Not just camping in the woods

When people typically think of the Boy Scouts of America, they think of Pinewood derby cars and camping trips.

But there’s another branch, and on April 17 it’s reminding the public of everything it has to offer.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Newport Sea Base, 1931 W. Coast Hwy. in Newport Beach, plans to host an opening day celebration with fun for kids and food for all. The location is home to the Boy Scouts of America’s Sea Scouts group, which participates in water-based activities.

“The concept of opening day looks to the East Coast yacht clubs. Spring comes, and they dress up their facility,” said Berkeley Green, program director for the yacht club for kids. “It’s an effort to introduce people to the facility and what we do here.”

Green said more than 300 people are expected to drop by the harbor base to enjoy fresh barbecue cooked up by Newport Beach firefighters, take a picture with historic fireboat “Old No. 9” or go on a sailboat ride. This is the sixth consecutive year that Newport Beach firefighters will be on hand to help.

The Sea Base is one of the rare Boy Scouts locations that’s always open to the public, employees there said. You don’t have to be a Sea Scout to enjoy the pontoon boats or kayaks.

All the activities April 17 are free. On top of the boat rides, visitors can play lawn games, learn about the Sea Scouts, practice origami or get their faces painted by Girl Scouts.

The Newport Sea Base first landed in the city in 1937. It was a fraction of the size it is now, thanks to a $6.8-million renovation in 2002. The property has a library, several classrooms, a crew room and new boating equipment. The Sea Base has more than three dozen vessels.

For more information, call the Newport Sea Base at (949) 642-5031.