The above link is a modern-day organization for getting youth involved in martime activities.
From the site:
At the request of the Department of the Navy, the Navy League of the United States established the USNSCC in 1962 to “create a favorable image of the Navy on the part of American youth”.
Today’s U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps continues to further the image of our maritime services by adhering to a standardized training program designed to:
Develop an interest and ability in seamanship and seagoing skills
Instill virtues of good citizenship and strong moral principles in each cadet
Demonstrate the value of an alcohol-free, drug-free and gang-free lifestyle
Expose cadets to the prestige of public service and a variety of career paths through hands-on training with our nation’s armed services