Virtual Celebration Recognizing New Quartermaster

Tacoma Sea Scout Base safely recognizes new Quartermaster

Matt Adolf

Quartermaster

As Matt’s mom recounted her favorite story, she made the room laugh then, tear up. “I remember the first thing he told me when I told him about Sea Scouts over 4 years ago,” she shared. “He had previously been involved in another activity that he missed greatly. He flat out said ‘I don’t want to go’. Looking at this recognition today, I am so proud - and relieved he ended up liking it!”

During the recognition, adult leaders from SSS #110 Odyssey shared stories of Matt’s involvement and growth since he joined at 14 years old. Most noted was the connection he made with current Skipper and Odyssey alumni, Chris Dutt. A graduate of Cal Maritime, Chris introduced Matt to his fellow classmates while on an Odyssey longcruise. That connection proved valuable when the wildfires hit the campus of Cal Maritime earlier this year. Matt was able to call those alumni he knew and showed up at their house in pajamas and barefeet. One never knows who they’ll meet!

Matt joined by current Odyssey program leader Dr. Eric Kiesel, Sea Scout Commodore Bud Bronson, Skipper Chris Dutt and captain Rick Snodgrass.

The Quartermaster Award is a notable accomplishment that takes many years of dedicated commitment to achieve. Each quartermaster candidate presents the culmination of their achievements, their service project and demonstrates their leadership developed during a Board of Review. A current student at Cal Maritime in California, Matt came back to help with the Odyssey drydock during the pandemic.

Matt’s proud parents joined the recognition of his hard earned Quartermaster award.

Usually a grand event, the private recognition was attended by Matt’s parents, adult leaders and Youth Marine Foundation Executive Director Monique Valenzuela. In light of gathering restrictions, they attendance was private but the celebration and pride was huge.

Matt recognized the support of his parents and the dedicated adult volunteers helped him accomplish this award. That and the requested brownies supplied by fellow 2020 Quartermaster Abby Wainwright.

“Join us in congratulating Matt for earning this distinguished and highest Sea Scout rank achievable, the Quartermaster Award. “

Bud Bronson, Pacific Harbors Sea Scout Commodore

Tacoma’s Own Tall Ship Is Sailing in Rough Waters

4,000 square feet

of working sail maintained and inspected by youth crew

Tacoma’s historic tall ship – Odyssey – needs a hand.

At 82-years old, maintaining this classic 90-foot wooden sailboat for service to Pierce County’s youth is a big lift. Since Odyssey is a Coast Guard licensed sub Chapter T passenger vessel, it requires an annual inspection accompanied by haul out and repair. She will be entering dry dock on December 1 and undergoing annual repairs necessary to maintain her ability to continue to serve as Tacoma's only historic tall ship serving as a floating classroom for youth on the Puget Sound and beyond.

Youth on Odyssey work week long shifts as crew for fundraising charters. With COVID-19, Odyssey was tied to the dock and all 2020 charters were cancelled.

For over 30 years these annual repairs are funded through monies raised by the boat itself.

Every summer the dedicated adult volunteers and Odyssey Sea Scout crew host week-long paid charter cruises in the San Juan Islands for other Scout and youth groups from around the country.

View fullsize

High School students sample water in Commencement Bay for their marine science class

During the school year, the boat is a floating classroom taking public high school students out for monthly on-water marine science classes. Monies made from all of the charters usually cover the repair costs.

With the onset of COVID-19 all of the fundraising opportunities were cancelled. Odyssey’s sails are put way, and her 180 days of sailing in 2020 are gone.

We rely on our dedicated supporters to partner with us and invest in today’s youth becoming tomorrow’s leaders. The Tacoma Youth Marine Foundation is seeking support for this historic vessel in these unprecedented times.

Make a difference right now and use the button below to make a tax deductible contribution today.

BACKGROUND : Since being established in 1924, the Tacoma Sea Scouts have provided youth focused maritime and leadership programs in the Puget Sound for 96 continuous years. The Tacoma Sea Scout Base is located at The Tacoma Youth Marine Center on the Foss Waterway and is home to three Sea Scout vessels including Odyssey. The vessels provide year-round programs open to all youth.

The Youth Marine Foundation (YMF) is a 501(c)3 organization that funds the operations of the Tacoma Youth Marine Center to provide a place for marine-related training programs for young men and women. Participants include the Sea Scouts, Naval ROTC, Tacoma Public Schools Science and Math Institute and Metro Parks.

SSS #190 Announces 2020 Quartermaster Abby

The Tacoma Sea Scout Base welcomed the newest Quartermaster to its ranks

Abby Wainwright

Quartermaster

Starting out as a young girl, Abby has been an active Sea Scout aboard Odyssey for over 7 years! She advanced through multiple rankings that intensify with each advancement and served in leadership roles during the annual seven week long cruise in the San Juan Islands.

During her Board of Review, Abby explained with excitement her growth and all of the leadership and communication skills she developed starting at 14-years old. She reflected on the impact of the Sea scout program, noting the growth she witnesses in newer Scouts as they continue with the program.

Abby at the oars: she smiles as she rows departing passengers ashore. Just one of her many duties as leader during the annual Long Cruise in Friday Harbor.

Each quartermaster candidate presents the culmination of their achievements, their service project and demonstrates their leadership developed during a Board of Review.

Board of review participants L-R: Debbie Moore, National Service Officer | AmVets - Monique Valenzuela, Executive Director | Youth Marine Foundation - Shelly Schlumpf, Founder & CEO | Main Street Elements - Ann Fish, VP Deposit Manager | Heritage Bank

This interview by community leaders is intense and scrutinizes the achievements of the Sea Scout.

Abby's Board of Review included female executives from around the South Sound region. As they considered Abby’s growth as a Sea Scout, they also commented on her growth as a community leader. They were honored to participate and gave her high recommendations for her award.

“Join us in congratulating Abby for earning this distinguished and highest Sea Scout rank achievable, the Quartermaster Award. “

Bud Bronson, Pacific Harbors Sea Scout Commodore