This Navy program offers the opportunity for secondary school students to learn about the Navy, national security, and marine and maritime topics. The curriculum runs either three or four years, depending upon the school. One course is taken each year. Naval Science HI, taken during the third or fourth year, emphasizes the following concepts:
In addition to classroom instruction, participation in the drill team (which is part of all units), the band (available at many units), and the rifle team (available at some schools) is encouraged. Those involved in these activities engage in competitive matches with other units. Field trips and cruises form an exciting part of the program of all units. Inland units are often airlifted to coastal installations.
More than two hundred NJROTC units exist with approximately thirty thousand high school students participating. Students receive one unit of credit for each year of course work. Uniforms are similar to those of active duty personnel, and special badges and insignia are provided by the Navy. If your school has this program, contact one of the instructors for specifics. If not, you may be permitted under certain conditions to affiliate with a high school that does.
The Girl Scouts
Some of the finest world-of-water programs available for young people are integrated into the Girl Scouts programs for ages twelve to seventeen. Nancy Richardson, Program Specialist in Marine Education, reports the activities resulted as a response, "to those senior Girl Scouts who love the water and are eager to know more of the fascinating life of the sea and all its ramifications."
The Marina Scout Ship (MSS) Shangri-La in Los Altos, California, has built more than one hundred kayaks in the last several years. Based on its own success, the group has offered advice on similar programs to the Boy Scouts, 4-H, and Campfire Girls groups. Mariners also engage in ship restoration. The Alma, located in San Francisco, the Adventures in Seattle, and the Joseph Conrad in Mystic have all benefited from their care.
Several councils offer summer opportunities in cruising. The San Jacinto group of Houston describes their trip: "Long to see the world? Then 'come aboard' and experience the Texas Gulf coast as no landlubber ever has." Not to be outdone, the Toten Girl Scout Council of Seattle offers the opportunity to, "Hear the wind, the sails, share your dreams with a seagull, stand watch, cook in a gimbaled galley, sleep at anchor, build a sand castle, and sing chantries." The Napa-Solano chapter of Vallejo, California, has organized The Trip around the Bay. Participants "awake each morning at the California Maritime Academy to a glistening view of the Carquinez Straits-fastest flowing waters of the bay." Then they travel to different learning sites to experience the plant and animal life of the marshes and water.
Other programs--Canadian Canoe Trails, Finger Lakes Sailing Festival, Hellhole Swamp Stomp, and Spree by the Sea--offer wonderfully enjoyable and educational adventures. Girl Scouts from all over the country travel to participate in them. Most activities are open to young women only. However, some are coed and others are held in cooperation with Sea Explorers. In addition to the cruises available nationally, numerous ships and local council forages six to twelve engage in marine and maritime studies. For more information contact a local group (local councils are listed in the telephone book).
Career immersion in the marine and maritime specialties often involves more than wet feet!
See the following articles for more information:
- Find Your Calling: A Checklist
- 5 Ways To Build Your Career Outside of the Office
- How To Impress Your Interviewer When Making a Career Change
- 5 Tips For Successful Networking
