For the first time the Breezy Sea Scouts of Ship 343 entered the Mardi Gras parade. Although they didn’t win a prize, they won something greater – that of team work, planning and camaraderie. The prior Tuesday was spent planning what might be created for the parade. Lists were given to parents to shop and do big tasks like move the trailer and scout boat to skipper Gene Hart’s house. On Friday, the day before the parade, all the scouts assembled at his house to decorate the boat for the great "Jungle Cruise", practice their roles and try on costumes. The Saturday of the parade, excitement and adrenalin ran high as scouts donned their face paint, costumes and pulled the boat to the start of the parade on Oceanside. We had great fun marching and were exhausted at the end – that boat was heavy!!! Learning and living leadership, team spirit, and good citizenship are central to the sea scout curriculum and the chance to work as a team, building and decorating our float provided just that.