SERE Instructors Share Outdoor Survival Expertise with Boy Scouts
Story Number: NNS060424-09
Release Date: 4/24/2006 2:23:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Margaret A. Peng, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
WARNER SPRINGS, Calif. (NNS) -- Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructors trained 16 Boy Scouts from Troop 170 of Bayside, San Diego April 22 and 23 in outdoor survival techniques as part of National Volunteer Month.
The Scouts, ages 10 to 14, experienced the terrain and wildlife at the Navy Remote Training Facility in Warner Springs, Calif., located in the Cleveland National Forest.
SERE instructors from Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group covered topics such as map reading, compass navigation and water procurement. Sailors collected local plantlife and dug up roots to show how to prepare an edible meal.
"I think it is great that the Sailors are out here to help us out on their own time," said Paul Gillcrist, a Troop 170 Boy Scout. "The most valuable lesson was how to live off the land."
The Scouts carried survival gear during a hike to a local mountain peak, stayed overnight in shelters made of parachute material and practiced outdoor cooking skills.
"These are highly motivated Scouts. They are very interested in everything we have to teach them," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Matthew Peterson, SERE West instructor. "We want them to learn that survival outdoors is about constantly learning and building upon the skills you already have. We would like them to keep coming out and practicing their skills."
The training helped the Scouts build self confidence and skills that will help them advance in the organization.
"Almost everything they have been exposed to today will help them in the future in being a good Scout," said Scoutmaster Chris Cooke. "We are here this weekend to reinforce the skills the Scouts need to earn merit badges in the future."
The instructors were unanimous in their belief that training the Scouts was a mutually rewarding experience.
"This opportunity to work with the Scouts allows the instructors to share what they know and practice interacting with different age groups," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman 1st Class Sean Williams, organizer of the weekend. "The Sailors wanted to volunteer and give back to the local community."
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