BoatUS Sea Scout National Flagship Award Goes to Sea Scout Ship 1000 "Enterprise" from Rockwall, TX

ROCKWALL, TX – If you wanted to know where in America today are the most skilled, dedicated and enthusiastic group of young mariners, look no further than a suburb of Dallas to the home of Sea Scout Ship 1000, the SSS Enterprise, on Lake Ray Hubbard. In a recent ceremony the "Ship" and their adult leaders Skipper Don Henry and Boatswain Aaron Parks-Young were awarded the prestigious 13th Annual Sea Scout National Flagship Award. Recognizing of excellence in program quality, youth achievement and adult commitment, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) created the award in 2002 to mark the 90th anniversary of Sea Scouting.

Founded in 1976 and chartered by the Dallas Sail and Power Squadron, Ship 1000 has a co-ed membership of 18 youth and 16 adults. Like all Sea Scout units, it uses boats, seamanship and nautical skills to develop character and leadership qualaities in young people 14 to 20. Depending on the season and weather, youth sail a fleet of 16 vessels ranging from 14- to 27-feet from two locations at Rush Creek Yacht Club and Chandler's Marina.

The modest sized Ship carried out an ambitious program of activities to earn the Flagship honors. This included multi-day sailing camps, training cruises, travels to Sea Scout events such as the Sea Scout Academy and Rendezvous at Bovay Scout Ranch. The group also participated in Dallas Race Week and at weekly club races, and logged over 300 hours of community service including Scouting for Food and Helping Hands, lakeshore cleanups, marina maintenance chores and flag ceremony details. It also held fundraisers to offer scholarships for youth to attend sailing camps.

"Sea Scout Ship 1000 exemplifies the spirit of scouting through their efforts in leadership, advancement, community service, and on the water skills development," said Keith Christopher, National Director, Sea Scouts, BSA.

Operated by the Boy Scouts of America, Sea Scouting has 6,500 youth, about one-third female, participating in 475 Ships nationwide. For more information on Sea Scout Ship 1000, the SSS Enterprise, visit www.ship1000.org.