When Sea Scouts are also Tea Scouts
These Sea and Tea Scouts are based in the United Kingdom. Surprising? Not really. Tea has been a prominent feature of British culture and society since the seventeenth century. Though it used to be a luxurious drink only affordable by aristocrats, it is one of the most accessible food crops in the world these days.
So how come Sea Scouts became Tea Scouts? The kids just took an interest when they learned that two of their leaders had a very particular interest in tea and knew a lot about it. Tea ceremonies are a fascinating event with multiple purposes:
- Brings young people together
- Enables an accessible way to develop an understanding of different faiths and no faith
- Introduces complexity and contemplation in an alcohol free setting
- Enables young people to develop leadership and presentation skills
- Promotes peaceful dialogue
The 38th & 40th Stood Explorer Sea Scout Unit in the United Kingdom is one of the most active Tea Scout groups in the U.K. On 6 October 2018 the eight Explorer Scouts of the 38th&40th Strood Explorer Sea Scout Unit were awarded a World Organisation of Scout Movements World Bar on the recommendation of the World Scout Buddhist Council in recognition of their work in promoting tea ceremonies as a vehicle for faith or no faith discussion. Their linked Global Tea Scouting project is now live in 14 countries.
This U.K. based Explorer Sea Scout troop organizes monthly training sessions on tea sessions and tea culture in the Kent area. Below you can find an entire pdf document on the Gong Fu Ceremony. If you would like to contact this U.K. based Explorer Sea and Tea Scouts, you can e-mail them at stroodessu@icloud.com
Tea-GongFu-Guide