Congratulations to Iron Horse District’s Ship 1659 !! – Please see the attached announcement on the recipient of the 2010 National Flagship Award

2010 Boat U.S. Sea Scout National Flagship Award

Boat U.S. and Sea Scouts, BSA recognize Sea Scout Ship 1659 Minnow of Houston, Texas from the Sam Houston Area Council as the recipient of the 2010 Boat U.S. Sea Scout National Flagship Award. The award was created by Boat U.S. in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouting. It is presented in recognition of excellence in program quality, youth achievement, and adult commitment. It is these attributes, as reflected by S.S.S. Minnow and its exemplary program of seamanship and youth development, that we honor them with this award.

A heartfelt congratulation goes to Ship Boatswain Samuel W. Sexton, Skipper Spencer Rawlins, Jr., and the dedicated Minnow crew and adult volunteers of their committee. The S.S.S. Minnow name will be inscribed on a perpetual trophy now on display at the National Scouting Museum in Irving, Texas. An identical trophy will be presented to the ship's leadership at the National Annual Meeting for the Boy Scouts of America on May 28, 2010.

Some of their accomplishments include:
·         'Their ship's year was full of adventure, advancement, and most of all FUN'
·         75% of their youth members advanced in rank during the year
·         25% of their youth members achieved Ordinary rank or higher
·         An average of 90% of their members attended their ship activities annually
·         They held 2 ½ the number of quarterdeck meetings as the national standard
·         32 on-the-water activities were held during the year
·         6 community service projects were held as a ship

The year's program included, but not limited to: many hours working on boats; repairing damage to boats; participation in Sea Scout Academy; many sailing opportunities; supported other Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and Venturing events; change of command on adult side and 2 quarterdecks installed; community service projects; a Long Sail; and many more active meetings and months of events too numerous to mention.

An official Sea Scout SALUTE goes to Ship 1659 S.S.S. Minnow for their efforts. We wish them well as they continue to promote water safety and provide a quality Sea Scouting program in the future.