Venturing

Venturing is a program for young men and women ages 14 to 20. It is part of Scouting America Venturers plan and take part in exciting activities. They learn leadership skills and grow as individuals.

The program focuses on adventure, leadership, and service. A crew can focus on anything they are interested in. Venturers go camping, hiking, participate in youth ministry, focus on the arts, and more. They also help their communities through service projects. These experiences help them learn teamwork and responsibility.

Venturers take charge of their own activities. They plan trips, organize events, and lead meetings. This helps them build confidence and leadership skills. Adult advisors provide support and guidance.

Venturing is open to both young men and women. It is different from Scouts BSA, which has separate troops for boys and girls. Venturing crews are co-ed, which means boys and girls work together as a team.

Many Scouts BSA members also join Venturing. High school-aged Scouts enjoy the extra challenges and adventures Venturing offers. It gives them more chances to lead and explore new activities.

Venturing helps young people prepare for the future. They learn skills they can use in school, work, and life. They make friends, try new things, and become leaders in their communities.

Venturing helps young people become leaders. They learn to make decisions and guide others. They practice leading in their crews and in activities. They learn by doing.

Venturing is about adventure, leadership, and service. Each crew chooses activities based on their interests. Venturers go camping, hiking, explore the arts, join youth ministry, and more. They also give back to their communities through service projects. These experiences teach teamwork and responsibility.

Venturing uses the ALPS model: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service. Adventure means trying new things. Leadership means learning to guide a group. Personal growth means setting goals and improving skills. Service means helping others.

Each Venturer finds activities that match their interests. Some focus on outdoor skills. Others work on fitness, faith, or science. Venturing gives many options for learning and fun.

Helping others is important in Venturing. Crews do service projects to improve their communities. They help people, protect nature, and support good causes. Service teaches responsibility and kindness.

Venturing helps young people grow. They learn new skills, meet new people, and try new things. They become better leaders and better friends. It prepares them for the future.

Venturing has an award system to help young people grow. These awards help Venturers learn skills, become leaders, and set goals. Each award builds on the one before it.

The first award is the Venturing Award. It helps new Venturers learn about the program. They learn basic skills and get to know their crew. This award is the starting point.

The next award is the Discovery Award. Venturers work on leadership skills and personal growth. They take part in activities and learn new things. This award helps them get more involved.

The third award is the Pathfinder Award. Venturers lead activities and help their crew. They do a service project and explore career interests. This award helps them take on more responsibility.

The highest award is the Summit Award. Venturers show strong leadership and service. They mentor others and plan a large service project. This award shows dedication and growth.

Venturing also has specialty awards. These focus on outdoor skills, fitness, and faith. Venturers can earn these based on their interests.

The awards give Venturers goals to reach. They help Venturers gain confidence and learn new skills. Each award is a step toward becoming a strong leader.

The Venturing program has four main awards. Each award helps Venturers build skills and take on new challenges. As Venturers earn these awards, they grow as leaders and team members.

The first award is the Venturing Award. This is the joining award. To earn it, a new Venturer must learn about the program. They must understand safety rules and commit to the Venturing Oath and Code. This award helps them start their journey.

The next award is the Discovery Award. This award helps Venturers develop basic skills. They learn leadership skills and take part in crew activities. They also complete a small service project. This award helps them gain confidence.

The third award is the Pathfinder Award. Venturers work on leadership, service, and personal growth. They take on a leadership role and help plan crew activities. They also lead a larger service project. This award helps them learn responsibility.

The highest award is the Summit Award. This award is a big achievement. To earn it, a Venturer must show strong leadership and complete a major service project. They must also mentor younger Venturers. This award shows they are ready to lead.

Each award helps Venturers gain new skills. They grow as leaders, team members, and individuals. The awards give them a path to follow and goals to reach. The Venturing program helps young people prepare for the future.

Venturers can earn special awards based on their interests. These awards focus on outdoor skills, fitness, and faith. Each award helps Venturers grow and learn in different ways.

The Ranger Award is for outdoor adventure. To earn it, Venturers must master skills like camping, hiking, first aid, and survival. They also learn about nature and conservation. This award helps Venturers become strong outdoor leaders.

The Quest Award focuses on fitness and sports. Venturers learn about nutrition, exercise, and teamwork. They set personal fitness goals and take part in sports or physical activities. This award helps them build healthy habits.

The TRUST Award teaches about faith, ethics, and service. Venturers explore their own beliefs and learn about other cultures. They study leadership, law, and community service. They also complete service projects that help others.

These awards challenge Venturers in different ways. Some focus on adventure, others on fitness or personal values. Each award helps Venturers gain skills that last a lifetime.

Venturers can earn special awards for extra achievements. These awards focus on conservation, science, and personal growth. They give Venturers more ways to learn and help others.

The Venturing World Conservation Award teaches Venturers about nature. To earn it, they must complete conservation projects. They learn how to protect wildlife, forests, and water. This award helps them understand the importance of caring for the environment.

Other awards recognize different achievements. Some awards focus on first aid and lifesaving skills. Others reward leadership, camping, or special skills. Each award helps Venturers grow and learn new things.

These awards give Venturers more goals to work toward. They provide extra challenges and help Venturers gain useful skills. They also encourage Venturers to explore their interests and make a difference.

Venturing gives young people the chance to grow. They learn leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. They try new things and gain confidence. These skills help them in school, work, and life.

Leadership is a big part of Venturing. Venturers take charge of planning activities. They make decisions and guide their crew. They learn how to lead in a safe and supportive place.

Venturing also helps with career development. Venturers explore different interests. They learn skills that can help them in future jobs. They practice working with others and taking responsibility.

Life skills are another important part of Venturing. Venturers learn to communicate and solve problems. They manage time and set goals. These skills help them succeed in the real world.

Venturing keeps older youth engaged in Scouting. Some Scouts BSA members join Venturing to try new activities. Others stay in Scouting longer because of Venturing. It gives them new challenges and leadership roles.

Venturing is coed, which makes it different from other Scouting programs. Young men and women work together as equals. They learn to respect different opinions and work as a team.

Venturing prepares young people for the future. They learn, lead, and grow. They make friends and gain skills that last a lifetime.

Crew Officer Position Descriptions

One way Venturers can build their leadership skills is by serving in various officer positions within their Venturing crew. This page outlines the position descriptions and responsibilities for several officer positions, including President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Quartermaster. Each position is described in detail, highlighting the specific duties and tasks involved.

See useful tips for Venturers who are interested in running for officer positions and suggestions for how officers can work together effectively to lead and support their crew. By serving in officer positions, Venturers can develop important skills such as communication, organization, and decision-making, while also contributing to the success and growth of their Venturing crew.

Scouting Methods for Scouts BSA vs Venturers

Scouting America uses different methods in its programs to help youth develop character, citizenship, and fitness. Scouts BSA employs methods such as ideals, the patrol method, advancement, leadership, outdoor programs, adult association, personal growth, and uniform. These approaches provide structure and guidance for Scouts as they learn skills, take on leadership roles, and work together in small groups called patrols. This structure helps younger Scouts gain experience and confidence in a supportive environment.

In contrast, Venturing, which serves older youth, utilizes the ALPS model: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service. Additional methods include adult association, ideals, and recognition. This framework offers Venturers more flexibility to pursue their interests and plan their activities. The focus is on high adventure, leadership opportunities, and personal development, allowing Venturers to take greater responsibility and initiative in their experiences. While both programs share common elements like leadership and adult association, their methods differ to cater to the distinct needs and interests of their respective age groups.

What Is Venturing

What is Venturing?

Venturing is a Scouting program for young men and women ages 14 to 20. It focuses on adventure, leadership, and service. Venturers plan and take part in activities they enjoy.

Who can join Venturing?

Anyone between 14 and 20 years old can join. They can also join if they are 13 and have finished eighth grade. Both boys and girls can be Venturers.

What do Venturers do?

Venturers go camping, hiking, rock climbing, and kayaking. They also learn leadership skills, do service projects, and explore career interests. Each crew decides what activities to do.

How is Venturing different from Scouts BSA?

Venturing is coed, while Scouts BSA has separate troops for boys and girls. Venturing has a different award system and focuses on older youth. Venturing crews plan their own activities based on their interests.

Do Venturers have to earn ranks like in Scouts BSA?

No, Venturing has its own award system. Venturers can earn awards that focus on leadership, outdoor skills, and service. Awards are optional, and Venturers choose what to work on.

What is a crew?

A crew is a group of Venturers who meet and plan activities together. Each crew has adult advisors who help guide them. Crews can focus on different interests, like outdoor adventure, service, or hobbies.

How do I start a Venturing crew?

To start a crew, you need a group of youth and some adult advisors. A chartered organization, like a church or school, sponsors the crew. You register the crew with the Boy Scouts of America.

Can Venturers still be in Scouts BSA?

Yes, Venturers can also be in Scouts BSA. Many older Scouts join Venturing for new challenges and leadership opportunities.

Do Venturers wear a uniform?

Venturers do not have a required uniform. Many crews design their own shirts or wear the green Venturing uniform shirt.

How can I find a crew near me?

Check with your local Scouting America council. They can help you find a crew or start one in your area.

Venturing gives young people a chance to explore, lead, and grow. It offers exciting activities, leadership challenges, and service opportunities. Venturers gain skills that help them in school, work, and life.

The awards and recognition programs give Venturers goals to achieve. They learn leadership, skills, fitness, and service. Each award helps them grow in different ways.

Venturing also keeps older Scouts engaged. It offers new challenges and a coed environment. Young men and women learn to work together and respect each other.

Venturing prepares young people for the future. They make friends, learn skills, and build confidence. Whether they love adventure, service, or leadership, Venturing gives them a place to succeed.