TRUST Award for Venturers

Requirements and Answers

The TRUST Award helps Venturers grow in service, faith, and understanding. It encourages you to look at what you believe, how you treat others, and how you can make a difference in your community. The award asks you to take part in real experiences that help you learn and grow. It is a steady path that builds character step by step.

As you work on the requirements, you learn more about yourself. You explore your own beliefs and think about why they matter to you. You also learn how to talk about those beliefs in a clear and respectful way. This helps you understand your own values and how they guide your choices each day.

The TRUST Award also helps you understand the beliefs and cultures of others. You meet people from different backgrounds and learn to listen with patience. This builds respect and helps you see the world through a wider lens. These experiences prepare you to be a thoughtful leader in your crew and your community.

Service is another important part of the award. You make a plan, gather helpers, and follow through. You see how small acts of service can bring real change. These projects teach you that you can make a difference right now. The TRUST Award brings all of this together and helps you grow into a strong and caring leader.

Download the TRUST Award Requirements

TRUST Award Workbook / Worksheet

Growing Through Your Religious Award

Earning your faith’s Venturing-age religious award helps you understand what you believe and why those beliefs matter to you. This requirement guides you through simple steps that help you reflect on your values in an honest way. You learn how faith can shape daily choices, friendships, and your role in your crew. This is steady, personal work that helps you grow.

You also spend time talking with leaders in your own faith tradition. They help answer questions and share how their beliefs guide their service. These conversations give you space to learn from someone with experience. You learn how to listen with patience and how to ask good questions. This builds confidence and helps you make thoughtful decisions in daily life.

Completing this requirement shows steady commitment. You move through its steps at a pace that allows you to understand yourself better. You learn how your beliefs support the way you treat others and how you solve problems. This type of growth supports your leadership in Venturing and prepares you to help your crew in simple and meaningful ways.

Learning About Cultural Diversity

When you study cultural diversity, you look at how people live, think, and celebrate in different ways. You explore customs, foods, holidays, stories, and traditions. This helps you understand how your community includes many backgrounds. You begin to see that every culture adds its own strengths and experiences to the groups it touches. This learning helps you become more aware of the world around you.

As you gather information, you learn how to notice small details. You also learn how differences in culture shape daily routines in families, schools, and communities. This helps you grow as a leader because you understand others with greater care. When you work on projects or activities in your crew, this understanding helps you support everyone.

This requirement also prepares you for sharing what you learned. Your notes, conversations, or research help you explain cultural ideas in simple words when needed. This builds skills that help you in school, work, and Venturing. By learning about cultural diversity, you open your mind and create space for new ideas in a calm and respectful way.

Making a Presentation or Tabletop Display

Creating a presentation or tabletop display helps you organize what you learned about cultural diversity. You choose the most important points and arrange them in a simple layout. This helps you understand the information better. You also learn how to share ideas in a clear way. These skills support your leadership in your crew and in other activities.

When you speak to your crew, you practice explaining ideas without using complex words. You learn how to keep your message simple so everyone understands. This helps you grow as a communicator. It can also make you more confident in group settings. When you present information, you guide others toward learning and understanding.

Your display or talk also helps your crew learn something new. Sharing your work encourages teamwork and respect. Others in your group may add their own thoughts based on what you shared. This builds stronger communication inside the crew. It also helps create a welcoming setting where new ideas can grow.

Inviting a Guest From Another Culture

Inviting a guest from another culture helps your crew learn from someone who brings a different set of experiences. You choose someone who can speak about their background or a subject that matters to them. This helps everyone begin to understand how culture shapes daily life. You also learn how to reach out and ask someone to share their knowledge in a respectful way.

Introducing your guest is part of the requirement. You explain who they are and why they were invited. This teaches you how to speak with clarity and kindness. It also helps you practice leadership because you are responsible for welcoming someone new into your group. You show respect through your words and actions.

Your crew then listens to your guest’s story or lesson. This opens the door to questions and thoughtful conversation. These moments help your crew learn how to be open-minded and patient. Listening to someone with a different background builds understanding. It also helps everyone see how many cultures live and work together in the world.

Joining a Discussion About Cultural Diversity

Taking part in a group discussion helps you hear ideas you may not have considered before. You talk about how culture shapes the people around you. You also explore how different backgrounds influence the way communities grow. This type of conversation helps you pay attention to others in a calm and thoughtful way.

You share your own ideas, but you also listen carefully. You learn how to let others finish speaking before you respond. This helps you build better communication habits. You gain a deeper understanding of the diversity in your community. Talking about these ideas in a respectful group helps everyone grow together.

These discussions help you see how different stories and backgrounds shape people. You also learn how to handle sensitive topics with care. This builds trust inside your group. It prepares you for leadership roles, where understanding and listening are important. This experience strengthens your ability to work with many kinds of people.

Planning and Leading a Service Project

Planning and leading a service project teaches you how to take a simple idea and turn it into real action. You choose a project that benefits a community group or local need. You plan the steps, gather supplies, and build a small team. This helps you learn how to organize people in a clear and steady way.

Leading a project teaches responsibility. You help guide others, make decisions, and solve problems as they come up. You also learn how to work with adults who support the project. Making a plan and seeing it through helps you grow more confident. You learn that steady effort can help others in a real and lasting way.

Your project helps your community while also helping you grow as a leader. You see how simple actions can create change. You also learn how working together brings better results. This experience prepares you for bigger leadership roles in school, work, and Venturing.

Long-Term Volunteer Service

Volunteering for three months teaches commitment. You show up again and again to help your group or place of worship. Each visit lets you learn new skills and support people who rely on volunteers. This steady pattern helps you understand how service builds strong communities. You see how small acts can help others feel supported.

Keeping a journal helps you understand your service. You write down what you did and how it made you feel. These notes help you reflect on the experience. You begin to notice changes in your confidence, patience, and understanding. Writing also helps you remember important moments and lessons.

After three months, you share what you learned. Talking about your experience helps others see the value of service. You explain what was hard, what was meaningful, and what you gained. Sharing your story can inspire your crew or friends to serve too. This reflection also helps you see how much you have grown.

Attending a Religious Retreat or Trek

A retreat gives you time away from your regular routine. You spend two days learning, praying, or reflecting with others. This helps you look at your beliefs with calm focus. You take part in simple activities that help you understand your faith in deeper ways. This break from daily life gives you space to think.

Group discussions, quiet time, and shared experiences help you build trust. You learn from your leaders and peers. You listen to stories that help you grow. These moments help you think about your place in your family, community, and crew. You build habits that support steady personal growth.

A retreat also helps you form stronger friendships. You spend time with others who are learning and reflecting just like you. You may discover shared values or new insights. These experiences help you return to regular life with a clearer mind and a stronger sense of purpose.

Helping With a Religious or Ethical Program

Taking part in a program such as a play, puppet show, or concert teaches you how to share ideas in creative ways. You work on something that carries a message about values or faith. You prepare your part and work with others to make the program run smoothly. This helps you build teamwork skills.

You learn how to perform or help behind the scenes. You also learn how to use simple storytelling to teach or inspire others. Children, older adults, or people in shelters may be your audience. Sharing helpful messages through creativity can bring comfort or joy to the people who watch.

These experiences also build confidence. You learn how to stand in front of a group or support the program quietly but effectively. You see how simple acts of creativity can bring people together. Your work helps others feel cared for and understood.

Serving as a Youth Leader

Serving as a leader in your youth group teaches responsibility. You help plan meetings or events. You listen to members and help solve small problems. This shows others that you can be trusted with important tasks. Leadership in a youth group teaches skills that transfer to your Venturing crew.

As an officer, you help shape the group. You learn how to make decisions that support the whole team. You practice communication by sharing plans and checking in with members. These habits help you become a calm and steady leader. Others look to you for guidance.

Leadership also teaches patience. You learn how to handle disagreements and work with people who have different ideas. You see how kindness and fairness help groups succeed. These lessons help you grow into someone who can guide others in simple and meaningful ways.

Completing First Aid Training

First aid training teaches you how to respond in emergencies. You learn how to help someone who is hurt or ill until more help arrives. These basic skills can be used at home, school, or on outings. Knowing what to do helps you stay calm in difficult situations.

Training also builds confidence. You practice steps such as bandaging wounds, checking breathing, or staying with someone who needs help. These lessons show you that simple actions can protect others. You learn to act carefully and thoughtfully. This type of training supports leadership because it teaches responsibility.

First aid knowledge helps your crew too. You are better prepared on hikes, trips, or service projects. Having trained members keeps everyone safer. Your crew can count on you to help when something unexpected happens.

Working With Ethical Controversy Activities

Ethical controversy activities help you think about problems that do not have easy answers. You practice talking through choices, consequences, and values. These activities help you see issues from different angles. You learn to listen without judging. This builds strong communication habits.

First, you take part in two activities. You watch how the process works and learn how to share ideas calmly. You hear how others think about difficult topics. This builds patience. You learn how to respect people even when you disagree with their views.

Later, you help lead two more activities and take part in an ethics forum. Leading these discussions teaches you steady guidance. You learn how to keep a group focused and respectful. These skills help you in leadership roles in your crew and beyond.

Teaching Children in a Faith Setting

Teaching or helping with a children’s class shows patience and care. You help children learn simple lessons about faith or values. You prepare small activities and support the main teacher. Working with children helps you develop kindness and clear communication.

Serving for three months helps you build steady habits. You show up each week and follow through with your tasks. You support the class through simple routines. These experiences help you understand how teaching shapes young learners and builds trust.

This requirement is separate from your earlier volunteer work. It gives you new skills and helps you reach a new group. By helping children learn, you also learn about yourself. You grow in confidence and understanding as you guide them.

Meeting With a Religious Leader

Meeting with a faith leader helps you see how they serve your community. You learn about their daily tasks, such as teaching, counseling, or guiding events. You also hear how they support people during joyful and difficult times. This gives you a clearer picture of leadership.

You ask how they entered their role and what training they needed. This helps you understand the path someone takes to serve a community. You may hear stories about challenges they faced and how they stayed committed. These lessons can guide your own growth.

You also ask what part of their work matters most to them. This helps you think about values and service. Understanding their viewpoint helps you reflect on your own goals. This conversation gives you insight that can guide your choices in your crew and your daily life.

Talking About Your Beliefs

Meeting with your religious leader gives you a chance to talk about what you believe and why those beliefs matter to you. This step helps you understand your faith in a clear and simple way. You compare your personal thoughts with the teachings of your tradition. This helps you see where your beliefs match and where they differ. The TRUST Award encourages honest reflection and steady learning during this conversation.

Writing an essay helps you organize your thoughts. You explain your beliefs in your own words and describe why you accept them. When you review the essay with your religious leader and your Advisor, you receive guidance that helps you improve your understanding. This step also shows that you can communicate in a calm and thoughtful way. The essay becomes a simple record of what matters to you.

Sharing your beliefs through a short presentation helps you talk about personal ideas with confidence. You may use slides, video, or a discussion format. This helps your crew or another youth group understand your point of view. Speaking about your beliefs in a steady and respectful way builds trust and encourages open conversation. The TRUST Award uses this step to help you grow as a thoughtful and clear communicator.

Understanding the Scout Oath and Scout Law

Explaining the Scout Oath in your own words helps you understand what it asks of you each day. The simple promises to do your duty, help others, and stay strong in body and mind guide your choices. When you put these ideas into daily life, they help you act with care. The TRUST Award reminds you that values only matter when you try to live them in steady and practical ways.

The Scout Law teaches simple habits such as being kind, helpful, and cheerful. When you explain these points in your own words, you learn how each one shapes the way you treat people. These ideas help you build stronger friendships and become someone others can trust. They help you stay calm during problems and handle situations with patience and respect. This steady growth supports your role in your family, school, and crew.

Understanding how the Scout Oath and Scout Law affect your life helps you set goals. You see how these values shape your choices and prepare you for challenges. When you live by these ideas, you help build a stronger community around you. Your actions show your character in simple ways. The TRUST Award uses this reflection to help you understand how Scouting values guide your steps today and in the future.

Understanding Freedom of Religion

Talking with a knowledgeable adult about the Bill of Rights helps you understand why freedom of religion was important to the founding fathers. They wanted people to worship without fear and without pressure from the government. This idea helped shape many early laws and guided how communities formed. The TRUST Award includes this topic because it teaches you how your rights connect to daily life and personal beliefs.

Learning what freedom of religion means today helps you see how the idea has grown. People now live in communities with many different beliefs and traditions. You also learn about limits on this freedom, such as laws that protect safety or fairness. Thinking about these limits helps you understand how rights work together in a respectful society. You also explore cases where freedom of speech and freedom of religion create tension.

Holding a discussion with your crew teaches you how to talk about important issues in a calm and respectful way. Instead of debating, you listen, share thoughts, and learn from others. This practice builds trust within the group and helps everyone grow. The TRUST Award uses this requirement to teach thoughtful communication and deeper understanding of how rights affect people today.

Exploring Local Religious Groups

Finding out which religious groups worship in your community helps you understand its history and diversity. Some groups may have been part of your town for many generations, while others may be newer arrivals. Learning about these groups shows how communities change over time and how new traditions come together with older ones. This step helps you see the variety of beliefs that shape daily life.

Talking with at least five adults gives you a wider picture of how religion influences your community. People may describe changes they have seen, strong traditions that have lasted, or new groups that bring fresh ideas. These conversations help you understand how religion affects events, celebrations, service projects, and relationships among neighbors. Listening to different voices helps you develop broader understanding.

Sharing your findings with your crew helps others learn. You explain what you discovered and how each group contributes to your community. This step builds your communication skills and teaches you to present information in a simple and respectful way. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you recognize the value of every group in your community and how shared understanding strengthens teamwork.

Researching a World Religion

Choosing a religion that is not your own and researching it helps you widen your view of the world. You learn about its history, important leaders, and key stories. You also look at how this religion is practiced today in homes, places of worship, and communities. This research helps you understand how people from different backgrounds shape their lives through faith. The TRUST Award uses this step to support thoughtful learning.

Preparing a report teaches you how to explain what you learned in clear and simple language. You include information about major events, core beliefs, and daily practices. You also look at where the religion is commonly found around the world. This helps you understand how people live their faith in many settings. Sharing this information teaches your crew about global traditions.

Presenting your report to your crew or another youth group builds confidence. You speak in a calm and organized way. You show that you understand the topic well enough to teach others. This helps you practice leadership and respect. It also encourages your crew to think about the wide range of beliefs present in the world today.

Attending a Religious Service

Attending a service from a religion that is not your own gives you a chance to observe new traditions. You may see how people pray, sing, or celebrate together. These experiences help you understand how faith shapes daily life in many families. This simple visit creates space for curiosity and respect. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you see the value of firsthand experience.

After the visit, you write about what you saw and how it relates to the teachings of the religion. You notice symbols, words, or actions that carry meaning. You also compare these ideas with your own beliefs. This helps you understand both similarities and differences between traditions. Writing about your experience helps you think carefully about what you learned.

Sharing your reflections with your Advisor or crew builds understanding. You explain your observations in simple language and show that you respected the practices you witnessed. Talking about your visit helps others learn from what you saw. This strengthens communication and encourages open conversation within your group.

Learning From Youth Earning Religious Emblems

Meeting with two youth who are working on religious emblems helps you understand how others explore their faith. They may belong to different traditions, but they follow steps that help them grow. Hearing their stories gives you insight into how young people practice their beliefs. This supports the TRUST Award goal of building respect among different faith groups.

When you talk with them, you learn how they complete requirements, serve their communities, and learn from their leaders. You may hear how their traditions guide their choices at home, school, or Scouting. These conversations help you see both differences and similarities in how young people grow through faith. Listening carefully helps you understand their journey.

After meeting them, you reflect on what you learned. You may share these ideas with your crew or leader. This helps you become a more thoughtful member of your community. Understanding how others grow in their beliefs helps you build friendships based on respect and openness. This step supports growth in kindness and understanding.

Speaking With an Interfaith Leader

Talking with an official from an interfaith group helps you understand how different religions work together. These groups encourage cooperation and peaceful communication among many traditions. You learn how they support shared projects, community events, and problem-solving. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you understand how cooperation builds stronger, kinder communities.

During your conversation, you explore how religious tolerance affects local issues. You may hear about projects that bring people together, such as food drives or community dialogues. You also learn how misunderstandings are handled. These insights help you understand how people from different backgrounds can work toward common goals in simple but steady ways.

You also discuss how tolerance shapes global issues. You learn how cooperation between religions can support peace, disaster response, and community rebuilding. These ideas help you think about problems that affect people far beyond your own town. Understanding these topics helps you grow into a Venturer who values peaceful solutions and respectful communication.

Attending an Inter-Religious Festival

Going to an inter-religious festival introduces you to many cultures and traditions in one setting. You may see displays, music, food, or ceremonies from several religions. This experience shows how different groups celebrate their beliefs in meaningful and joyful ways. The TRUST Award includes this step to encourage firsthand learning and respectful curiosity.

Talking with two people from another religion helps you learn directly from their experiences. They may explain traditions, celebrations, or values that guide their lives. These conversations help you understand similarities and differences between your religion and theirs. Listening with care helps you build respect and understanding in a simple and honest way.

Reporting your findings to your religious leader helps you reflect. You explain what you learned and how the experience shaped your understanding. Sharing your thoughts helps your leader see your growth. This step encourages continued learning, deeper understanding, and stronger connections within your own faith community.

Understanding Your Own Culture

Learning about the culture you identify with helps you understand where your family traditions come from. Talking with relatives or other knowledgeable adults gives you stories about your ancestors, how they lived, and what values they passed down. These conversations help you see how your family identity developed over time. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you understand how culture shapes daily life in simple and steady ways.

As you gather information, you begin to notice patterns in your family history. You may learn about foods, holidays, languages, or customs that shaped your upbringing. These details help you understand why your family does certain things and why certain traditions feel important. This reflection helps you feel connected to your own history and appreciate the experiences that shaped earlier generations.

Understanding your own culture prepares you to compare it with others. You learn that every culture has strengths and unique practices. This knowledge helps you become more open-minded when you learn about new traditions. It also helps you communicate your own background in thoughtful ways. The TRUST Award encourages this step to build respect and awareness.

Exploring New Cultures Through Events

Attending two cultural events allows you to see how different groups celebrate their history and traditions. Each event highlights unique customs through music, art, food, or storytelling. These experiences help you understand how people express identity in simple and meaningful ways. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you learn through real experiences, not just books or research.

When you add research to what you observed, you gain a deeper understanding. You learn how each culture fits into today’s global society and how traditions change or stay the same. Comparing these new cultures to your own helps you see both differences and shared values. This reflection helps you understand how diversity shapes strong communities and encourages cooperation.

Reporting your findings to your crew helps you share what you learned. You may also invite an adult and a youth from another culture to speak, or interview people who immigrated to your community. Their stories help you understand why people move to new places. You also hear about the differences between their old and new communities. This builds empathy and helps strengthen the purpose of the TRUST Award.

Studying Cultural Diversity Through a Course

Taking a course on cultural diversity teaches you how people from different backgrounds live, communicate, and work together. You learn how history, language, and traditions shape ideas and behaviors. This type of class helps you see how cultural differences can enrich a community. It also helps you understand how misunderstandings can happen when people do not share the same experiences. The TRUST Award values this kind of structured learning.

Passing the course shows that you understand the main concepts. You learn how to respond with patience and respect when working with people from different cultures. This skill is useful in school, work, and Scouting. It helps you build stronger relationships because you understand how to listen and communicate clearly across cultural lines.

This requirement also helps you prepare for future leadership roles. Cultural awareness helps you guide groups in fair and thoughtful ways. When you understand diversity, you help create settings where people feel welcome. The TRUST Award includes this option to support better teamwork and community understanding.

Researching an Intercultural or Inter-Religious Conflict

Researching a conflict between cultures or religions helps you understand how misunderstandings can grow into larger problems. You learn about the causes, the people involved, and the events that shaped the situation. You also explore how history, beliefs, and cultural differences influenced the conflict. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you look at global issues with patience and clarity.

You also study how the conflict ended or how it continues today. This helps you understand the effects on communities and how people try to rebuild trust. You learn how solutions may require cooperation, respect, and steady effort from many groups. These lessons help you think about peace and communication in your own life.

Presenting your findings teaches you how to explain complex information in simple language. You share what you learned with your crew in a calm and organized way. This helps your group understand how global conflicts connect to everyday values. The TRUST Award uses this step to encourage thoughtful leadership.

Studying a Cultural Group in American History

Researching a cultural group that influenced the United States helps you understand how many traditions have shaped the nation. You learn when the group arrived, why they came, and how they built their communities. This study shows how new cultures affect food, music, language, and celebrations. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you understand the country’s rich mixture of cultures.

You also look at how this group influenced your own region or town. You may find changes in local traditions, businesses, or holidays. Learning these details helps you appreciate how communities grow and adapt. Understanding these changes helps you see how diversity strengthens the places where people live and work together.

Sharing your report with your crew helps everyone learn about the group’s impact. You explain the history, contributions, and reasons the group settled in certain areas. Presenting this information helps you grow as a communicator. It also helps your crew understand the many cultures that shaped the nation.

Meeting With Your Council All-Markets Executive

Meeting with your all-markets executive helps you understand how Scouting supports different cultural groups. You learn which programs your council uses to reach families from many traditions. This helps you see how Scouting tries to welcome everyone. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you understand how inclusion strengthens the program.

As you talk, you learn what resources are designed for specific cultural groups. You may see how language, customs, or traditions shape materials and activities. This helps you understand why different groups may need different support. These conversations teach you how small adjustments can help Scouting feel welcoming to everyone.

This meeting also helps you understand how diversity affects the growth of Scouting in your area. You see how programs adapt to meet the needs of local families. Sharing what you learned with your crew helps others understand how these efforts build stronger units. The TRUST Award uses this step to support awareness and respect within Scouting.

Leading a Lasting Service Project

Planning and carrying out a community service project teaches you how to turn an idea into real action. You choose a project that meets a local need and work with an established service agency that already supports your community. This partnership helps you understand how groups work together. The TRUST Award includes this step because it teaches steady leadership and clear planning.

You also gather at least five Venturers or other youth to help. This teaches you how to guide a team and assign tasks in simple and effective ways. You learn how to communicate clearly so everyone understands their part. Working with others also builds trust and helps the project run smoothly from start to finish.

The project should create lasting results. This means choosing something that continues to help people after your group completes the work. You use the Summit Award Service Project workbook to plan each step. This helps you stay organized and focused. Completing this requirement shows that you can lead a project that makes a real and positive impact in your community.

Meeting With Local Government

Meeting with a local government official helps you understand how your community makes decisions. You learn about topics such as zoning, taxes, education, and public behavior. These conversations show how laws and policies shape the place where you live. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you see how leadership and community service work together.

During the meeting, you ask questions about how issues are handled and how decisions affect families, schools, and neighborhoods. This helps you see how different departments work to solve problems. Understanding these processes helps you think about how your own actions support the community. You also learn how simple changes can influence daily life.

After your meeting, you report your findings to your crew or another youth group. You may also join or lead a discussion on how your community could improve. Talking with others helps you explore ideas and understand different viewpoints. This step teaches you how to participate in your community with respect and confidence.

Organizing a Community Safety Program

Organizing a safety program teaches you how to help people protect their homes, schools, or neighborhoods. You may choose to create a community watch program or a latchkey program that supports children after school. Each option encourages awareness and teamwork. The TRUST Award values this requirement because it strengthens responsibility and leadership.

To complete the program, you work with community members and local agencies. You plan simple steps that help people stay safe and informed. This may include creating safety checklists, speaking with families, or helping volunteers learn their roles. These tasks help you organize information in a clear and helpful way.

You also guide others as the program begins. You help answer questions and support volunteers as they learn new routines. When the program is active, you see how safety depends on steady communication. This teaches you how leadership can help create a safer community for everyone.

Serving With Alpha Phi Omega

Working with a chapter of Alpha Phi Omega helps you take part in college-level service. You join their projects for one semester and learn how they support local needs. This helps you understand how service groups choose projects and organize volunteers. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you learn from older students who value service.

You also talk with the fraternity adviser. You discuss how Alpha Phi Omega and Scouting can support each other. This may include shared service days or simple ideas that help both groups reach new members. These conversations help you see how cooperation strengthens community service efforts.

By the end of the semester, you understand how service builds strong partnerships. You also learn how different groups bring useful strengths to shared projects. Sharing what you learned with your crew helps others see how college organizations work. This helps prepare you for future leadership roles.

Helping a School or College Service Organization

Serving as a member of a school or college service group teaches you how teams support community needs. You participate in many projects over six months, helping with events, drives, and other activities. These experiences teach you how to work with others and respond to needs in simple and effective ways. The TRUST Award includes this step because it builds long-term service habits.

You also explore ways to increase participation and membership. This may include inviting new volunteers, improving communication, or planning activities that interest more students. Learning how to strengthen a group helps you understand leadership from the inside. You see how small changes support growth and teamwork.

Reporting how the organization benefits the community helps you reflect on your work. You explain how projects support families, schools, and local agencies. Sharing these ideas with your crew teaches them about the group’s impact. This step strengthens your understanding of service as a steady and ongoing commitment.

Teaching First Aid or Swimming

Serving as a volunteer first-aid or swimming instructor helps you teach important safety skills. You volunteer with the Red Cross or a similar group and help people learn skills that may protect lives. This service teaches you patience and clear communication. The TRUST Award values this requirement because it builds practical leadership skills.

You must teach at least four times over a six-month period. Each session helps you gain confidence in guiding others. You learn how to explain steps in simple ways and help people practice safely. These experiences show how basic skills prepare communities for emergencies.

You also explore other volunteer options within the organization. This helps you understand how many programs support safety and community health. When you report your experiences, you explain how your work helped others. You also reflect on how the organization strengthens the community.

Volunteering With Another Service Agency

Volunteering with a service agency for six months teaches steady commitment. You may choose to work with therapy dogs, food pantries, hospitals, or another approved group. Each visit allows you to help people in simple but important ways. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to build long-term service habits.

During your service, you learn new skills and meet people who rely on volunteers. You may help prepare food, support events, or assist staff with daily tasks. These experiences teach you how service supports community needs. You also learn how each small effort helps make life easier for others.

At the end of your service, you report what you learned. You explain how the agency benefits the community and how your role made a difference. This reflection helps you understand the value of ongoing service. Sharing your experiences also encourages your crew to support community organizations in steady and meaningful ways.

Learning Basic Counseling Skills

Taking part in an eight-hour counseling skills training session teaches you how to listen with care and respond in calm and supportive ways. You learn how to recognize signs of stress, how to offer simple guidance, and when to seek help from a trained adult. These skills prepare you to support friends, classmates, or crew members who may need someone to talk to. The TRUST Award includes this step to build strong communication habits.

During the training, you practice clear listening, respectful questions, and steady responses. You also learn the limits of your role and when you should connect someone to a professional. These lessons protect both you and the person you are helping. After the training, you understand how kindness and patience can make a real difference in a person’s day or situation.

When you tell your crew what you learned, you help them understand the value of these skills. You may also share how you plan to use them in school, activities, or daily life. This simple reflection helps you turn training into action. The TRUST Award encourages you to use these skills in safe and helpful ways.

Understanding Local Addictions

Researching addictions in your community helps you understand how certain behaviors can affect families, neighborhoods, and schools. You may learn about issues such as alcohol misuse, vaping, drug use, or gambling. These problems can create stress and harm, but learning about them helps you see the impact more clearly. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you understand real challenges around you.

After choosing one addiction to study, you explore how local agencies respond. You learn about counseling centers, support groups, school programs, and community resources. Talking to a counselor gives you firsthand insight into how people seek help and how recovery works. You learn how support systems encourage healthy choices and protect individuals.

When you share your findings with your crew, you help others understand the issue. You explain how the addiction affects people and what resources exist to help. This teaches awareness and responsibility. It also encourages others to care about community health. The TRUST Award uses this step to help Venturers grow in awareness and compassion.

Participating in Ethical Controversies

Taking part in four ethical controversy discussions helps you learn how to think through situations with no simple answer. These activities help you consider different viewpoints and explore the values behind each choice. This type of discussion builds patience and careful listening. The TRUST Award uses this requirement to support strong leadership skills.

As you participate, you learn how to share your ideas clearly. You also learn how to respect the thoughts of others, even when you disagree. These conversations help you practice calm problem-solving. They also help you understand how values guide actions, both in Scouting and in the community.

Helping lead one or more of these discussions teaches you responsibility. You guide the group, keep the conversation respectful, and help everyone stay focused. This shows that you can handle sensitive topics with steady leadership. These experiences help you grow into someone who leads with fairness and care.

Observing Local Government in Action

Attending a meeting of your local government helps you see how decisions are made. You observe how leaders discuss issues such as budgets, safety, education, or public projects. You also watch how disagreements are handled. This helps you understand how communities solve problems. The TRUST Award includes this option to teach real-life citizenship skills.

When you follow a conflict through to its resolution, you see how people reach agreements. You learn that solutions often take time, patience, and cooperation. You may attend several meetings to understand the full process. This experience shows how important respectful communication is when people strongly disagree.

Sharing your observations with your crew helps others understand local government. You explain the issue, how it was resolved, and what you learned about leadership. This helps your group think about how they can support their community with fairness. It builds awareness and encourages steady involvement.

Visiting a Correctional Facility

Touring a correctional facility helps you see how the justice system works. You learn about daily routines, safety rules, and programs that help inmates grow. This experience teaches you to view people as individuals with complex stories. The TRUST Award includes this step to encourage understanding and empathy.

Talking with a chaplain helps you understand their responsibilities. They support inmates through teaching, counseling, and offering hope. Chaplains often see people at difficult moments in their lives. Hearing their stories helps you understand how patience and compassion create opportunities for change within the facility.

When you ask for stories of transformation, you learn how some inmates rebuild their lives. You hear how education, support, and personal effort help them return to their communities. These stories help you understand the impact of second chances. This experience encourages respect for people working toward a better future.

Comparing Counseling Degree Programs

Researching counseling degree programs helps you understand how professionals prepare for their work. You compare four colleges or universities, including one large public school and one small religious college. You look at required classes, training expectations, and the values each program highlights. The TRUST Award includes this option to help you explore education paths connected to service.

As you compare programs, you notice differences in coursework. Some programs focus on clinical skills, while others emphasize spiritual care or community support. You also look at fieldwork or internships required for graduation. These comparisons help you understand how counselors build the knowledge they need to help others.

Studying the religious components also helps you see how personal beliefs may shape counseling approaches. Some programs include courses on ethics, spirituality, or cultural awareness. Understanding these differences helps you see how education influences professional roles. Sharing your findings with your crew helps everyone appreciate the variety of counseling paths.

Studying “Scouts and Peace”

Reading the “Scouts and Peace” document helps you understand how Scouting supports peace in communities and around the world. You learn about the history of peace efforts in Scouting and how simple actions build stronger relationships. The TRUST Award includes this requirement to help you see how values guide global citizenship.

When you lead a discussion with your crew, you help them understand how Scouts can support peace. You explore ideas such as helping others, respecting differences, and solving problems without anger. These ideas build a sense of responsibility and hope. Talking as a group helps everyone learn together.

Preparing a short presentation for a Scouts BSA or Girl Scout troop teaches you how to share ideas with confidence. You explain key points from the document in clear and simple language. Your presentation helps younger Scouts understand how peace begins with everyday choices. This step supports leadership and thoughtful service in your Scouting journey.

More About Venturing

Venturing is a program for young people who enjoy adventure, leadership, and service. Crews plan their own activities and learn by doing. You get to try new skills, explore the outdoors, and work as a team. Venturing helps you grow into a confident and responsible leader. It gives you chances to step up, make choices, and support others.

The TRUST Award fits into this program by helping you grow in character and understanding. It focuses on beliefs, respect, culture, and service. These skills support everything you do in your crew. When you explore your values and learn to understand others, you become a stronger leader. The award adds depth to the Venturing experience and helps you build a solid base for future adventures.

What is the TRUST award?

The TRUST Award is a Venturing award that helps you grow in faith, service, and understanding. It guides you to explore your own beliefs, learn about other cultures, and serve your community. It helps you gain skills that support your crew and your daily life.

Who can earn the TRUST award?

Any registered Venturer can earn the TRUST Award. You can begin at any time. You do not need to finish other Venturing awards first. You can work on the requirements at your own pace.

How long does it take to finish the TRUST award?

The time is different for everyone. Some parts take months, like service or leadership roles. Other parts can be done more quickly. Most Venturers finish over many months, depending on their schedule.

Do I need to meet with my Advisor?

Yes. Your Advisor helps guide you as you work through the requirements. They answer questions, approve your progress, and support you as you plan your work.

What kind of service is required?

You must plan and lead a community service project. You also take part in other service activities through your place of worship or another group. Your service should help others and show steady effort over time.

Do I have to talk about my beliefs?

Yes. You visit with a religious leader and write about your beliefs. You also make a short presentation to your crew or another youth group. This helps you understand your faith and learn to speak about it with respect.

Do I need to learn about other religions?

Yes. You explore the beliefs and practices of other religions. You may attend a service, do research, or talk with people from another faith. This builds understanding and respect.

Are there cultural requirements?

Yes. You learn about your own culture and family history. You also attend cultural events or interview people from other countries. This helps you understand how culture shapes people and communities.

What is an ethical controversy activity?

It is a guided discussion where a group talks through a problem that has no simple solution. You think about values, choices, and consequences. You must take part in several and also help lead some.

The TRUST Award helps Venturers grow in steady and practical ways. It asks you to look at your beliefs and think about why they matter. You learn how to talk about your values in clear and simple words. This gives you confidence and helps you understand how your choices reflect what is important to you.

The award also invites you to learn about other cultures and other faiths. You meet new people and listen to their stories. You see how different backgrounds shape how people live and think. This helps you build respect and patience, which are important for good leadership.

Service is a major part of the award. You plan and lead a project that helps your community in a real way. You also volunteer over several months with a group or place of worship. These experiences show how steady effort can make a true difference for others.

You also take part in discussions about values and hard questions. You learn how to listen, think, and respond with care. You explore how communities handle conflict and what good leadership looks like. These steps help you grow into a Venturer who leads with kindness and understanding.