SCOUTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
YAY Scuba is eager to teach kids about the environment and marine life. We are willing to come to any boy or girl scout troop and talk about marine debris, sharks, turtles, ocean and beach cleanup, coral reef restoration and conservation and other items of interest and of course scuba diving and EFR training.
In our talks, we talk about how the aquatic system functions as a single eco system, the importance of and threats to temperate and polar waters, ocean cleanup and how you can help conserve aquatic ecosystem worldwide. We talk about diving for conservation, coral planting, diving for debris and more.
We enjoy the opportunity to support Scout programs in our area. Whether that is earning patches for snorkeling or scuba, getting ready for Seabase or figuring out creative service projects. Our staff has completed Youth Protection Training for BSA and we are certifed scuba badge counselors. Our dive against debris or shore cleanup are perfect for your next service project. Get started in scuba diving with YAY Scuba and the BSA.
We welcome the opportunity to work with scout groups on adventure travel to St. Croix where the troop can earn service badges and more. We stay at the Arawak inn a budget-friendly, low-key guesthouse experience away from the hustle and bustle of Frederickssted and Christiansted. Contact us today to set up your next adventure trip for your troop.
We primarily serve our local community when it comes to environmental lectures:
If you are interested in having us talk about the oceans and marine life at one of your meetings, then get in touch.
SCOUTS AND SCUBA
The popularity of scuba diving with the scouts has grown exponentially over the last several years. Much like scuba, the overall philosophy of scouting encourages the quest for adventure. It is a life changing experience that enables young men and women to embrace challenges in a whole new way. That first breath underwater; the feeling of total weightlessness as you embark into a foreign world enables you to
be part of something so powerful it transforms your life!
Snorkeling Patch BSA: Participants will learn about snorkeling gear, breathing through and clearing a snorkel, swimming with fins, pike dives to recover objects form the bottom of the pool, equalization techniques, the snorkeling buddy system, enjoy in-water games, and more. This experience can be conducted in one pool session and takes approximately 2 hours. Snorkeling event $25 per person.
Scuba BSA Activity Patch: Have you always wanted to try scuba diving, but you just aren't sure you are ready to go all the way and earn the Scuba Diving merit badge? Scouts can earn the Scuba BSA activity patch by completing the PADI Discover Scuba Diving experience in a pool. You get to try diving with real scuba equipment, but don't need to do all the things getting certified entails. This patch can be earned in a single evening so it makes a great activity for your troop, team or crew. Contact us to find out how.
Scuba Diving Merit Badge this will result in a PADI Open Water Diver Certification. This is a lifetime certification that is only the first step into an endless world of new experiences, adventure and fun. After completing the certifications scouts and crew members will have the ability to go scuba diving in a variety of different environments and continue their education to further enhance their skills.
The Open Water Diver Course is just the first step to tapping into an abundance of educational opportunities, programs and adventures for scouts. There are many additional programs offered by YAY Scuba that compliment other scouting programs. The PADI and Boy Scouts of America partnership has now opened the door to making these accessible to troops.
The Scuba BSA experience contains two parts—Knowledge Development and Water Skills Development. During the first part, participants learn basic dive safety information and overview skills to be used during their water experience. This can be accomplished either in a lecture and home reading format or the more popular eLearning format. This typically takes about 10 hours.
The Water Skills Development session introduces essential dive skills, such as mask clearing, regulator clearing, and alternate air source use. You can download the BSA booklet and application from the BSA website. Read this booklet in advance so you are ready when the time comes to get in the pool. Pool session typically takes about 7-8 hours and is completed in 2-3 sessions depending on schedule and pool availability.
Finally we go to a local quarry to complete our four certification dives. They are completed over two days, typically Saturday and Sunday. So in one weekend you can complete the open water dives and finish the remaining merit badge requirements. Alternatively we can set up a trip for the group to a warmer destination, you can also go on your own vacation and get certified with any PADI dive shop anywhere in the world. All you need is a referral form from us.
You can read morethe BSA site here and here
Requirements
The achievement of the Scuba Merit Badge will result in a PADI Open Water Diver Certification. This is a lifetime certification that is only the first step into an endless world of new experiences, adventures and fun. After completing the certification the boys will have the ability to go scuba diving in a variety of different environments and continue their education to further enhance their skill sets. The Scuba Merit Badge program consists of four parts:
1. The BSA requirements (use of BSA Scuba Merit Badge booklet)
2. Scuba Knowledge (use of PADI training material)
3. Confined Water Dives and skill development with YAY Scuba!
4. Open Water Dives with YAY Scuba!
Scuba is one of the eighteen electives available to Venturers who are in pursuit of the Ranger Award. There are three steps to successfully complete this segment of the training:
1. The Venturer must become certified as a PADI Open Water Diver (or obtain an equal certifi cation from an accredited agency.
2. Make a presentation to their crew, another crew or a Cub or Boy Scout group on what it takes to become certified and some other subject related to scuba Diving
3. Assist with a Discover Scuba or Scuba BSA program as teaching others is a key characteristic of Venturing.
Frequently Asked questions
How long does it take to earn the Scuba Diving merit badge?
You can complete your confined and open water dives in as few as four days if you completing knowledge development via PADI eLearning.
How much does it cost to earn your Scuba Diving merit badge?
Scouts and Venture team members can get certified for at a significant discount from the regular course cost. We do require a minimum of four participants. We also offer scout-speficic specials on personal gear (mask, fins, snorkel & boots) as well as special programs for certified scouts, so be sure to identify yourself as a scout or scout leader.
Is scuba diving safe?
Statistically, scuba diving is a very safe sport, with very few incidents compared tothe number of dives performed annually. In addition, scuba diving is non-impact and non-competitive.
How often do I need to renew my certification?
Although refresher training is recommended after periods of inactivity, dive certifications are good for life.
Can my Scouts earn this merit badge if we don’t live close to the ocean?
From a swimming pool to the ocean and all points in between, you can dive practically anywhere there’s water - including quarries, lakes, rivers and springs.
How do I find a merit badge counselor for the Scuba Diving merit badge?
Firstly, contact your local Council Merit Badge coordinator. Second, contact YAY Scuba, we have certified merit badge counselor on staff.
Do we need to purchase any equipment to learn to dive?
Most dive centers require each student diver to have personal snorkeling gear which includes mask, snorkel, fins and boots. We do require scouts have their own personal gear as it will help ensure a better fit and more enjoyable diving experience.
Are there any medical restrictions for learning to dive?
All student divers complete a brief medical statement that asks about certain conditions that could be problematic while diving. If any of these apply to you, your physician must assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms student divers are fit to dive.
Can Scouts begin training online?
Yes! You can get started immediately with your knowledge development online using the PADI eLearning system. Contact us to get you started today. Once we have your payment, we will send you eLearning code (please allow up to 24hrs). However if this is a group we are more than happy to come to your meeting place and setup a group session.
Ready to start?
Make sure that you go through the medical form, if you answer yes to any questions, we will need a medical clearance from your doctor before you can start.
Medical form - Page 3 is only needed if physicians medical evaluation is needed.
If your medical form is completed and there are no issues, then please fill in the necessary information in this form:
Read through our terms and condition
Finally, to start your Scout Open Water Adventure, sign up today:
The deposit to start is $300.
If you have questions reach out to us