The Sea Base Alumni and Friends Association (SBAFA) established the Nancy Wells Staff Scholarship for the purpose of celebrating and rewarding the skills, gifts, and talents of seasonal Sea Base staff by financially contributing to their educational endeavors. For 30 years, Nancy Wells was the gateway to young men and women pursuing adventures at the Sea Base. If you've worked at Sea Base or visited the Islamorada Base, chances are you've interacted with Nancy! She is a huge part of the behind-the-scenes magic that makes all Sea Base adventures possible. Nancy was integral to the founding of the Sea Base Alumni and Friends Association. She has served as our Sea Base liaison, our membership manager, and the keeper of our treasury. Nancy would do anything for Scouts, adult leaders, Sea Base staff or SBAFA and we are so very grateful to her for her servant leadership! We are honored to preserve her legacy through the naming of this award. Nancy, thank you for all you do!

Daniel Cavill

Keys Adventure Mate - Dr. Marshall Hollis Scholarship

“My time at SeaBase has been an endless adventure with opportunities to learn and gain skills along the way. Working as a Keys Adventure Mate has opened me up to not only the different coastal ecosystems and underwater environments but also to different people and has allowed me to make lifelong connections. I will always cherish all the memories I have made at SeaBase, whether my time on Munson exploring and learning about its ecology, at Looe Key and the coral nursery seeing the fish and coral, or even having fun on a boat. It was a remarkable chapter in my life.”

Trevor Dodge

Keys Adventure Mate - Nancy Wells Staff Scholarship

"I started working here in the beginning of June. I was given a tour of the place by one of my managers, Greg. one my first couple of working days, I was shown how everything was done and I was able to learn quickly. The hours weren't quick, but they sometimes flew by. I labeled hundreds of products and helped customers with what they needed, I told them where everything was and helped them make choices, I also did some small talk to brighten up their day. Finally, I was the one mainly taking pictures of the arrivals and I made sure it was interesting. Overall, I worked hard and it was worth it.”

Ryan Hari

Keys Adventure Mate - Nancy Wells Staff Scholarship

"Deciding to apply to Sea Base was far outside of my comfort zone. At first, I wasn't sure that I wanted to fly so far away from everyone that I knew. But I can say with certainty that it was one of the best decisions of my entire life. As a dive boat mate, my crews were a large part of my amazing experience here, but more than that, the other staff is where I found lifelong friendships. My time at Sea Base also showed me in a way I hadn't seen before, the ocean wildlife and ecosystems of the Florida Keys as well as all the threats they are under. This is something I will keep with me and will do my best to help slow and reverse.”

Andrew Tueth

Ship’s Store - Pippin Family Scholarship

"My experience as a Sea Base staff member has been truly fulfilling. I wanted to give back to Sea Base after I came as a participant, and working here was a great way to do that. I have picked up many valuable skills that I will utilize in the business world. Whether it’s bridge jumping, ping pong, snorkeling, enjoying a sunset, or going on a cruise, I have made lifetime friendships and memories that you can’t make anywhere else. I am forever grateful for Sea Base, and highly recommend the experience to anyone looking for the best summer job of all time!"

Marcus Vargus

Galley Mate - Capt. Rae Murphy Scholarship

"I came to the Sea Base looking for adventure and not knowing what I was getting into. Since day one everyone has been welcoming. I have had a blast working in the kitchen and learning all about the scouts and Sea Base philosophy. This has been the main inspiration for me to get my captains license. This has been something I have always wanted to do and I finally get to do it. Thank you."

Josh Zotter

Boat Mate - Nancy Wells Staff Scholarship

"My time at Sea Base was no vacation. And it wasn’t in the best way possible! From the first day to the last there was always work to get done and that’s what I loved so much about my job. I also loved how my job encompassed all the programs at Seabase, I was able to work with participants and staff from Sailing, Island Expedition, Scuba Adventure, and my favorite, Scuba certifications on the best boat in the fleet, the BSA Burglar! I will always be grateful for the friendships and experiences I gained as a Boat Mate this summer!"