“The Ship” they call it. But we’re not talking about just any ship. This is the home of Calliope Sea Scouts. Calliope South 3 offers more than just knots and nautical terms. It is a century-old legacy of adventure.
The Calliope Sea Scouts began in 1921. Captain R Woods was its founder and first leader. He named it after the British warship HMS Calliope. Imagine setting sail from the naval dockyard. The early scouts learned seamanship right where warships once docked.
Since 1966, the Sea Scouts have been based at “The Ship”. It had previously housed the North Shore Rowing Club. Chris Leech, a former Scoutmaster, manages “The Ship”. He says the waterfront location is both a blessing and a curse.
“With the sea in front of The Ship we have got no friends” he jokes. He recalls feeling the building move when ferries passed. The wakes would roll right in.
The Calliope Sea Scouts faced some challenges from their location. A $500000 renovation project began. It culminated in a 2007 reopening. Even now, they are fundraising to redo their boat ramp. A roof replacement is also in the works.
Today, Calliope has a strong troop. There are 15 to 20 Scouts, six Kea and a dozen Cubs. Four members were recently named Queen’s Scouts. The Calliope Sea Scout group provides training. They focus on developing young people. They emphasize water activity and general life skills.
The Sea Scout program is open to both boys and girls. They must be between 10 and a half and 14 and a half years old. Calliope Sea Scouts meet on Monday evenings. Meetings are between 1800 and 2030 hours. These timings depend on the time of year. They maximize the benefits of daylight saving. The Scout Leader is in charge of the children. Assistant Leaders and parents help him.
The program is wide and varied. Several outdoor tramping and camping weekends are arranged each year. There is an annual Sea Scouts Regatta. Troops from the region compete with their sailing skills. They use the Group’s Cutter, Sunbursts and canoes.
Winter months bring different activities. The children work on badges covering many topics. Swimming, first aid, and handyman skills are taught. They also do rope work and play games. Boat maintenance is inevitable under the eye of a local boatbuilder.
Every four years a National Jamboree is held. Scouts gather from around New Zealand and the Pacific. They live in a giant tent city. Activities are designed to interest, challenge and excite them.
The Calliope Sea Scouts have a rich history. They offer invaluable experiences to young people. The legacy of Captain Woods lives on. As you look out at the water, remember the adventures. Think of the generations of scouts who have learned and grown here. The Calliope South 3 is more than a location. It is a place where memories are made. It is a place where young people set sail towards their future.