New Dorm Makes Waves at Sea Base
By Ella Hirsch, National Office of Development
Edited by Meredith Lopez
Sea Base has long been a place where Scouts gain new skills and experience the adventure of a lifetime. For more than 45 years, this High Adventure Base situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay has remained a staple in Scouting’s and the Florida Keys’ history.
While not every Scout comes to Islamorada, most start their Sea Base adventure there before setting sail. Most of the original buildings and structures were already on site when the land was purchased in 1970 and opened in 1980 to become the Sea Base. However, as Sea Base continues to expand its programs, staff, and Scout participants, its buildings need refurbishment or replacement to continue delivering high-quality programming and experiences for both team members and visitors. Sea Base’s new sailing dorm was recently completed as a part of an ongoing capital campaign, ushering in a new era on the high seas.
State of the Art Expansion
The new Sailing Dorm will enable an additional 1,100 Scouts to visit Sea Base annually. In the off season, the building will remain active by hosting visiting organizations and conferences.
Additionally, the new Sailing Dorm is raising the bar for Sea Base facilities as a part of an ongoing initiative to restructure and redesign the entire base to be more resilient. Moving forward, every new building will meet Category 5 hurricane standards and be safer, more functional, and better equipped than the current facilities. The Sea Base Capital Campaign also supports long term sustainability and success not just for the Islamorada site but for the entire multi-island program.
A Commitment to Paying It Forward
Sea Base owes much of its success to the ongoing commitments made by its committee: each member of the Sea Base Committee, and several other donors, gave generously to make this $1.3 million project possible.
Additionally, committee member Mike Yoh funded a 44-foot Corinthian catamaran power boat, named Spike CRV (Coral Research Vessel) in memory of his father, Spike Yoh, who was the Sea Base Committee Chair from 2005 to 2009. The vessel will be used for both coral planting and other Sea Base programs.
The Sailing Dorm was dedicated in an intimate ceremony in May 2025. Scouting America extends a special thanks to Glenn Adams, Sea Base Committee Chair and National Executive Board member, for his leadership and guidance leading the Capital Campaign. So far, the campaign has raised $2.2 million and continues to grow.
Impact Beyond the Waves
Sea Base holds a special place in many Scouts’ hearts, and the High Adventure Base’s impact keeps its program strong and alumni and Scouts ever loyal.
“Sea Base wasn’t just a fun adventure; it also taught us how to work better as a team and learn sailing skills,” said one Eagle Scout and participant. “Sea Base gave us a comfortable yet challenging environment to grow and become better leaders.”
Beyond this new dorm, the Sea Base Capital Campaign looks to expand the facilities further with new coral runs and a coral laboratory, as well as a galley, staff dorms, ship store, office and more, all up to Category 5 hurricane standards. These new investments will keep the heart of Sea Base running for many years to come, helping new generations of Scouts experience adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service.
To learn more about upcoming renovations or to support the future of Sea Base, please visit the Sea Base Capital Campaign site.
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