Scouting Scuba Programs

OCD Divers has supported Scouting America scuba programs since 2009, training thousands of young adventurers with the same obsessive care we give our adult divers. Families appreciate how clear, structured, and predictable our programs are, and Scouts love how much real confidence they build underwater.

OCD Divers is led by a continuously registered Scouting America adult leader who has served since 2017 in roles including Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, District Committee Member, Aquatics Committee member, Wood Badge trained leader, and Merit Badge Counselor.

We offer age appropriate snorkeling and scuba options for youth ages four and up, with training held in our private pool in Colleyville and at two seasonal open water locations: The Scuba Ranch from May through October and Balmorhea State Park from November through April.

As a modern home based dive shop, we maintain real time online inventory, in stock gear, and a full industrial compressor and air management system that ensures safe, reliable youth training every weekend of the year.

• Trustworthy. Led by a long term Scouting America adult leader and registered merit badge counselor.
• Helpful. Fast, convenient weekend certification that fits real family schedules.
• Friendly. Private pavilion for camping and diving at The Scuba Ranch.
• Cheerful. Programs for the whole family beginning at age four.
• Thrifty. The most affordable full scuba training option in the DFW area.
• Loyal. We support local Scouting by donating to unit fundraisers and community programs.

1. Select an entry level program online from our calendar, purchase from the Scouting group, and we will register you appropriately on the back end.
2. Complete your eLearning
3. Attend your scheduled weekend or custom group session

Entry-Level Programs (Register Online)

• Snorkeling Classes (ages 4+)
• Future Buddies (ages 8–10)
• Scuba Discovery (ages 10+)
• Open Water Diver (ages 10+)

Advanced or Group Programs (Contact for Discounted Registration)

• Scuba Campout (ages 10+)
• Private Group Classes
• Weeknight and Weekend Programs
• Refreshers
• Referral Option

• Exclusive Weekender Program: Complete your entire certification in one efficient weekend at The Scuba Ranch from May through October or Balmorhea State Park from November through April.
• Scuba Campouts: Camp at our pavilion and complete all training on site.
• Weeknight and Weekend Programs: Custom schedules for groups of six or more.
• Private Schedules: Tailored training for your unit’s calendar. Contact us at instructor@ocddivers.com.

To participate in our Open Water classes, each diver needs their own mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. These items may be rented or purchased through OCD Divers to ensure the right fit, quality, and safety for real scuba training. Families can choose a gear package online and we will bring everything to the lake for training weekend, or you are welcome to visit the shop to try on different options and mix and match at a 25 percent discount. These same items are also required for Sea Base.

All personal gear is shown in real time online so families always know exactly what is available before arriving. View our full selection here: Gear Packages and Rentals.

All classes include free rental of a BCD, regulators, dive computer, and wetsuit.

• 15 percent off classes for Scouting America youth, Crews, and Ships
• 10 percent off for family members
• 50 percent off Scuba Discovery
• 10 percent off gear purchases
• Custom pricing for CPR, First Aid, and Sea Scout electives

The Scuba Diving Merit Badge is included at no extra charge with Open Water certification. Scouts must hold the Swimming Merit Badge and meet swim requirements.

Already certified Scouts may complete the badge with us at no cost.

Christopher is a registered Scouting America Merit Badge Counselor for the Scuba Diving Merit Badge.

Parents or unit leaders can connect their Scout to Christopher in Scoutbook, and we provide signed blue cards for all completed requirements.

Merit Badge Requirements

• Cover First Aid and CPR Preparedness
• Earn the Swimming Merit Badge Before Starting
• Learn the Scuba Diver’s Code
• Earn Your Open Water Certification with OCD Divers
• Explore Aquatic Ecosystems
• Discover Scuba Related Careers

• Knowledge Development: Independent eLearning
• Pool Sessions: Colleyville year round, The Scuba Ranch from May through October, and Balmorhea State Park from November through April
• Lake Dives and Camping: The Scuba Ranch or Balmorhea depending on season

OCD Divers offers local and regional Scout scuba adventures for units and families. Units visiting The Scuba Ranch may use our pavilion for campouts, and certified Scouts receive discounted gear rental.

Older Scouts may also explore the Valhalla Missile Silo, one of the most unique dive sites in Texas.

See All Upcoming Adventures

Units may host a Try Scuba event and earn between 25 and 50 dollars per participant. Up to forty participants can join in a single day.

All training follows Scouting America Youth Protection policies. Parents are welcome at all sessions, and two deep leadership is maintained at every event. Our private pool and controlled lake environments allow for safe, structured youth training with clear supervision at all times.

What ages can participate?
Snorkeling begins at age four, Future Buddies begins at eight, and Scuba Discovery and Open Water Scuba Diver certification programs begin at ten and up.

Do Scouts need to know how to swim?
Yes. Youth must be comfortable in the water and able to swim at the Swimmer level. The requirement is outlined in the BSA Swim Test Guide. OCD Divers is Council authorized to conduct the swim test, and we help Scouts meet the requirement in a calm and supportive environment.

Can families participate?
Yes. We love when families join the experience. Scuba becomes a shared story and a memory that belongs to everyone. Anyone ten and up can train and certify together, which builds confidence, trust, and adventure as a family team.

What equipment do we need?
To participate in our Open Water classes, each diver needs their own mask, snorkel, boots, and fins. These items must be rented or purchased through OCD Divers to ensure the right fit, quality, and safety for real scuba training. Families can choose a gear package online and we will bring everything to the lake for training weekend, or you are welcome to visit the shop to try on different options and mix and match at a 25% discount. Scuba equipment has specific performance standards that general snorkeling gear does not meet, and we guide every family through the process so everything works comfortably and correctly in the water. These same items are also required for Sea Base. All other gear for the course is included. View options here: Gear Packages and Rentals.

How long does it take to get certified?
Our Exclusive Weekender Program lets Scouts earn their entire Open Water certification in one focused weekend. The knowledge work is completed through self paced eLearning, and it must be finished before class begins. We recommend signing up at least one to two weeks before your chosen weekend so there is plenty of time to complete everything without rushing. Many families register earlier because classes fill quickly during busy seasons. Every in person moment is spent building real skills in our on site pools and then transitioning straight to lake dives for a smooth and memorable training experience.

Do Scouts earn any Scouting America awards or badges through this program?
Yes. Completing our programs meets all requirements for the Scouting America Snorkeling Award and Scuba Award for both Scouts and registered adult leaders. Scouts also earn the Scuba Merit Badge during the course.

Do troops have to register together?
No. Units, individual Scouts, and families are welcome in any scheduled class. Many families register on their own because it gives them the freedom to train together and build their own story in the water. Custom schedules are available for both units and families when our weekend classes do not fit your calendar.

Can out of town units participate?
Yes. Many units travel from across Texas and surrounding states, and we regularly welcome families who fly in from farther away. Local families also rely on our structured weekender format because it fits real schedules and keeps the entire certification experience simple and predictable. Whether you are local or traveling, the entire program can be completed in one efficient trip.

Can Scouts get certified at Sea Base instead of locally?
Yes. Sea Base offers programs where Scouts can complete their Open Water certification on site. We recommend getting certified locally so your Scout spends their week at Sea Base actually diving in the ocean, exploring coral reefs, marine life, and the underwater world instead of spending part of their week in classrooms and pools. Completing certification at home gives them more confidence and a far better overall Sea Base experience.

Do Sea Base programs accept SDI certifications?
Yes. Sea Base accepts Open Water certifications from any RSTC recognized training agency, including SDI. Our SDI certified Scouts attend Sea Base programs every year with no issues.

Does Sea Base require PADI certification?
No. The Sea Base Participant Guide states that Sea Base follows Scouting America’s scuba policy, not any specific agency brand. Scouting America recognizes all RSTC member agencies, including SDI, SSI, NAUI, PSS, RAID, and PADI.

Why is OCD Divers’ Scout program more affordable?
SDI’s training model allows us to offer a more accessible program for families without reducing safety, standards, or training time. Our rate is $340 for Scouts and $360 for family members, compared to $550 and up at many PADI based programs in the area for the same entry level certification. We are owned by a Scouting family and we offer these discounts because we do not simply market to Scouts, we are Scouters. Both certifications are accepted at Sea Base and worldwide, so families never need to pay more to meet Sea Base requirements.

How do we register?
Entry level programs are available online. Advanced programs and group arrangements are handled directly through the shop.