History of the S.S Fairview

Did you know that Rcscc 23 Kent had our own training vessel? Well we did! She was the S.S Fairview, operating near Camp Buchan. 

Camp Buchan was a summer camp that Rcscc Kent trained at every spring beginning in 1943. All 150 boys, 6 officers, and 2 instructors would spend a part of their spring and summer together at the camp. A highlight of staying at Camp Buchan, was the opportunity for cadets to train aboard S.S Fairview. Under close supervision from crew, cadets were allowed to manage every aspect of the ship's operations. They took control of the wheel, maned the engine room, and worked on the decks, on a return trip to Rocky Point. 

S.S Fairview

Unfortunately, this type of training would never be allowed, at least to this level, in today's world. There is too much risk involved that it would be too much of an insurance liability. Instead today, cadets train on smaller powerboats, and sailboats. A much safer (but still really fun) way to learn about seamanship skills!