Our Programs

Capital funding for aquatics safety, Sea Scout and Troop support, and youth maritime education

🦺

Aquatics Safety Training

Water safety is at the core of everything we do. Next Century Sailing funds comprehensive aquatics safety programs that teach Houston-area youth essential skills for safe boating, swimming, and maritime activities.

We teach water safety skills hands-on in real-world conditions. The only credentialed course we offer is the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Texas Boater Safety course. We also teach Scouting America's Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat programs as part of engaging with our audiences.

  • ▶ TPWD Texas Boater Safety course
  • ▶ Safe Swim Defense and Safety Afloat education
  • ▶ PFD fitting, selection, and water safety around boats
  • ▶ Weather awareness and emergency procedures
"Every young person on the water should know how to keep themselves and others safe. That starts with proper training and proper equipment."

About Sea Scouts

Sea Scouts is a Scouting America co-ed program for youth ages 14–20 that uses maritime activities as a vehicle for character building, leadership development, and life skills training.

Our partner Ships are based in the Houston area and offer young people the chance to learn sailing, navigation, seamanship, and maritime traditions in a supportive, hands-on environment.

⛵

Sea Scout & Troop Support

We work closely with Sea Scout Ships in the greater Houston area, and support other Troops as well. We own and fundraise to maintain program and training vessels for youth — covering boat registration, maintenance materials like epoxy, paint, rigging, and fiberglass, as well as engine parts, oil, and gas.

Boats need constant upkeep. Sails wear out. Safety equipment must be current. Navigation electronics need updating. These are real costs that directly impact whether youth can safely get out on the water. That's where Next Century Sailing steps in.

  • ▶ Vessel maintenance and repair funding
  • ▶ Sail, rigging, and hardware replacement
  • ▶ Safety and navigation equipment upgrades
  • ▶ Training materials and program support
🏫

Community Outreach

Houston is a city surrounded by water — Galveston Bay, Buffalo Bayou, Clear Lake, Lake Houston, and the Gulf Coast are all within easy reach. That means water safety isn't optional; it's essential.

We support educational programs and workshops for schools, community groups, and organizations focused on water safety awareness and proper PFD use. These programs help reach youth who might not otherwise have access to formal water safety training.

By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the expertise of trained Sea Scout leaders, we can extend our reach beyond a single Ship and into the broader Houston community.

Houston Water Facts

  • Houston borders Galveston Bay, one of the largest estuaries in the U.S.
  • Harris County has over 2,500 miles of bayous and channels
  • Texas ranks among the top states for boating-related incidents
  • Proper safety training dramatically reduces water-related accidents
🧭

Youth Leadership Development

Maritime activities naturally build leadership. When young people crew a sailboat together, they learn teamwork, communication, decision-making, and responsibility in ways no classroom can replicate. A Sea Scout who earns the rank of Quartermaster has demonstrated skills in leadership, navigation, seamanship, and community service that will serve them for life.

Next Century Sailing supports these leadership development opportunities by ensuring the Sea Scout program has the resources it needs. When the boats are in good repair and the safety equipment is current, the adult leaders and youth can focus on what matters: growing into capable, confident, safety-conscious young adults.

Fund These Programs