food and slept on the deck because the cabins were too hot. One Scout and one adult had to stay awake at all times to make sure the anchors didn’t fail, which was called "anchor watch."

Overall, even though it was hot and humid, it was a great adventure, and Scouts learned a lot about sailing and sea life. It was also a nice surprise when Troop 80 dad Mike Pherson turned out to be the pilot on their flight back to New Jersey.

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